A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Alicante vs. Playa de las Americas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alicante or Playa de las Americas?

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 Playa de las Americas can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alicante or Playa de las Americas?

Alicante

Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.

Playa de las Americas

If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.

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, Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas is €195. 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 Playa de las Americas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alicante 42
    Playa de las Americas 115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alicante 84
    Playa de las Americas 230
Compare Hotels in Alicante and Playa de las Americas

Looking for a hotel in Alicante or Playa de las Americas? 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 Playa de las Americas


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 Playa de las Americas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alicante -
    Playa de las Americas 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Puerto Lumbreras : $281
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Azohia: $269
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Drova (urbanisation): $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Bolnuevo: $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to la Manga Puerto Maestre: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cehegin: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Manga strip dos Mares: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cabo de Palos: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gandia: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Campo sol Golf Resort : $226
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Orba: $218
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Oliva: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Alicante or Playa de las Americas?

Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas 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
    Playa de las Americas 45

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alicante 53
    Playa de las Americas 30
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:

  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alicante -
    Playa de las Americas 8.57

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Playa de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alicante or Playa de las Americas?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Playa de las Americas, 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 Playa de las Americas?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alicante or Playa de las Americas in the Summer?

Both Playa de las Americas and Alicante during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Playa de las Americas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Playa de las Americas. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 268 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets more rain in July than Playa de las Americas. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alicante 25°C (77°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Playa de las Americas. The shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

In the autumn, Alicante is cooler than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa de las Americas this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Playa de las Americas during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alicante 20°C (68°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Playa de las Americas. Many travelers come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Alicante is generally much colder than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 191 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Playa de las Americas. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alicante 11°C (52°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Alicante or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?

Both Playa de las Americas and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches.

Alicante is cooler than Playa de las Americas in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa de las Americas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Playa de las Americas during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alicante 16°C (60°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Alicante

Alicante Playa de las Americas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)