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

Should you visit Alicante or Cannes?

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

Alicante

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

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Alicante and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is known for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alicante is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes Better for Nightlife?

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

Cannes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is terrific for its live music scene. However, Alicante is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Cannes The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Alicante is not a live music destination.

Is Alicante or Cannes Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cannes is a perfect choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes 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 Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alicante or Cannes Better for Beaches?

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

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

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 Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes 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 Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

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 the Shopping Better in Alicante or Cannes?

Cannes 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 Cannes make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes Better for Families?

Alicante is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit 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.

Cannes is a family-friendly city. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Alicante or Cannes Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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 Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Alicante or Cannes Better for Students?

Alicante is very good for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Alicante is a good city to visit for 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.

Cannes is not popular with students.

Is Alicante or Cannes 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 Cannes.

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 Cannes offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Alicante or Cannes a more walkable city?

Cannes 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.

Cannes is a very walkable resort city. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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 Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Cannes?

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

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

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

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

One day in Alicante or Cannes?

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 resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Cannes?

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.

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

Five days in Alicante or Cannes?

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.

Cannes 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 Cannes?

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.

Cannes is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort city 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 Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Cannes?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Cannes, 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Cannes. The summer months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Cannes. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Cannes. The shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Cannes. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Alicante is a little warmer than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Cannes. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Alicante