A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Tenerife vs. Alicante for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Tenerife or Alicante?

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

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

Tenerife

Tenerife is a vibrant, adventure-filled, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Alicante

Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Tenerife and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Alicante?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Alicante are popular destinations, Tenerife has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tenerife is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Alicante attracts visitors for its museums, food, and historical sights. Tenerife is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also well known for Mount Teide. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Tenerife different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Alicante. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

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

Tenerife is a must-see party destination. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or Alicante Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is well known for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Tenerife. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife 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 Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Alicante Better for Beaches?

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

Tenerife is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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 Tenerife or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

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

Alicante is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Alicante Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Tenerife specifically for its hiking. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Alicante?

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

Tenerife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

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 Tenerife or Alicante Better for Families?

Tenerife is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tenerife is one of the most popular family destinations. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alicante. 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 Tenerife or Alicante Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Alicante are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Tenerife or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Alicante are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

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 Tenerife or Alicante Better for Students?

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

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Tenerife and Alicante.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Tenerife or Alicante a more walkable city?

Tenerife and Alicante are nice when it comes to walkability.

Tenerife is somewhat walkable. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Alicante?

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

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

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

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

One day in Tenerife or Alicante?

The beautiful island of Tenerife offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Tenerife or Alicante?

Tenerife 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.

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 Tenerife or Alicante?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, 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 Tenerife or Alicante?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. This island 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Alicante in the Summer?

Both Alicante and Tenerife during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, 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.

In the summer, Tenerife is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Alicante averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the summer, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Alicante. Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Alicante in the Autumn?

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

In October, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Alicante. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Alicante. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Alicante in the Winter?

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

Tenerife is much warmer than Alicante in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Alicante in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Alicante. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Alicante averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Alicante. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Tenerife