A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Alicante for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, 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

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

Heraklion and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Alicante?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Alicante is more popular for its historical sights. Heraklion is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Heraklion different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Alicante.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alicante. 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 Heraklion or Alicante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Alicante both to be superb destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Dining out in Alicante is an experience not to be missed. 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 Heraklion or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

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

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Alicante Better for Beaches?

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

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos 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 Heraklion or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a city with good options for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Alicante. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Alicante?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Heraklion and Alicante.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Alicante to go 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 Heraklion or Alicante Better for Families?

Alicante is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Alicante Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Alicante are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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.

Is Heraklion or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Alicante Better for Students?

Alicante is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Heraklion and Alicante.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

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.

Is Heraklion or Alicante a more walkable city?

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Alicante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alicante due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Alicante?

The city of Heraklion offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alicante. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Alicante?

Heraklion 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Alicante. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Alicante?

Heraklion 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Alicante. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Alicante?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. 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.

Alicante is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Alicante, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Alicante much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alicante would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alicante 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion than you might in Alicante.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Alicante?

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

Both Alicante and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Alicante in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Heraklion or Alicante in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Alicante. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alicante because of the shopping scene.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alicante. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Alicante in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Alicante. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

In January, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Alicante in the Spring?

Both Alicante and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Alicante in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Alicante. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Heraklion