Alicante or Malaga: Which is Better?

If you’re trying to decide between Alicante and Malaga, you’ll probably ask yourself, “Which is better, Alicante or Malaga?”

Both cities are well-known for their beaches and vibrant atmosphere, but “How similar are Alicante and Malaga?” and “What is the difference between Malaga and Alicante?”

Having visited Alicante and lived in Malaga, I can say that these two cities are worth visiting, but I’ll always choose Malaga over Alicante because there are more attractions and museums to visit, and the atmosphere is livelier.

In this blog, I will compare some of the main aspects you’d consider before choosing a destination, such as attractions, weather, prices and more.

This travel comparison between Malaga and Alicante will help you decide which destination is best for you.

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Attractions

Alicante

Alicante is a fantastic city that combines beach and sightseeing activities. Costa Blanca, which refers to the coastline of Alicante that goes from Denia to Pilar de la Horadada, has beautiful beaches that offer the ultimate beach holiday.

However, Alicante city is also home to historic buildings and art museums worth visiting.

These are the unmissable attractions in Alicante:

• Castillo de Santa Bárbara. One of the best attractions in Alicante is its castle. This 14th-century fortress is on top of a mountain and offers stunning panoramic views of the city, but it’s also a fantastic place to learn about the city’s history.
• MUBAG. If you love art, you must go to the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts. They host temporary exhibitions by local artists, as well as permanent paintings and ceramic objects.
• Basílica de Santa María de Alicante. The oldest church in Alicante is another building to add to your Alicante itinerary.

Malaga

When travellers think of Malaga, historic buildings and museums aren’t the first things that come to mind. Malaga is well-known for its beaches and warm temperatures almost all year round.

However, the tourism board has recently been trying to promote Malaga as a cultural destination, and the truth is that Malaga will surprise you.

Not only will you find beautiful beaches, but interesting museums and historic buildings that take you back to the Moorish time.

If you’re wondering what are the best attractions in Malaga, here is a list of my favourites:

• Alcazaba de Malaga. It’s one of the most impressive buildings in Malaga. This Moorish palace is rich in history, and you can admire beautiful Nasrid architecture.
• Castillo de Gibralfaro. Malaga’s main castle is located on Gibralfaro Mount. Although it isn’t as impressive as Alcazaba, it offers the best views in Malaga.
• Catedral de Malaga. The cathedral of Malaga is unique in many ways, and it’s well-known as La Manquita because it’s unfinished.
• Museo Picasso de Malaga. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, and it’s here where you can see some of his best contemporary artwork.

Which city has better attractions? Both cities have incredible attractions, but Malaga has more historic buildings and museums. In fact, there are over 40 museums in Malaga!

Beaches

Alicante

One of the main reasons for loving Alicante is the beaches. There are so many different types of beaches that you’re spoilt for choice – from golden sand beaches with turquoise waters to pebbled beaches and impressive hidden coves.

Some of the best beaches in Alicante and its surroundings are:

• Playa San Juan
• Playa de la Granadella
• Playa del Arenal-Bol
• Cala de Finestrat

Malaga

When talking about Malaga City, there are accessible and good beaches for all travellers. However, they aren’t as impressive as the ones in Alicante city.

Nevertheless, if you travel to the coastal towns on the west side of Malaga, you can find beautiful sandy beaches. On the east side, you’ll find Nerja, which is actually the best place to enjoy the beaches in Costa del Sol.

You can find plenty of beautiful beaches in Nerja, but one of the prettiest is Maro Beach – perfect for kayaking and snorkelling. I used to go there as a kid with my family a lot.

Some of the best beaches in the province of Malaga are:

• Playa de Maro
• Playa Cabopino
• Playa Burriana
• Playa La Rada

Which city has better beaches? Alicante has better beaches than Malaga, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find beautiful beaches in coastal towns near Malaga.

Day trips

Alicante

There are plenty of things to do in Alicante in two days. However, if you’re going to stay longer, it’s worth going on day trips like I did.

Alicante is surrounded by beautiful towns and cities to visit. Whether you want a day trip full of history and cultural activities or a picturesque small town, you’ll find great locations near Alicante.

