A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Alicante vs. Pamplona for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Alicante or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Pamplona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Alicante is more popular for its museums and beaches. Pamplona is more touristy than Alicante and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alicante is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Alicante offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

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

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.

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Alicante or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

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

Pamplona is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a popular place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Alicante is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Alicante and Pamplona 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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Alicante or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Pamplona?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Pamplona 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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Alicante or Pamplona Better for Families?

Alicante is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Alicante or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Alicante is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Alicante is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Alicante or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pamplona is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona Better for Students?

Alicante and Pamplona 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 Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Is Alicante or Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

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 Pamplona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Alicante or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city 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 Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Alicante or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Alicante than Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

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

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

One day in Alicante or Pamplona?

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 city of Pamplona offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pamplona, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona 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 Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Pamplona?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Pamplona. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Alicante is a little warmer than Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Pamplona. The autumn months attract visitors to Alicante because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°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 Pamplona. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the spring for the activities around the city.

Alicante is a little warmer than Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Alicante