Comparison · Granada vs Málaga · Spain
Granada vs Málaga
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Brett Hodnett, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Granada for Alhambra and Albaicín; choose Málaga for Picasso, Alcazaba and beaches. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 89 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 89 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Granada
- April–May and October
- Best time for Málaga
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Granada | Málaga | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Spain | Spain |
| Known for | Alhambra, Albaicín and Free tapas | Picasso, Alcazaba and Espetos |
| Best time to visit | April–May and October | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$200 | $130–$220 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 34°C (93°F) | July, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 13°C (55°F) | January, 17°C (63°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | La Malagueta |
| Airports | GRX, AGP | AGP |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Granada for…
Alhambra and Albaicín. Granada was the last Muslim kingdom in Spain until 1492, and its Nasrid rulers left the Alhambra, a hilltop complex of palaces, fortress and gardens that is one of Europe's most visited monuments. Across the Darro valley, the whitewashed Albaicín quarter…
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Choose Málaga for…
Picasso, Alcazaba and beaches. Málaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, a port city where a Moorish fortress, a Roman theatre and an unfinished Renaissance cathedral sit within a few minutes' walk of each other. The Museo Picasso, the Carmen Thyssen…
Top sights compared
| # | Granada | Málaga |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alhambra and the Nasrid Palaces | Alcazaba of Málaga |
| 2 | Generalife | Gibralfaro Castle |
| 3 | Palace of Charles V | Museo Picasso Málaga |
| 4 | Mirador de San Nicolás | Málaga Cathedral |
| 5 | Albaicín | Roman Theatre |
Food compared
| Granada | Málaga |
|---|---|
| Free tapas | Espetos de sardinas |
| Tortilla del Sacromonte | Fried fish |
| Broad beans with ham | Boquerones |
| Trevélez ham | Ajoblanco |
Which is cheaper?
Granada and Málaga cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $120–$200 in Granada and $130–$220 in Málaga (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Granada on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Granada and Málaga are about 89 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Granada and 4 in Málaga.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Granada or Málaga cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $120–$200 in Granada and $130–$220 in Málaga (estimates).
+Is Granada or Málaga better for a first trip?
Pick Granada for Alhambra and Albaicín, or Málaga for Picasso, Alcazaba and beaches.
+How far is Granada from Málaga?
About 89 km in a straight line.