A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Puerto de la Cruz vs. Alicante for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz 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.

Where Should I go: Puerto de la Cruz or Alicante?

Puerto de la Cruz

The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.

Alicante

Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Puerto de la Cruz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Puerto de la Cruz Prices
    Spain Prices
    Alicante Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Puerto de la Cruz 137
    Alicante 179

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €137, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €179. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Puerto de la Cruz and Alicante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto de la Cruz 51
    Alicante 42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto de la Cruz 102
    Alicante 84
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Alicante

Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz or Alicante? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz


Hotels in Alicante


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices and Alicante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto de la Cruz 40
    Alicante -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Algar Waterfalls with Transfer from Alicante and Benidorm: $60
  • Canelobre Caves and Busot Tour with Transfer from Alicante: $61
  • Alicante to Alicante Airport (ALC)- Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • Alicante Airport(ALC) to Alicante City - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Alicante : Highest DE Spain cave with transfer included: $63
  • Alicante; Cuevas del Canelobre and Busot Local Guide with Transfer: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alicante Ciudad to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $73
  • Alicante; Wine Tour Wine Tasting, Food and Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Torrellano: $76
  • Alicante and Benidorm: Guadalest Castle Tour including Transfer: $78
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gran Alacant: $81
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Mutxamel: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto de la Cruz or Alicante?

Prices for flights to both Alicante and Puerto de la Cruz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Puerto de la Cruz 58
    Alicante 124

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.

  • Evening Spanish Tapas Cooking Class with Drinks in Alicante: $43
  • Alicante Paella Cooking Class, Tapas, Drinks and Marketplace: $58
  • Paella & Sangria Cooking Class in Alicante with Market Visit: $58
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $98
  • Make and enjoy a real Neapolitan pizza in Spain: $104
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto de la Cruz 28
    Alicante 53

Tours and Activities in Puerto de la Cruz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto de la Cruz are as follows:

  • 1.5-hour walking tour of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.: $23
  • Tenerife: mindfulness experience for well-being: $59
  • Ascend Mount Teide on a quad bike to experience a magical sunset: $100
  • Puerto de la Cruz Motorbike tour through Teide National Park: $294

Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante

Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)
    54
  • Catamaran Cruise (for 2)
    67
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    120
  • Walking Tour (for 2)
    60

Tours and Activities in Alicante

Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Alicante Secret Society Exploration Game and Tour: $5.95
  • Museum of Illusions Alicante Entrance ticket: $23
  • Hot Spots Urban Tour with Advice Art and Activities: $31
  • Shared Walking Tour Experience in Alicante Spain : $35
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $35
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $35
  • Tuk Tuk Tour in Alicante: $36
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $36
  • Alicante E-Bike Coast Tour with Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $42
  • City Bike Tour in Alicante: $42
  • Alicante Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $57
  • Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls Tour from Alicante or Benidorm: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto de la Cruz 5.00
    Alicante -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas Club: $42
  • Guided tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $89
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $161
  • Wine tasting and tapas premium in Alicante : $179
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $292


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto de la Cruz and Alicante, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. And not only is Puerto de la Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto de la Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz.

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


Which is Bigger, Puerto de la Cruz or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz or Alicante in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and Alicante. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Puerto de la Cruz is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 24°C (75°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Puerto de la Cruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during summer. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F) 
    Alicante 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Alicante in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as Alicante. Additionally, most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months.

Puerto de la Cruz is around the same temperature as Alicante in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Alicante fluctuates around 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 Puerto de la Cruz this time of the year. In the autumn, Puerto de la Cruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun.

Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in October than Alicante. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F) 
    Alicante 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Alicante in the Winter?

Both Alicante and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz is much warmer than Alicante. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Alicante averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Puerto de la Cruz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during winter. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more rain than Alicante. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F) 
    Alicante 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Alicante in the Spring?

Both Alicante and Puerto de la Cruz during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

In April, Puerto de la Cruz is generally a little warmer than Alicante. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 20°C (68°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. In the spring, Puerto de la Cruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun.

Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in April than Alicante. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F) 
    Alicante 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Alicante and Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz Alicante
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)