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

Should you visit Arachova or Alicante?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Alicante, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arachova

Arachova is a outdoorsy, bustling, and beautiful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Arachova and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Arachova or Alicante?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arachova. Although Arachova and Alicante are popular destinations, Arachova has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arachova is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Alicante attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Arachova is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. It is also well known for Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Arachova different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alicante and Arachova. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Arachova or Alicante Better for Skiing?

Arachova
Alicante

Arachova is very good for winter skiing. However, Alicante is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Arachova is a great destination to visit. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Alicante is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arachova or Alicante?

Arachova
Alicante

Alicante is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

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

Arachova
Alicante

Dining out at restaurants in both Arachova and Alicante can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arachova makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

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.

Is Arachova or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

Arachova
Alicante

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

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

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 Arachova or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Arachova
Alicante

Alicante is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Arachova is not a beach destination.

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.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Arachova or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Arachova
Alicante

Arachova 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 Arachova. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

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 Arachova or Alicante Better for Hiking?

Arachova
Alicante

Arachova is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Arachova. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Alicante?

Arachova
Alicante

Shopping is a popular activity in both Alicante and Arachova.

Arachova is a great destination for shopping. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

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.

Is Arachova or Alicante Better for Families?

Arachova
Alicante

Arachova and Alicante are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Arachova is a very family-friendly place to visit. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

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.

Is Arachova or Alicante Better for Couples?

Arachova
Alicante

Arachova and Alicante are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Arachova frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Alicante is a great town 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 Arachova or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arachova
Alicante

Alicante is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known 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.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Arachova or Alicante Better for Students?

Arachova
Alicante

Alicante is a nice place to visit for students. However, Arachova is not popular with 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.

Arachova is not popular with students.

Is Arachova or Alicante Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arachova
Alicante

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Arachova and Alicante.

You'll find some public transit in Arachova, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are some public buses in the area.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.


Is Arachova or Alicante a more walkable city?

Arachova
Alicante

Arachova and Alicante both are nice when exploring on foot.

Arachova is somewhat walkable. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Arachova Worth Visiting? and Is Alicante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Arachova or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alicante due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alicante than Arachova 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.


  • How many days in Arachova or Alicante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arachova 2-3 
    Alicante 2-4

One day in Arachova or Alicante?

The town of Arachova offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

The city of Alicante offers food and shopping. 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 Arachova or Alicante?

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

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


Five days in Arachova or Alicante?

Arachova 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.

Alicante 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 Arachova or Alicante?

Arachova 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 town offers something for everyone.

Alicante 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Arachova?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Arachova and Alicante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arachova 50
    Alicante 42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arachova 100
    Alicante 84
Compare Hotels in Arachova and Alicante

Looking for a hotel in Arachova or Alicante? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Arachova


Hotels in Alicante


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Alicante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arachova 51
    Alicante -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Albir: Alicante Airport (ALC) Private Transfer: $90
  • Alicante Airport (El Altet) (ALC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Alicante Hotels): $78
  • Alicante Airport(ALC) to Alicante City: Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Alicante to Alicante Airport (ALC)- Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Airport Transfer Alicante - Valencia: $201
  • Bullring and Castle Guided Tour with Taxi Transfer: $74
  • Private transfer Alicante Airport - Altea Hills: $94
  • Calpe: Alicante Airport (ALC) Private Transfer: $111
  • Private Roundtrip Transfer from Alicante Airport ALC to Alicante: $65
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante Cruise Port: $39
  • Private Transfer - Alicante Cruise Port to Alicante Airport (ALC): $39
  • Private Transfer from Alicante (ALC) Airport to Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Arachova or Alicante?

Prices for flights to both Alicante and Arachova change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arachova 29
    Alicante 72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.

  • Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
  • Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
  • Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
  • Alicante Food Tour: $71
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
  • Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    Alicante 53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    54
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    120
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    60

Tours and Activities in Alicante

Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour of Alicante Bullring & Bullfighting Museum with Audioguide: $9.81
  • Tour de historias y leyendas del Castillo de Santa Bárbara: $13
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Seven Secrets of Alicante Discovery Tour: $31
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • City. Discover Alicante by E-Bike & walking tour: $32
  • Calas and Beaches E-Bike Tour with Snorkeling: $32
  • City and Beach Bike Tour: $32
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
  • 2-Hour Late Afternoon Catamaran Cruise: $34
  • Highlights Bike Tour: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arachova 6.43
    Alicante -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
  • Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
  • Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
  • Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267


When comparing the travel costs between Arachova and Alicante, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Arachova or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova and Alicante, 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 Arachova or Alicante?

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 Arachova or Alicante in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Arachova is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arachova in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Alicante averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. Arachova usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during summer. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arachova usually receives more rain than Alicante. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Alicante 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Alicante in the Autumn?

Both Alicante and Arachova during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

In October, Arachova is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 19°C (67°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the autumn, Arachova often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in October than Alicante. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Alicante 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Alicante in the Winter?

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

Arachova is around the same temperature as Alicante in the winter. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Arachova usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during winter. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arachova usually receives more rain than Alicante. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Alicante 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Alicante in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Alicante. Many travelers come to Arachova for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Arachova is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arachova in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Alicante averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arachova this time of the year. In the spring, Arachova often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in April than Alicante. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Alicante 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Alicante and Arachova

Arachova Alicante
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)


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