A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Sibenik for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Alicante or Sibenik?

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

Alicante

Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a authentic, local, and undiscovered town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Sibenik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Sibenik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sibenik. Although Alicante and Sibenik are popular destinations, Sibenik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Sibenik is famous for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty. It is also well known for Krka National Park.

How is Alicante different from Sibenik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Alicante and Sibenik.

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 Sibenik can be an interesting and educational experience. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Alicante and Sibenik.

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.

Sibenik has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Is Alicante or Sibenik Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sibenik has a few options to choose from. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Is Alicante or Sibenik Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Sibenik makes a nice vacation spot. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Sibenik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sibenik is a town with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sibenik has a few snorkeling spots. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alicante or Sibenik Better for Beaches?

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

Sibenik is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

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 Sibenik Better for its Old Town?

Sibenik 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 Sibenik. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

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 Sibenik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sibenik 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.

Sibenik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Is Alicante or Sibenik Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or Sibenik.

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 Sibenik. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

Is Alicante or Sibenik Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Sibenik are high quality 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.

Sibenik is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.

Is Alicante or Sibenik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sibenik is a great town to visit for backpackers. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Sibenik Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students 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.

Sibenik is not popular with students.

Is Alicante or Sibenik 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 Sibenik.

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 Sibenik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

Is Alicante or Sibenik a more walkable city?

Sibenik is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Sibenik on foot is easy. The old town is car-free and easily explored on foot.

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 Sibenik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sibenik or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Sibenik?

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

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

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

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

One day in Alicante or Sibenik?

In Alicante, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Sibenik offers food and shopping. 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 Sibenik?

In Alicante, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alicante has to offer.

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

Five days in Alicante or Sibenik?

Alicante is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Sibenik 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 Sibenik?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alicante. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Sibenik is a great place to explore. 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 town 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 Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Sibenik?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Sibenik, 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 Sibenik?

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 Sibenik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Sibenik. Many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sibenik for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 25°C (77°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sibenik. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the summer, Alicante often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sibenik. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 345 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Sibenik. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Sibenik in the Autumn?

Both Sibenik and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sibenik because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Alicante is a little warmer than Sibenik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Sibenik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Sibenik. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Sibenik during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Sibenik in the Winter?

Both Sibenik and Alicante during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sibenik this time of year.

In the winter, Alicante is a little warmer than Sibenik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alicante in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Sibenik averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Sibenik. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 128 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Sibenik. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Sibenik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Sibenik. The beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sibenik for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 16°C (60°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sibenik this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Sibenik during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sibenik and Alicante