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

Should you visit Alicante or Amalfi?

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 Amalfi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

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

Amalfi

Amalfi is a charming, picturesque, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Alicante and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Alicante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is more popular for its museums. Amalfi is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi 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 Amalfi?

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alicante. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

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

Amalfi has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around 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 Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

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

Amalfi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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 Alicante or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alicante or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Alicante and Amalfi are notable choices for a beach vacation.

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.

Amalfi has a beach worth visiting. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Alicante or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is well known for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is Alicante or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Amalfi?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Amalfi and Alicante.

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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Alicante or Amalfi Better for Families?

Alicante is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi 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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Alicante or Amalfi Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Amalfi has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Alicante is a great city 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 Alicante or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Alicante or Amalfi Better for Students?

Alicante is a city with good options for students. However, Amalfi 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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

Is Alicante or Amalfi 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 Amalfi.

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 Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Alicante or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy 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 Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Amalfi?

Both Alicante and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Alicante. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

One day in Alicante or Amalfi?

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.

The beautiful town of Amalfi offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. 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, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Alicante Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Amalfi?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Amalfi, 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 Amalfi?

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 Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Amalfi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Amalfi. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Amalfi. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

Alicante is a little warmer than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Alicante