Living in Alicante

Alicante is the capital of the province and the beating heart of the Costa Blanca. With more than 330,000 inhabitants, it offers the perfect balance of vibrant city life and relaxed coastal living. For many expats and buyers, Alicante is the ideal place to settle: a Mediterranean city with history, culture and all modern amenities.

Location and accessibility
Alicante is perfectly connected. The international airport El Altet is only 15 minutes from the city centre, with daily flights to major European cities. The AVE high-speed train connects Alicante to Madrid in just over two hours. The coastal TRAM network links the city with Benidorm, Altea and Dénia. Road access via the AP-7 motorway ensures quick travel along the coast.

Beaches and nature
Alicante offers some of the best urban beaches in Spain. Playa del Postiguet is right next to the old town and marina. Playa de San Juan stretches for kilometres with golden sand and a lively promenade. For quiet escapes, Cabo de las Huertas offers rocky coves ideal for snorkelling. Just off the coast, Tabarca Island is a marine reserve perfect for day trips.

Neighbourhoods

Centro Histórico (El Barrio): narrow streets, tapas bars, historic apartments.
Ensanche/Mercado: central location, good rental opportunities.
Playa San Juan: modern apartments, schools, sport clubs, popular with expats.
Cabo de las Huertas: exclusive villas and apartments with sea views.
Vistahermosa & Gran Vía: spacious family homes in green residential areas.

Amenities and lifestyle
Alicante combines convenience and quality of life. There are international schools, the University of Alicante, modern hospitals and several shopping centres. The Mercado Central is famous for fresh produce, while the Explanada de España promenade is perfect for leisure. The city hosts cultural events, theatres and festivals such as Hogueras de San Juan.

Property market
Housing in Alicante is varied.

Central apartments, ideal for investors with strong rental demand.
New developments in Playa San Juan with pools and modern facilities.
Luxury villas in Cabo de las Huertas with sea views.
Affordable flats in emerging neighbourhoods.

Prices range from €150,000 for smaller apartments to over €1 million for exclusive villas.

Lifestyle and expats
Life in Alicante means more than 300 days of sun per year, Mediterranean food, evenings on terraces and a cosmopolitan vibe. The expat community is large and diverse, with Dutch, Belgian, British and Scandinavian residents. Integration is easy while Spanish culture remains authentic.

Buying in Alicante – what to know

An NIE number is mandatory.
Always use a lawyer to ensure the property is debt-free and licences are in order.
Rental licences vary per municipality and must be checked.

Why Alicante?