A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Alicante for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Albufeira or Alicante?

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

Should I visit Albufeira 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.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a popular, activity-filled, and high energy resort town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Albufeira and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albufeira or Alicante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Albufeira than Alicante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Albufeira is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Albufeira is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Also, Albufeira is famous for Praia da Falesia. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Albufeira different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

Alicante offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Albufeira and Alicante both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Albufeira. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, the city also has the widest selection of restaurants. There are traditional options that serve up classic dishes like grilled sardines, as well as international restaurants with traveler favorites. As expected, you'll find a lot of seafood, but you'll also find inland influences from local farms in the area.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Albufeira or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

Albufeira is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Albufeira is a must-see party destination. It's probably the most infamous party destination in the Algarve and it won't disappoint. During the peak summer months you'll find the streets around the popular "Strip" filled with tourists and party-goers. There are hen and stag parties, backpackers, and drunken travelers out for a good time. The Strip has become so popular that there are now bars and clubs on the adjacent streets as well. If you're not staying in the area, you'll likely want to take a taxi, as it's a couple kilometers outside of the town center.

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 Albufeira or Alicante Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is terrific for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Albufeira is a perfect choice. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, you'll find a wide selection of hotels to choose from. Party-goers will want to stay near the Strip while families will prefer the old town or resorts in Olhos de Agua.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Albufeira or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Albufeira. There are countless vendors who will take you by boat to explore the underwater world, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. The marine life is impressive and the water is generally clear.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Albufeira or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is terrific for the beache. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Albufeira is a very popular vacation destination. With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. The area also has a diversity of beaches that are perfect for all types of vacationers. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. You'll find some interesting rock formations at Praia dos Olhos de Agua. One of the most convenient beaches to town is Praia dos Pescadores. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura.

Alicante has a beach worth visiting. 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 Albufeira or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Alicante to see the old town. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

Is Albufeira or Alicante Better for Hiking?

Albufeira is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Albufeira. There are countless coastal walks that are perfect for all skill levels. Many offers stunning views along the rocky coast and pass through natural settings. Popular trails in the area include Praia Grande Interpretation Trail and Paderne Castle Trail.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Albufeira or Alicante?

Alicante is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Alicante offers some nice shopping areas. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Albufeira has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most of the shops are geared toward souvenirs or beach items, particularly near the beach and marina. If you look hard you might find some nice ceramics or items made of cork.

Is Albufeira or Alicante Better for Families?

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

Alicante is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Albufeira offers lots of family activities. Despite it's reputation as a party-hard city, there are actually a lot of family-friendly activities in the area. Because it's the largest resort town in the Algarve, it also has the most activities to choose from, including theme parks, water parks, dolphin watching, ropes courses, go karting, and more. The best area's for families are in the old town or the most of the family-friendly resorts outside of town. Families should avoid staying near "the Strip."

Is Albufeira or Alicante Better for Couples?

Albufeira is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Albufeira has plenty to offer. For an active honeymoon or couple's retreat, this resort town has it all. Beautiful beaches, adventure-filled activities, a wild nightlife scene, and excellent resorts and restaurants all make for a memorable couple's getaway.

Alicante is a great resort town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Albufeira or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Albufeira is terrific for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Albufeira. If you're looking for a party, then you found it. The area is a top pick for European holidays, so you'll find plenty of energy and activities around town. There are also golden beaches and a decent selection of hostels to choose from.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Albufeira or Alicante Better for Students?

Alicante is a popular place for students. However, Albufeira 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.

Albufeira is not popular with students.

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

Alicante is a popular place for its public transit. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Public transit is mostly limited in Albufeira. There are regional buses and even trains, but do take note that many of the train and bus stations are a good distance outside of town.

Is Albufeira or Alicante a more walkable city?

Alicante is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Albufeira is generally not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to hire a car, but if your hotel is near the beach and you're ok with walking to restaurants, then you may be able to get away without one. If you hope to travel into the countryside at all then a car is necessary.

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Albufeira?

How long in Albufeira or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Albufeira or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Albufeira due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Albufeira, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albufeira than Alicante 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 Albufeira.

One day in Albufeira or Alicante?

The beautiful resort town of Albufeira offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alicante. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Albufeira or Alicante?

Albufeira is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Alicante. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Albufeira or Alicante?

Albufeira is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Albufeira, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Alicante. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Albufeira or Alicante?

Albufeira is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Albufeira has to offer. This resort town offers something for everyone.

Alicante is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Alicante, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Alicante much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alicante would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alicante 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira than you might in Alicante.

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

Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira 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 Albufeira 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 Albufeira or Alicante in the Summer?

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

Albufeira is around the same temperature as Alicante in the summer. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Alicante. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Albufeira or Alicante in the Autumn?

Both Alicante and Albufeira during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Albufeira is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Albufeira in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Alicante averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Albufeira usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alicante. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Alicante in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Alicante. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for 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 January, Albufeira is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 11°C (52°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In January, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Alicante. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Albufeira or Alicante in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Alicante. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches.

Albufeira is around the same temperature as Alicante in the spring. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Albufeira usually gets more rain in April than Alicante. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Albufeira