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

Should you visit Alicante or Kotor?

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

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a dramatic, scenic, and beautiful coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Alicante and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Alicante and Kotor are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Alicante attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also well known for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Alicante different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alicante is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Alicante is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Alicante or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alicante or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Alicante and Kotor are nice 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.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Alicante or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

Kotor has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Kotor?

Alicante is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Alicante is a great destination for shopping. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Alicante or Kotor Better for Families?

Alicante is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Alicante is 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Alicante or Kotor Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Kotor are very good 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.

Kotor is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Alicante or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kotor is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

Alicante is very good for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Alicante is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Alicante or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Alicante or Kotor. In our opinion, Kotor has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kotor than Alicante. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

One day in Alicante or Kotor?

In Alicante, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Kotor?

Alicante is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Alicante. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Alicante. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Kotor, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante than you might in Kotor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alicante Expensive? and Is Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Kotor?

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

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In July, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 25°C (77°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Kotor. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Alicante is a little warmer than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Kotor. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Kotor. Many travelers come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.

In the winter, Alicante is much warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alicante in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Kotor. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Kotor. Many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 16°C (60°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°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 Kotor. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Alicante