These are some of the best day trips from Alicante:

• Altea. My favourite day trip from Alicante is Altea. Its picturesque streets, incredible views of the coastline and atmosphere make it a gem. It reminded me of Frigiliana, a town near Malaga.
• Villajoyosa. It’s another excellent trip from Alicante. You can enjoy its beautiful beaches and colourful buildings and visit the Valor Chocolate Museum.
• Murcia. It’s the nearest city to Alicante, with so much to do, from visiting historic buildings to enjoying Murcia’s cuisine.
• Cartagena. One of the most underrated cities in Spain. This is the perfect day trip for history buffs. Visit the Roman ruins and important historic buildings.

Malaga

Similarly to Alicante, the province of Malaga has incredible day trips. You can explore some of Spain’s most beautiful whitewashed towns and villages and visit other Andalusian cities. And, if you feel like visiting somewhere completely different, Gibraltar is around the corner too.

These are some of the best day trips from Malaga:

• Nerja. The best coastal towns for those who want to visit some of the best beaches in Costa del Sol. By visiting Nerja, you can add Frigiliana to your list. The latter is a typical Andalusian white town with picturesque streets and views.
• Marbella. It has a bit of everything – from luxury shopping and Michelin-star restaurants to an enchanting old town with historical monuments and beautiful golden sand beaches.
• Gibraltar. If you’re up for a different experience, head to Gibraltar. Discover this small but unique country with lots of history, cheeky monkeys and amazing views of Africa.
• Granada. This charming Andalusian city must be at the top of your list. Explore the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the picturesque streets of Albaicin, and eat and taste some of the best tapas.

Which city has better day trips? The answer to this question is going to depend on everyone’s preferences. Both cities have fantastic day trips, but I feel like it’s difficult to beat the stunning white towns in Malaga.

Weather

Alicante

Alicante has over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, which makes it a fantastic destination for travellers seeking the sun.

When it comes to temperatures, Alicante enjoys mild winters and hot summers. The hottest month is August, with an average of 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 °F), and the coldest month is January, with an average highest of 18 degrees (64.4 °F) and a minimum of 12 (53.6 °F).

Rain and wind aren’t very common in Alicante, but the rainiest month is October, with 4 days of rain.

Malaga

Similarly to Alicante, Malaga is a paradise for sun lovers. The city has mild winters and very hot summers in which you can experience a few days terral, a dry wind coming from Africa.

The hottest month is August, with an average of 31 degrees Celsius (87.8 °F), and the coldest month is January, with an average highest of 18 degrees (64.4 °F) and a minimum of 12 (53.6 °F).

There are very few rainy days, and they’re mainly in November.

Which city has better weather? Malaga and Alicante have similar climates, but Alicante’s weather is better because it’s slightly cooler in the summer months. It can get too hot in Malaga during summer.

Prices

Alicante

I must admit I didn’t find Alicante cheap when I visited it. I found that cafes and restaurants weren’t as cheap as in Andalusian destinations. However, public transport and attractions prices were pretty affordable.

When it comes to accommodation, it really depends on where you stay and the time of the year you visit Alicante.

Example of prices in Alicante:

• A meal in a restaurant: 15 €
• One-way bus ticket: 1.45 €
• One night stay at an average hotel: 77 €
• One-bedroom apartment in the city centre: 657 € per month

Malaga

Having lived in Malaga most of my life, I can confirm that it used to be much cheaper than it is now.

However, it’s still cheaper than other Spanish destinations. If you come for a holiday, you can find good value for money when it comes to public transport, food and leisure.

Whereas accommodation isn’t as cheap, you can find cheaper options by staying a little further from the city centre or in a hostel and visiting it off-season.

Example of prices in Malaga:

• A meal in a restaurant: 10 €
• One-way bus ticket: 1.40 €
• One night stay at an average hotel: 95 €
• One-bedroom apartment in the city centre: 780 € per month

Which city is cheaper? Alicante is cheaper than Malaga. However, apart from accommodation, you won’t notice a big difference in prices.

