A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Malaga vs. Alicante for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Alicante

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

Malaga and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Alicante?

You'll generally find more things to do in Malaga than Alicante. Malaga is bigger than Alicante, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Malaga is better known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is more popular for its museums. Malaga is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Malaga different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Alicante offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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 Malaga or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

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

Malaga is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Alicante Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for its live music scene. However, Alicante is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Alicante is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga 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 Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Alicante both offer notable beaches.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Alicante is a good option for a beach vacation. 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 Malaga or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Malaga 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 Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

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 Malaga or Alicante?

Both Malaga and Alicante are notable shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

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 Malaga or Alicante Better for Families?

Alicante is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Alicante Better for Couples?

Alicante is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Alicante is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga 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 Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga or Alicante Better for Students?

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

Malaga is very popular with students. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

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

Both Malaga and Alicante offer notable public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Alicante has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Malaga or Alicante a more walkable city?

Malaga 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.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Alicante?

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

Families should spend more time in Alicante than Malaga. 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.

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

One day in Malaga or Alicante?

The beautiful port city of Malaga offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Malaga or Alicante?

Malaga 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 Malaga or Alicante?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, 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 Malaga or Alicante?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Malaga has to offer. This port city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.

When comparing the travel costs between Malaga and Alicante, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Alicante?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Alicante in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Alicante. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Alicante. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Alicante in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Alicante. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Malaga is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Alicante averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Alicante. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Alicante in the Winter?

Both Alicante and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Malaga for 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 January, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Alicante. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Alicante in the Spring?

Both Alicante and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

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

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in April than Alicante. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Malaga