A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Alicante for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Santorini or Alicante?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini 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.

Santorini

Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Santorini or Alicante?

You'll generally find more things to do in Santorini than Alicante. Santorini is bigger than Alicante, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Santorini is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Alicante is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Santorini is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Also, Santorini is famous for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Santorini different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santorini
Alicante

Alicante is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.


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

Santorini
Alicante

Alicante is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Santorini or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Alicante

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Santorini and Alicante.

If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alicante. 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 Santorini or Alicante Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Alicante

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Santorini is a perfect choice. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Alicante is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Alicante

Santorini 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 Santorini. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Alicante

Both Santorini and Alicante have notable beaches worth visiting.

Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Alicante. 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 Santorini or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Alicante

Alicante is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Alicante. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.


Is Santorini or Alicante Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Alicante

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Santorini. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Alicante?

Santorini
Alicante

Santorini is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Santorini is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

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 Santorini or Alicante Better for Families?

Santorini
Alicante

Alicante is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Alicante is very family-friendly. 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.

Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.


Is Santorini or Alicante Better for Couples?

Santorini
Alicante

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

For those traveling as a couple, Santorini has plenty to offer. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

Alicante is a great 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 Santorini or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Alicante

For backpackers, both Santorini and Alicante are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

Alicante is a good island 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 Santorini or Alicante Better for Students?

Santorini
Alicante

Alicante is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with 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.

Santorini is not popular with students.


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

Santorini
Alicante

Santorini and Alicante both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

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

Is Santorini or Alicante a more walkable city?

Santorini
Alicante

Santorini and Alicante are notable when it comes to walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

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 Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Alicante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Alicante?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alicante than Santorini 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 Alicante.


  • How many days in Santorini or Alicante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Alicante 2-4

One day in Santorini or Alicante?

The beautiful island of Santorini offers museums and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Alicante. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Santorini or Alicante?

Santorini 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Alicante. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Alicante?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Alicante. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Santorini or Alicante?

Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Alicante is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €127. 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 Santorini and Alicante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Alicante 42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Alicante 84
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Alicante

Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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 Santorini


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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Alicante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Alicante -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
  • 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
  • Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $37
  • Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
  • Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
  • Departure Transfer To Santorini Port: $33
  • Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:

  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Puerto Lumbreras : $281
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Azohia: $269
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Drova (urbanisation): $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Bolnuevo: $254
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to la Manga Puerto Maestre: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cehegin: $245
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Manga strip dos Mares: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cabo de Palos: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gandia: $237
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Campo sol Golf Resort : $226
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Orba: $218
  • Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Oliva: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Alicante?

Prices for flights to both Alicante and Santorini 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
    Santorini 48
    Alicante 72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
  • Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $128
  • Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $128
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $134

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante

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

  • Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
  • Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
  • Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
  • Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
  • Alicante Food Tour: $71
  • Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
  • Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
  • Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Alicante 53

Tours and Activities in Santorini

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.

  • Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $6.99
  • Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
  • Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
  • E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
  • Refundable Ticket for Akrotiri Archaeological Site : $20
  • Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $27
  • Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
  • Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
  • Santorini Volcano Tour: $37
  • Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour : $40
  • Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $44

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:

  • Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
  • Alicante - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $385
  • Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $37
  • Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $75
  • Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
  • Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
  • Alicante Evening Tapas tour: $82
  • Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
  • Alicante Highlights Bike Tour(min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $35
  • Alicante Highlights Private Tour with Castle : $76
  • Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Alicante -

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $63
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $75
  • Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $105
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
  • 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
  • Wine Tour Santorini: $118
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $136

Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante

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

  • Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
  • Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
  • Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
  • Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
  • Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
  • Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Alicante, we can see that Santorini 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini 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 Santorini Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Alicante?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.