A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Valencia vs. Alicante for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Attractions

Should you visit Valencia or Alicante?

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

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

Valencia

Valencia is a architectural, friendly, and coastal coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valencia and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Alicante?

You'll generally find more things to do in Valencia than Alicante. Valencia is bigger than Alicante, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Valencia is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Valencia different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Valencia and Alicante.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

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

Valencia has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia is a must-see party destination. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Alicante Better for Resorts?

Valencia is very good for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Both Valencia and Alicante have notable beaches worth visiting.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

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 Valencia or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

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

Valencia has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

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 Valencia or Alicante Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Alicante?

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

Valencia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia or Alicante Better for Families?

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

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or Alicante Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Alicante is a great coastal city 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 Valencia or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia is well known for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Valencia or Alicante Better for Students?

Valencia is terrific for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Valencia. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Alicante.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Valencia or Alicante a more walkable city?

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Alicante?

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

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or Alicante?

Valencia is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

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 Valencia or Alicante?

Valencia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Valencia, 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 Valencia or Alicante?

Valencia 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.

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 Valencia or Alicante?

Valencia 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 coastal city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Alicante?

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

Both Alicante and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, 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.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Alicante in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives more rain than Alicante. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Alicante in the Autumn?

Both Alicante and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Valencia because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, 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 the autumn, Valencia is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Alicante averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Valencia often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets more rain in October than Alicante. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Alicante in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Alicante. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Valencia is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Valencia usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valencia usually receives more rain than Alicante. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Alicante in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Alicante. Many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Alicante in the spring. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets more rain in April than Alicante. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Valencia