A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Aix-en-Provence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

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

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Alicante and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alicante than Aix-en-Provence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Alicante is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. It is also home to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Alicante different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

Alicante is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alicante can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Aix-en-Provence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

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 Alicante or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Alicante is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Alicante has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Alicante or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Aix-en-Provence make it a world-class shopping destination. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Alicante or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Alicante is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Alicante or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Aix-en-Provence are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Alicante or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante and Aix-en-Provence are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Alicante or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Aix-en-Provence is very popular with students. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. 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.

Is Alicante or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Alicante and Aix-en-Provence.

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.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Alicante or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable town. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Alicante or Aix-en-Provence. In our opinion, Alicante has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Alicante than Aix-en-Provence. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

The authentic destination of Alicante offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Alicante offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Five days in Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

Alicante is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aix-en-Provence 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.

A week in Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alicante. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aix-en-Provence 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 town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Alicante or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Alicante or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alicante for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Alicante in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alicante is much warmer than Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Alicante is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alicante in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the spring, Alicante often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Alicante