Food

Alicante

The traditional food of Alicante is influenced by Valencia and Murcia cuisines. You can find a wide variety of meat, fish, vegetables, and especially rice dishes. You can’t leave Alicante without trying Arròs a banda!

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love trying traditional pastries and cakes too.

Overall, the cuisine is delicious, and anyone who loves Mediterranean flavours will love Alicante’s food.

During your trip to Alicante, you might want to try the following typical dishes:

• Arròs a banda
• Arroz con costra
• Olleta alicantina
• Borreta alicantina
• Turrón de Jijona

Malaga

Malaga cuisine is full of flavour and varied. However, fish and seafood are the star ingredients in many dishes, and it isn’t a surprise as Malaga is surrounded by the coast.

Depending on the area you visit in Malaga, you can also find other delicious meat dishes, stews and soups. These hearty and comforting recipes are usually typical in mountainside towns and villages.

And let’s not forget about the wine. If you love wine, you’ll be amazed by the different types of wines Malaga produces, although its sweet wines are the most popular.

Here are some of the traditional dishes in Malaga you might want to taste:

• Ensalada malagueña
• Espetos de sardinas
• Ajoblanco
• Fritura malagueña
• Tortas locas

Which city has better food? This is a tricky question, as Alicante and Malaga have delicious traditional dishes. I’d say if you love paella and rice dishes, Alicante is best, but if you’re crazy about fish and seafood and cold soups, Malaga is best.

Nightlife

Alicante

Alicante is a fantastic destination to visit if you love the nightlife. There are plenty of discos and bars in the city centre where you can enjoy a cocktail or simply dance. You’ll see that the streets are always busy on the weekend with locals either going for a late dinner or going out with friends.

And then, Alicante is home to great beach clubs that offer a different experience, play the latest hits and have an amazing atmosphere.

However, the beach clubs aren’t open all year round, so if you want to experience them, make sure to visit Alicante in the summer.

Malaga

Malaga nightlife doesn’t fall behind. The city centre is bustling and lively at night, and you can choose from a wide variety of nightclubs.

You’ll see more crowds on Fridays and Saturdays; however, those aren’t the only days to enjoy the nightlife in Malaga. During the university period, you can see plenty of students going out on a Thursday night.

I’ve never been a party person, but I remember my uni colleagues getting together for a night out in Malaga old town.

If you prefer a more glamorous nightlife, you can head to Marbella, home to luxurious beach clubs like Nikki Beach. Just be aware that they’re only open during the summer season.

Which city has better nightlife? Malaga has better nightlife than Alicante.

Events

Alicante

Alicante celebrates events that take place in different parts of Spain, such as the Three Kings Parade, Carnival and Saint John’s Eve.

However, there are other traditional events that are celebrated only in Alicante or other cities in Costa Blanca.

These are some of the most popular festivals in Alicante:

• Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos. This traditional event commemorates the battles between the Moors and Christians in the Iberian Peninsula. You can see impressive parades of people with customs from those times, live music and an upbeat atmosphere.
• Romería al Monasterio de la Santa Faz. Also known as La Peregrina, it’s a Christian pilgrimage that takes place in the city on the second Thursday after Maundy Thursday.

Malaga

No matter what time of the year you visit Malaga, it’s likely you’ll be able to experience one of the amazing festivals in the city.

Not only can you attend events such as the Three Kings Parade and Easter, which also take place in different locations across Spain, but the lively and unique Feria de Málaga and other fairs across towns and villages in the province.

These are some of the most popular festivals in Malaga:

• La Noche en Blanco. It’s an incredible cultural one-day event which takes place in the centre of Malaga. It’s often in May, but the date can change. This evening, you can visit all the museums for free and enjoy unique exhibitions.
• Feria de Málaga. Malaga’s Fair is celebrated in the middle of August every year. Go to the centre to enjoy “feria de día” and go next to the fair trade centre in the evening for attractions, lots of stalls with food, drinks and music and concerts. It’s one of the main traditional festivals in the city!
• Procesión de la Virgen de la Victoria. This event celebrates the day of the patron saint of Malaga on the 8th of September. You can find a big religious parade in the city centre.

