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

Should you visit Ios or Alicante?

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

Should I visit Ios or Alicante? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ios

Ios is a touristy, backpacker-friendly, and historical island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant, cultural, and colorful city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ios and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Alicante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ios than Alicante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ios is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Ios is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. Also, Ios is famous for Skarkos Archeological Site. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Ios different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

Alicante offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

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

Both Ios and Alicante offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ios. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

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 Ios or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

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

Ios is a must-see party destination. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios or Alicante Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ios. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Ios is terrific for the beache. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Ios is a very popular vacation destination. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

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 Ios or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a popular place for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

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.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Alicante Better for Hiking?

Ios is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Ios. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Alicante?

Both Ios and Alicante are notable shopping destinations.

Ios offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

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 Ios or Alicante Better for Families?

Alicante is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Ios or Alicante Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Alicante make for a great place to visit.

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Alicante makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Ios or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios 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 Ios. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

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 Ios or Alicante Better for Students?

Alicante is a popular place for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Alicante is a good city to visit for 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.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ios 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.

Ios has some very good public transit options. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

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 Ios or Alicante a more walkable city?

Ios and Alicante both are notable when exploring on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable place. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Ios?

How long in Ios or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Ios 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 Ios, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

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

One day in Ios or Alicante?

The beautiful island of Ios offers museums and nightlife. 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.

With nightlife and food around the vibrant destination of Alicante, there's plenty to do. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Alicante?

Ios is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ios, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Alicante for a weekend. With food and shopping around the authentic city of Alicante, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Alicante?

Ios 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.

The destination of Alicante offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Ios or Alicante?

Ios 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 island offers something for everyone.

Alicante, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-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 Ios and Alicante, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios 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 Ios.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.