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

Should you visit Athens or Alicante?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Alicante. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Athens and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Alicante?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Alicante, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is known for its beaches. Athens is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens 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 Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Alicante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

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

Athens is a must-see party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Alicante offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

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

Athens has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

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 Athens or Alicante?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Alicante both offer plenty of good spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Alicante is a great destination for shopping. 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 Athens or Alicante Better for Families?

Both Athens and Alicante are high quality family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Alicante is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Athens or Alicante Better for Couples?

Alicante is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens 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 Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Alicante Better for Students?

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

Athens is very popular with students. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

Athens is well known for its public transit. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens or Alicante a more walkable city?

Athens 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.

Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Alicante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Athens?

How long in Athens or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Alicante?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alicante. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Alicante?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Alicante is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Alicante?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Alicante?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Alicante. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Alicante?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Alicante?

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 Athens or Alicante in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Alicante. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in July than Alicante. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Alicante in the Autumn?

Both Alicante and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months.

Athens is around the same temperature as Alicante in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Alicante. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Alicante in the Winter?

Both Alicante and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Athens is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Alicante averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Alicante in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Alicante. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Alicante. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Athens