A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bodrum vs. Alicante for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bodrum or Alicante?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Alicante can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Bodrum or Alicante?

Bodrum

Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.

Alicante

Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Bodrum?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Alicante is $136. 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 Bodrum and Alicante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Alicante $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Alicante $90
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Alicante

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum 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 Bodrum


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: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Alicante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Alicante -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Minibus: $74
  • Bodrum Adventures ATV Quad Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gumbet Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gundogan Hotels: $98
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Ortakent Hotels: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Puerto Lumbreras : $281
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Azohia: $269
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Drova (urbanisation): $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Bolnuevo: $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to la Manga Puerto Maestre: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cehegin: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Manga strip dos Mares: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cabo de Palos: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gandia: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Campo sol Golf Resort : $226
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Orba: $218
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Oliva: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Alicante?

Prices for flights to both Alicante and Bodrum 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
    Bodrum $24
    Alicante $77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
  • Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368

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.
    Bodrum $31
    Alicante $56

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.

  • Muğla: Quick Tour, Essentials of Muğla: $6.00
  • Daily Boat Tour (Orak Island) around Bodrum and Black Island Coves : $19
  • Beaches and Islands Boat Tour with Lunch: $20
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $24
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
  • Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
  • Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $26
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $30
  • Turkish Bath Experience: $31
  • Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
  • Half Day Guided Knidos Ancient City Tour: $35

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)
    $58
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    $71
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    $128
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    $64

Tours and Activities in Alicante

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

  • Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
  • Alicante - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $385
  • Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $37
  • Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $75
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Alicante Evening Tapas tour: $82
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • Alicante Highlights Bike Tour(min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $35
  • Alicante Highlights Private Tour with Castle : $76
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Alicante, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bodrum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodrum 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 Bodrum.

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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bodrum. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum or Alicante in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Alicante. Additionally, most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Alicante in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Bodrum usually gets less rain in July than Alicante. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Bodrum or Alicante in the Autumn?

Both Alicante and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alicante because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Alicante averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Alicante. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Alicante 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Alicante in the Winter?

Both Alicante and Bodrum during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

In January, Bodrum is generally cooler than Alicante. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Alicante 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Alicante in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Alicante. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches.

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

In April, Bodrum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alicante. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Alicante 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Alicante and Bodrum

Bodrum Alicante
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)