A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Alicante for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a picturesque, postcard perfect, and glamourous Greek island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante

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

Mykonos and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Alicante?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mykonos than Alicante. Mykonos is bigger than Alicante, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mykonos is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Alicante is more popular for its museums. Mykonos is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Also, Mykonos is famous for the traditional windmills near Chora. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Mykonos different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

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

Mykonos is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Mykonos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

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

Mykonos is a must-see party destination. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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 Mykonos or Alicante Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Mykonos is a perfect choice. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Alicante Better for Beaches?

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

Mykonos is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

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 Mykonos or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Mykonos has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

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 Mykonos or Alicante Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is not so good for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

A few hiking trails can be found near Mykonos. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Alicante?

Mykonos 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 Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Alicante Better for Families?

Alicante is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek 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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Alicante Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Mykonos has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Alicante is a great Greek island 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 Mykonos or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Alicante Better for Students?

Alicante is a good destination for students. However, Mykonos 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.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Both Mykonos and Alicante offer notable public transit options.

Mykonos has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

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

Is Mykonos or Alicante a more walkable city?

Mykonos is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Mykonos on foot is easy. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Mykonos or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mykonos due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

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

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

One day in Mykonos or Alicante?

The beautiful Greek island of Mykonos offers museums 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.

In Alicante, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mykonos or Alicante?

Mykonos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Alicante, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alicante has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Alicante?

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

Alicante is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Alicante?

Mykonos is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This Greek island offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alicante. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to 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 Mykonos and Alicante, we can see that Mykonos 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 Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Alicante?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.