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

Should you visit Alicante or Split?

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

Alicante

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

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Split can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

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

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.

Split has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Alicante or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Split is a must-see party destination. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is well known for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Split. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alicante or Split Better for Beaches?

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

Split is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

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 Split Better for its Old Town?

Alicante and Split are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

Split has an old town worth visiting. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Split?

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

Split is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Split Better for Families?

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

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 Split. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Alicante or Split Better for Couples?

Split is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Split has plenty to offer. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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.

Is Alicante or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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 Split. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

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

Split is very popular with students. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

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 Split 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 Split.

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 Split offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Alicante or Split a more walkable city?

Split 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.

Split is a very walkable city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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 Split Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Split or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Alicante or Split. In our opinion, Split has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Split than Alicante. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Alicante or Split?

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

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. 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 Split?

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.

Split 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Split, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Split?

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.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Split?

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.

Split is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Split?

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

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 Split in the Summer?

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

Alicante is around the same temperature as Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. 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 Split. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Alicante or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split 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 Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

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

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

Should I visit Alicante or Split in the Winter?

Both Split 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 Split this time of year.

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

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

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

Should I visit Alicante or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Split. The beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Split and Alicante