A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Alicante or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Saint-Etienne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Alicante than Saint-Etienne. Alicante is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Alicante is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Alicante is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Also, Alicante is famous for the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Alicante different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Alicante is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alicante is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Alicante has a huge number of terrific 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Alicante and Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Alicante offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Alicante. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Saint-Etienne?

Alicante is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alicante. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Alicante is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Alicante is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Alicante is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Alicante is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Alicante or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Alicante and Saint-Etienne both are notable when exploring on foot.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable place. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Alicante than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Alicante than Saint-Etienne 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 Alicante.

One day in Alicante or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Alicante. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Five days in Alicante or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Alicante. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Alicante. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne 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.

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 from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante than you might in Saint-Etienne.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alicante Expensive? and Is Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Saint-Etienne?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Alicante during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Alicante is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Saint-Etienne. The winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. In January, Alicante is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

Alicante is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Alicante