A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Alicante vs. San Sebastian for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Alicante or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or San Sebastian?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Sebastian than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than San Sebastian, San Sebastian has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Sebastian is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Alicante is more popular for its museums and historical sights. San Sebastian is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. Also, San Sebastian is famous for La Concha Bay. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alicante is notable for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alicante can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

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

San Sebastian has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

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

San Sebastian is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

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 San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Sebastian makes a nice vacation spot. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is well known for the beache. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

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.

Is Alicante or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

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.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or San Sebastian?

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

San Sebastian is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 San Sebastian Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or San Sebastian.

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 San Sebastian. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Is Alicante or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Alicante or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Sebastian is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

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 San Sebastian Better for Students?

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

San Sebastian is very popular with students. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

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 San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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 San Sebastian offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Alicante or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable city. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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 San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or San Sebastian?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in Alicante or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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 San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Sebastian, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic 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.

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and San Sebastian, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or San Sebastian?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and San Sebastian. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

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

Should I visit Alicante or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Alicante for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

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

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

Should I visit Alicante or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alicante in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

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

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

Should I visit Alicante or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Alicante