A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Alicante or Florence?

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

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Alicante and Florence are roughly the same size, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is more popular for its beaches. Florence is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

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

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

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Alicante and Florence.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Alicante or Florence Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Florence has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence?

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

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

Alicante is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Alicante is very family-friendly. 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Alicante or Florence Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Florence has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence 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 Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is terrific for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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 Florence 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 Florence.

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 Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Alicante or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Florence?

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

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

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

One day in Alicante or Florence?

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 beautiful city of Florence offers food and shopping. 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 Florence?

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.

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

Five days in Alicante or Florence?

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.

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

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.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. This 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Alicante during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Florence. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Florence. Many travelers come to Alicante for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Florence during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Florence. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Alicante in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Alicante is generally much warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Florence. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

Alicante is a little warmer than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Florence during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Florence. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Alicante