A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Alicante for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Aegina or Alicante?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aegina or Alicante? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Aegina and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Aegina or Alicante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alicante. Although Aegina and Alicante are both popular with visitors, Alicante has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Alicante is more popular for its food and historical sights, while Aegina is known for its nightlife and small town charm. Aegina is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. It is also home to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

How is Aegina different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alicante and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Alicante?

Aegina
Alicante

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aegina or Alicante.

Aegina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Many visitors head to Alicante specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Alicante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Alicante

Alicante is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Alicante is an experience not to be missed. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Alicante

Aegina is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Aegina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Aegina or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Alicante

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Aegina and Alicante are good choices.

Aegina is a good option for a beach vacation. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.


Is Aegina or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Alicante

Alicante is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Alicante offers a nice historic old town area. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Alicante?

Aegina
Alicante

Shopping is a popular activity in both Alicante and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Alicante. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Aegina or Alicante Better for Families?

Aegina
Alicante

Alicante is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Alicante is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Aegina offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.


Is Aegina or Alicante Better for Couples?

Aegina
Alicante

Alicante is a great destination for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Aegina or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Alicante

Aegina and Alicante are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Alicante is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Aegina or Alicante Better for Students?

Aegina
Alicante

Alicante is a popular place for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Alicante is popular with students. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Aegina is not popular with students.


Is Aegina or Alicante Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Alicante

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aegina and Alicante.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Aegina or Alicante a more walkable city?

Aegina
Alicante

Aegina and Alicante both are good when exploring on foot.

Aegina is a somewhat walkable island. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

Alicante is somewhat walkable. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Alicante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Aegina or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alicante due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

Families should spend more time in Alicante than Aegina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Alicante, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Alicante than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alicante that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alicante than Aegina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Alicante.


  • How many days in Aegina or Alicante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Alicante 2-4

One day in Aegina or Alicante?

The island of Aegina offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alicante. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Aegina or Alicante?

Aegina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aegina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Alicante is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Alicante?

Aegina is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Alicante?

Aegina is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Alicante. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €92, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aegina and Alicante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Alicante 42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Alicante 84
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Alicante

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Alicante? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aegina


Hotels in Alicante


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aegina Hotel Prices and Alicante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Alicante -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Albir: Alicante Airport (ALC) Private Transfer: $90
  • Alicante Airport (El Altet) (ALC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Alicante Hotels): $78
  • Alicante Airport(ALC) to Alicante City: Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Alicante to Alicante Airport (ALC)- Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Airport Transfer Alicante - Valencia: $201
  • Bullring and Castle Guided Tour with Taxi Transfer: $74
  • Private transfer Alicante Airport - Altea Hills: $94
  • Calpe: Alicante Airport (ALC) Private Transfer: $111
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer from Alicante Airport ALC to Alicante: $65
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante Cruise Port: $39
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Cruise Port to Alicante Airport (ALC): $39
  • Private Transfer from Alicante (ALC) Airport to Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Alicante?

Prices for flights to both Alicante and Aegina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aegina 34
    Alicante 72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.

  • Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
  • Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
  • Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
  • Alicante Food Tour: $71
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
  • Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Alicante 53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    54
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    120
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    60

Tours and Activities in Alicante

Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour of Alicante Bullring & Bullfighting Museum with Audioguide: $9.81
  • Tour de historias y leyendas del Castillo de Santa Bárbara: $13
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Seven Secrets of Alicante Discovery Tour: $31
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • City. Discover Alicante by E-Bike & walking tour: $32
  • Calas and Beaches E-Bike Tour with Snorkeling: $32
  • City and Beach Bike Tour: $32
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
  • 2-Hour Late Afternoon Catamaran Cruise: $34
  • Highlights Bike Tour: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Alicante -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
  • Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
  • Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
  • Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Alicante, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante than you might in Aegina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aegina Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Alicante, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aegina or Alicante?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aegina or Alicante in the Summer?

Both Alicante and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives more rain than Alicante. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Alicante 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Alicante in the Autumn?

Both Alicante and Aegina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Aegina is around the same temperature as Alicante in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the autumn, Aegina often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Alicante. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Alicante 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Alicante in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Alicante. Many visitors come to Aegina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Aegina is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Alicante averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Aegina usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives more rain than Alicante. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Alicante 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Alicante in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Alicante. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches.

In April, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the spring, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Alicante. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Alicante 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Alicante and Aegina

Aegina Alicante
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)


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