A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Alicante vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alicante or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Santiago de Compostela?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is more popular for its beaches. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Santiago de Compostela are among the most recognizable in the world. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Alicante and Santiago de Compostela.

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.

Santiago de Compostela has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Alicante or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Santiago de Compostela has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

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 Alicante or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Alicante is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Alicante or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Alicante is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Alicante or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Alicante and Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Is Alicante or Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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 Santiago de Compostela offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Alicante or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

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 Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Alicante or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Alicante offers museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

The authentic destination of Alicante offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santiago de Compostela 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Alicante is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Alicante. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Santiago de Compostela?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Alicante is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Alicante because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Santiago de Compostela. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

Alicante is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Alicante