Which place is cheaper, La Spezia or Alicante?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Alicante or La Spezia?
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 La Spezia can help you decide which place is right for you.
Alicante
Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.
La Spezia
La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.
Alicante and La Spezia: Pros and Cons
Alicante
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
La Spezia
Pros- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Alicante or La Spezia?
You'll generally find more things to do in Alicante than La Spezia. Alicante is bigger than La Spezia, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. La Spezia is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for being the gateway to Cinque Terre. 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 La Spezia?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia 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 La Spezia?
Alicante
La Spezia
Alicante is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alicante. 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.
La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.
Is the Food Better in Alicante or La Spezia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Alicante
La Spezia
Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Alicante and La Spezia.
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.
La Spezia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.
Is Alicante or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?
Alicante
La Spezia
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Alicante and La Spezia.
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 La Spezia has a few options to choose from. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.
Is Alicante or La Spezia Better for Beaches?
Alicante
La Spezia
Alicante and La Spezia are notable 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.
La Spezia has a beach worth visiting. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.
Is Alicante or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?
Alicante
La Spezia
Alicante and La Spezia are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.
Many people head to Alicante to see the old town. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.
La Spezia has an old town worth visiting. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.
Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or La Spezia?
Alicante
La Spezia
Shopping is a popular activity in both La Spezia and Alicante.
Alicante offers some nice shopping areas. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.
La Spezia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.
Is Alicante or La Spezia Better for Families?
Alicante
La Spezia
Alicante is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.
Is Alicante or La Spezia Better for Couples?
Alicante
La Spezia
Both Alicante and La Spezia 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.
La Spezia is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.
Is Alicante or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Alicante
La Spezia
La Spezia is well known for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
La Spezia is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.
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 La Spezia Better for Students?
Alicante
La Spezia
Alicante is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia 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.
La Spezia is not popular with students.
Is Alicante or La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Alicante
La Spezia
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Alicante and La Spezia.
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 La Spezia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.
Is Alicante or La Spezia a more walkable city?
Alicante
La Spezia
La Spezia 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.
La Spezia is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.
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 La Spezia Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Alicante?
How long in Alicante or La Spezia?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alicante and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alicante than in La Spezia. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.
Families should spend more time in Alicante than La Spezia. 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.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Spezia 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 La Spezia.
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How many days in Alicante or La Spezia? Ideal Length of StayAlicante 2-4La Spezia 2-3
One day in Alicante or La Spezia?
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alicante. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
The town of La Spezia offers nightlife and food. 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 La Spezia?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Alicante. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
La Spezia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Spezia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Five days in Alicante or La Spezia?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Alicante. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
La Spezia 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 La Spezia?
Alicante is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
La Spezia 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 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlicante €127La Spezia €198
The average daily cost (per person) in Alicante is €127, while the average daily cost in La Spezia is €198. 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 La Spezia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlicante €42La Spezia €113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlicante €84La Spezia €226
Compare Hotels in Alicante and La Spezia
Looking for a hotel in Alicante or La Spezia? 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.
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 La Spezia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alicante -La Spezia €41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:
- Transfer from Alicante city to Alicante airport in private Minivan max. 6 passengers: $73
- Transfer from Alicante airport to Albir in private Sedan car max. 3 passengers: $85
- Transfer Airport / Renfe Alicante - Alcoy: $92
- Roundtrip Transfer Airport-Hotel in Alicante cars of up to 8 passengers: $55
- Private Transfer: Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante: $47
- Private Transfer from Elche to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $82
- Private Transfer from El Plantio Golf Resort to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $63
- Private Transfer from Castell de Castells to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $183
- Private Transfer from Camping Marjal Costa Blanca to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airpor: $73
- Private Transfer from Campello to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $73
- Private Transfer from Campello Pueblo Acantilado to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Campello / Coveta Fuma to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia
Also for La Spezia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer La Spezia to Genoa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $253
- Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91
- La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $130
- La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
- La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
- Private Transfer La Spezia to Pisa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $202
- Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
- Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from La Spezia Hotels to La Spezia Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $141
- Private Transfer from La Spezia to Florence : $242
Is it cheaper to fly into Alicante or La Spezia?
Prices for flights to both La Spezia 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
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Food Meals for one dayAlicante €72La Spezia €56
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
- Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
- Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
- Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
- Alicante Food Tour: $71
- Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
- Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
- Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
- Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia
For La Spezia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $91
- Small-Group Street Food Tour: $95
- Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat: $96
- Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $96
- La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $97
- Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $97
- Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia: $114
- Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $138
- Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
- Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $155
- Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $156
- Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $158
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alicante €53La Spezia €37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante
Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)€54
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Catamaran Cruise (for 2)€67
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€120
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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:
- Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
- Alicante - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $385
- Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $37
- Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $75
- Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
- Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
- Alicante Evening Tapas tour: $82
- Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
- Alicante Highlights Bike Tour(min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $35
- Alicante Highlights Private Tour with Castle : $76
- Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32
Tours and Activities in La Spezia
For La Spezia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus City Tour Ticket: $27
- La Spezia Walking Tour: $39
- From Round-Trip to Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $42
- Guided Walking Tour with Italian-Inspired Music: $43
- From La Spezia to Pisa with optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $49
- The Sunset Tour: $54
- 4-Hour E-Bike Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $55
- Pisa Tour by bus: $55
- From Florence & Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $58
- Portovenere & the 3 Islands: Sunset Boat Tour from La Spezia: $58
- Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $65
- Cinque Terre Tour by Boat: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlicante -La Spezia €35
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: $73
- Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
- Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
- Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
- Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
- Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267
Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia
Also in La Spezia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $214
- Lucca city tour and Pisa tower + wine tasting from La Spezia Port: $217
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and La Spezia, we can see that La Spezia 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 La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia 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 La Spezia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alicante or La Spezia?
Alicante has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and La Spezia, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.