A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Marbella vs. Alicante for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Marbella or Alicante?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Alicante, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. 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 cultural, colorful, and authentic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marbella and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Alicante?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is more popular for its museums and food. Marbella is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Marbella different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Alicante is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Alicante has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

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

Marbella is a must-see party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Alicante Better for Music?

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

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Alicante is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Alicante Better for Resorts?

Marbella is terrific for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Marbella is a perfect choice. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is terrific for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella is not to be missed. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Alicante Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Marbella is a very popular vacation destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía 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 Marbella or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Marbella and Alicante both have notable historical old towns that attract visitors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Alicante offers a nice historic old town area. 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 Marbella or Alicante?

Marbella is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Alicante Better for Families?

Marbella and Alicante are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Alicante is known to be 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 Marbella or Alicante Better for Couples?

Marbella is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Marbella has plenty to offer. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Alicante is a great resort town 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.

Is Marbella or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Alicante are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Alicante is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Marbella or Alicante Better for Students?

Alicante is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Alicante is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Alicante a more walkable city?

Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Marbella or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marbella due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

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

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

One day in Marbella or Alicante?

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The city of Alicante offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Marbella or Alicante?

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

Alicante 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alicante, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Alicante?

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

Alicante 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.

A week in Marbella or Alicante?

Marbella 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 resort town offers something for everyone.

Alicante is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Alicante in the Summer?

Both Alicante and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Alicante in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°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 Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Alicante. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Alicante in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Alicante. The autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

In the autumn, Marbella is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°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. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Alicante. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Alicante in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Alicante. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Marbella often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Alicante in the Spring?

Both Alicante and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Alicante in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°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 Marbella. Marbella usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives more rain than Alicante. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Marbella