A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Alicante vs. Girona for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Alicante or Girona?

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

Alicante

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

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Alicante and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Alicante or Girona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Alicante than Girona. Alicante is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Alicante is better known for its nightlife and beaches, while Girona is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Also, Alicante is famous for the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Alicante different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alicante
Girona

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Alicante and Girona.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Girona can be an interesting and educational experience. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.


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

Alicante
Girona

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

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.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Alicante or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Alicante
Girona

Alicante is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alicante. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Alicante or Girona Better for Beaches?

Alicante
Girona

Alicante is a good destination for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

Alicante offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.


Is Alicante or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Alicante
Girona

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

Girona has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona?

Alicante
Girona

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

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona Better for Families?

Alicante
Girona

Alicante is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.


Is Alicante or Girona Better for Couples?

Alicante
Girona

Both Alicante and Girona are high quality 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.

Girona is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Alicante or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante
Girona

Alicante and Girona are notable 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Alicante or Girona Better for Students?

Alicante
Girona

Alicante and Girona are notable places to visit for 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.

It's common for students to visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student


Is Alicante or Girona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alicante
Girona

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Alicante and Girona.

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 Girona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Alicante or Girona a more walkable city?

Alicante
Girona

Girona 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 Girona on foot is easy. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Alicante or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Alicante than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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


  • How many days in Alicante or Girona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alicante 2-4 
    Girona 1-2

One day in Alicante or Girona?

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 city of Girona offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Alicante or Girona?

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.

Girona 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 Girona, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Girona?

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.

Girona 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

Girona 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 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 Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Girona or Alicante?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alicante is €127, while the average daily cost in Girona is €140. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Alicante and Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alicante 42
    Girona 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alicante 84
    Girona 138
Compare Hotels in Alicante and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Alicante or Girona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Alicante


Hotels in Girona


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Alicante Hotel Prices and Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alicante -
    Girona 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Alicante Airport(ALC) to Alicante City: Arrival Private Transfer: $17
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer from Alicante Airport ALC to Alicante: $22
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Cruise Port to Alicante Airport (ALC): $40
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante Cruise Port: $40
  • Private Transfer from Alicante Cruise Port to Alicante Hotels: $40
  • Private Transfer from Alicante hotels to Alicante Cruise Port: $40
  • Arrival Transfer Alicante Airport ALC to Alicante by Business Car: $51
  • Private Transfer from Alicante Ciudad to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $55
  • Roundtrip Transfer Airport-Hotel in Alicante cars of up to 8 passengers: $55
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Monforte del Cid: $55
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Torrellano: $63
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to San Vicente del Raspeig: $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $264

Is it cheaper to fly into Alicante or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona and Alicante change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Alicante 72
    Girona 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.

  • Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
  • Cooking with us: Pasta Cooking Class in Alicante: $57
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $61
  • Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $65
  • Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $71
  • Alicante Food Tour: $72
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $138
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $179
  • Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $182

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $86
  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $89
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $97
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $98
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alicante 53
    Girona 24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    54
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    120
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    60

Tours and Activities in Alicante

Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour de historias y leyendas del Castillo de Santa Bárbara: $13
  • 2-Hour Private Tour of the Basilica of Santa María de Elche: $18
  • Highlights Bike Tour: $28
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Guided City Highlights Walking Tour: $29
  • Seven Secrets of Alicante Discovery Tour: $31
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • City. Discover Alicante by E-Bike & walking tour: $33
  • City and Beach Bike Tour: $33
  • Calas and Beaches E-Bike Tour with Snorkeling: $33
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.34
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.52
  • Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.60
  • Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
  • 2 Hours Cadaqués Especial Experience: $25
  • 1-Hour Private Tour with guide on Electric Scooter in Barcelona: $28
  • Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $30
  • Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $35
  • Game of Thrones Small Group Tour: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alicante -
    Girona 9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
  • Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $74
  • Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $75
  • Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $83
  • Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $147
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $149

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $83
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $151
  • Cadaqués & Wine Tasting Day Trip : $160


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


Which is Bigger, Alicante or Girona?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Girona. Many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Girona this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Girona during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Girona. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alicante 25°C (77°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Girona. Most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Girona. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Girona. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alicante 20°C (68°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In January, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Girona during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Girona. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alicante 11°C (52°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Girona. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alicante 16°C (60°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Alicante

Alicante Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)