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

Should you visit Alicante or Porto?

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

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Porto?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Alicante attracts visitors for its beaches. Porto is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Alicante and Porto.

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 Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

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

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto Better for Beaches?

Alicante is very good for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto 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 Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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 Porto?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Porto 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.

Porto has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Alicante or Porto Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or Porto.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Porto. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Is Alicante or Porto Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Porto 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.

Porto is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Alicante or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is terrific for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto Better for Students?

Porto is well known for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

It's common for students to 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.

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

Porto 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.

Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto a more walkable city?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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 Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Porto?

In either Alicante or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Alicante because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

Families should spend more time in Porto than Alicante. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Porto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Alicante or Porto?

In Alicante, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Porto?

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.

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port 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 Porto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Porto?

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.

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful 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.

Porto 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 port 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Porto?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto 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. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In July, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 25°C (77°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Porto. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Porto. The shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Alicante is a little warmer than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Porto during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Porto. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Porto. Many travelers come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Alicante is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alicante in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Porto. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto 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. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 16°C (60°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Porto during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Porto. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Alicante