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

Should you visit Alicante or Naples?

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

Alicante

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

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Alicante, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Alicante is known for its beaches. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Alicante different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Alicante and Naples.

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 Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

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

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples 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 Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

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 Naples?

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

Naples is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples Better for Families?

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

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Alicante or Naples Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Naples are excellent 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.

Naples is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Alicante or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Naples is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Alicante and Naples are good 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 Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples is well known for its public transit. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Naples has some very good public transit options. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Alicante or Naples a more walkable city?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and easy to explore 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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alicante and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alicante than in Naples. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

One day in Alicante or Naples?

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.

Naples is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Naples?

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.

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

Five days in Alicante or Naples?

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.

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful 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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Naples. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Naples during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Naples. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alicante for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Naples. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Naples in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Naples. Many visitors come to Alicante in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alicante is a little warmer than Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Naples during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Naples. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Naples in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Naples. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Naples because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Alicante is a little warmer than Naples. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alicante in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Naples averages at about 13°C (55°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 Naples. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Alicante