Which city has better events? Malaga has more events than Alicante. However, you’ll love Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos in Alicante if you’re a history buff.

Airport

Alicante

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is only 8 kilometres from the south of Alicante city centre, and it’s one of the most important airports in the area as it’s close to famous cities such as Benidorm, Denia and Murcia.

The airport receives thousands and thousands of passengers every year from Spain and Europe, and it’s easy to find flights to Alicante from countries like Amsterdam, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

Malaga

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is only 9 kilometres from the city centre and very close to popular coastal towns like Torremolinos and Benalmadena.

This airport is considered one of the best airports in Spain. It’s actually among the top 10 airports in the country.

Malaga’s main sector is tourism, and the airport has continued to improve yearly. Plenty of national and international airlines fly to Malaga Airport, and if you live in Europe, it’s even easier to find cheap flights.

Which city has a better airport? Malaga because it receives more international flights and is bigger.

Accommodation

Alicante

You can find a good variety of hotels in Alicante – from simple but comfortable rooms in the city centre to resort hotels with pools next to the beach.

Not sure where to stay in Alicante? Here are my recommendations:

• Luxury: Hotel Hospes Amérigo
• Mid-range: Occidental Alicante
• Budget: La Lonja

Malaga

When it comes to accommodation, you’re spoilt for choice in Malaga. You can find amazing luxury hotels such as Gran Hotel Miramar and lovely boutique hotels with a rooftop pool to affordable hostels in the heart of the city.

Not sure where to stay in Malaga? Here are my recommendations:

• Luxury: Gran Hotel Miramar
• Mid-range: Room Mate Valeria
• Budget: Urban Jungle Hostel

Which city has better accommodations? You can find excellent accommodation in both cities, but you’ll likely find cheaper options in Alicante.

Expat life

Alicante

Costa Blanca has always been one of the main areas expats choose as a home for many reasons: the beautiful sunny weather, the beaches, the food, and the more relaxed Spanish lifestyle.

In comparison to other Spanish regions, you can actually live in Alicante or nearby towns without knowing little or no Spanish at all. However, I’ll always say that locals appreciate you learning the language, especially if you plan to live there for a while.

Another reason to move to Costa Blanca is the accommodation prices, which tend to be cheaper than those on other Spanish coasts.

Malaga

Malaga has become a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. Whereas the city attracts a younger demographic, the coastal towns attract more mature expats.

Living in Malaga as an expat is a good experience because you have a bit of everything: nice weather, good food, beautiful attractions and beaches. On top of this, the city is very vibrant, and there are many things going on regardless of the time of the year.

The downside of Malaga? It’s definitely the accommodation prices. They have increased considerably and make it more difficult to find cheaper rent.

Which city is best to live in? It’s cheaper to live in Alicante than in Malaga, especially when it comes to accommodation. However, Malaga has a more charming atmosphere. But, overall, they’re some of the best cities in Spain to live in.

Alicante is right for you if…

• You want the best beaches.
• You want to taste some of the best rice dishes in Spain.
• You want a cheap holiday.

Malaga is right for you if…

• You want a combination of beach and sightseeing activities.
• You want to experience amazing traditional events.
• You want to visit the traditional Andalusian towns.

Frequently asked questions about Malaga vs Alicante

Final Thoughts: Alicante vs Malaga

Alicante and Malaga are fantastic cities to visit. Both have beautiful beaches, friendly locals, delicious food, interesting historical buildings and excellent day trips.

If you have questions about visiting Alicante or Malaga, drop them in the comments below.

Safe adventures!

Cristina x

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Top things to do before visiting Alicante or Malaga

• Check cheap flights to Malaga or Alicante with Skyscanner.
• Book the best accommodation for you with Booking.com
• Discover all the great activities in Alicante or Malaga with Get Your Guide.
• Book a free walking tour with GuruWalk.
• Hire a car in Malaga or Alicante.
• Book travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip! SafetyWing offers flexible travel and health insurance.

Read more about Alicante or Malaga

• Is Alicante Worth Visiting?
• Is Malaga Worth Visiting?
• The Ultimate 2-Day Alicante Itinerary 
• How to Spend One or Two Days in Malaga

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