Alicante is a vibrant city known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums or eating the delicious cuisine, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Alicante that stays within your budget.
A typical traveler spends $210 (€179) per day on a trip to Alicante. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Alicante based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
A one-week trip to Alicante for two people costs, on average, $2,940 (€2,506). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
A one week trip to Alicante usually costs around $1,470 (€1,253) for one person and $2,940 (€2,506) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Alicante on average costs around $2,940 (€2,506) for one person and $5,880 (€5,012) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Alicante will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Alicante on average costs around $6,300 (€5,370) for one person and $12,600 (€10,740) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
In Alicante, budget travelers spend $201 (€172) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $210 (€179) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $222 (€190) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Alicante.
Alicante is a smaller city that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Alicante can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Alicante is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lisse or Florence.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Alicante Expensive?
The average Alicante trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Alicante travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Alicante cost?
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy |
$50
(€42) |
$50
(€42) |
$50
(€42) |
| Food2 |
$145
(€124) |
$145
(€124) |
$145
(€124) |
| Entertainment1 |
$28
(€23) |
$62
(€53) |
$110
(€94) |
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Alicante on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $201 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Alicante is packed with plenty of hostels, including The Market Hostel Alicante, Hostal Numero Trece, and Vad Hostel Alicante. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal. Food is a standout attraction for all visitors to Alicante, but those on a budget might rely on street food or cook in their hostels, which could mean less exposure to the fantastic local dishes.
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in Alicante are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $210 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Alicante. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Suites del Mar by Melia is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Luces de Catedral is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Alicante here.
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $222 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the city, a luxury budget will be necessary. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Guided Visit to the Alicante Bullring and Museum - offered by Viator.
The cost of hotels in Alicante can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $88, but peak season (summer) average prices jump to $164. Overall, prices range from $56 to $276. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Alicante for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $100 (€85). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $50 (€42) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Alicante? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Alicante include:
Alicante's good public transit system can help keep accommodation costs low by staying farther out, but the extra transportation expenses and inconvenience may not be worth it if you're short on time.
Alicante is family-friendly, so finding a larger apartment or more spacious accommodation is ideal when traveling with children.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
The city's historic old town is a big draw for visitors. While accommodation in this area may be expensive, they usually have a lot of character and are conveniently located for access to everything.
Food in Alicante is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Alicante can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Alicante is $145 (€124) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Alicante is around $145 (€124) per person, with previous travelers spending from $145 to $145. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Alicante are as follows:
Alicante could certainly be described as a city for foodies with fresh seafood paella and Iberico meat platters being the most popular and recommended meals in this city. Below are some of the best restaurants in the city:
El Mercato Central - a huge covered market in the Alfonso el Sabio area of the city. Selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to fish and meat from the region. If you have a self-catering apartment or airbnb, El Mercato is the best place to get your food supplies. It's also an ideal place to interact with the locals.
Restaurante La Ereta - if you're looking to splurge on fine dining with a fabulous view then, I highly recommend La Ereta, This restaurant enjoys a view of El Castillo, the dishes here are creative with a local twist.
D'Tablas Alicante - a fun environment, here waiters bring large plates of tapas to your table every couple of minutes. You pick which plates take your fancy and then pay at the end. A cheap option very popular with locals.
Restaurante Casa Pepe - again, very popular with locals the food here is fresh with most ingredients purchased at El Mercato that day. You definitely need to book this one in advance.
When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Alicante, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
It's no surprise that Alicante sees many visitors since it offers museums and attractions, food, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Alicante typically cost an average of $62 (€53) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
In the city of Alicante, a must-see is the spectacular Castillo de Santa Barbara perched high above the city with awesome views of the city below. Admission to the Castillo is free. If you chose to walk to the Castillo from the city you will likely come across the quirky and colorful neighborhood of El Barrio de Santa Cruz. Make sure to take some photos here, and perhaps return in the evening for some pre-dinner drinks in the tavernas in the area.
Speaking of photogenic spots - the famed Explanada de Espana, the mosaic-tiled, palm tree-lined promenade is very popular with 'snap happy' tourists. There are a lot of cafeterias and restaurants lining the promenade, my tip is to search for one with locals hanging outside or within - these usually serve the most authentic tapas.
To escape the mid-day heat, why not step inside the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art. Only re-opened in 2011 after a major renovation, the museum exhibits both contemporary and 20th century art. The museum is located in the Asegurada building, which is in fact the oldest civil building in the city.
One of the nicest beaches within the city is Playa del Postiguet a small golden sand beach next to the old town. From this beach you can even see the Castillo de Santa Barbara. Playa del Postiguet can get pretty busy with locals, so, I recommend visiting before mid-day or after 4pm to avoid over-crowding.
Alicante is also in a pefect location to escape into the countryside. For more info, check out this guide to the best day trips from Alicante.
Museums and Attractions:
Museums and landmarks are a major reason why Alicante attracts so many visitors. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Alicante. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Alicante, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Alicante, Valencia, Spain
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.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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