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

Should you visit Alicante or Biarritz?

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

Alicante

Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Alicante and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alicante than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alicante is better known for its museums and historical sights, while Biarritz is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Also, Alicante is famous for the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

How is Alicante different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alicante is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Alicante and Biarritz.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Alicante. 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.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Alicante or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

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

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for the beache. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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 Alicante or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Alicante. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Biarritz?

Biarritz is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end 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 Biarritz Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or Biarritz.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Alicante or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Biarritz are great 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.

Biarritz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Alicante or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is well known for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Alicante or Biarritz Better for Students?

Alicante is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

Is Alicante or Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

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 Biarritz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Alicante or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Biarritz?

Both Alicante and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Alicante. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

One day in Alicante or Biarritz?

The city of Alicante 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.

The seaside town of Biarritz 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.

A weekend in Alicante or Biarritz?

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

Biarritz 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.

Five days in Alicante or Biarritz?

Alicante 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.

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

Alicante 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 city offers something for everyone.

Biarritz 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 Biarritz has to offer. This seaside 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Biarritz?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alicante or Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Biarritz. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Alicante is a little warmer than Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Alicante because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Alicante during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Biarritz. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Alicante is a little warmer than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Alicante