Alicante is a captivating city on the Costa Blanca, boasting a vibrant atmosphere that seamlessly blends modern amenities with rich cultural heritage. Its stunning Mediterranean backdrop, coupled with a lively social scene and a relaxed Spanish lifestyle, makes it an appealing destination for both tourists and those considering a permanent move.
Alicante is renowned for its Elche Palm Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the majestic Santa Bárbara Castle, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sparkling coastline.
Who Would Enjoy Living in Alicante?
Alicante would particularly appeal to individuals who:
- Embrace a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle: Enjoying leisurely lunches, long evenings at outdoor cafes, and spending time at the beach are quintessential aspects of life in Alicante.
- Appreciate a blend of culture and modern conveniences: Alicante offers a rich cultural heritage with historical sites and traditional festivals, alongside excellent infrastructure, modern amenities, and a thriving international community.
- Enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle: The city’s proximity to the sea and mountains provides ample opportunities for water sports, hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
- Seek a more affordable cost of living compared to other Mediterranean destinations: While costs are rising, Alicante generally offers a more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to some other popular coastal cities in Spain.
What Opportunities are there to make friends in Alicante?
Alicante boasts a diverse and welcoming community, making it relatively easy to connect with new people.
- Expat Communities: A significant expat population exists in Alicante, particularly from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. There are numerous expat groups and social clubs, providing excellent opportunities to meet fellow foreigners and build friendships.
- Language Exchange Groups: Learning Spanish is highly recommended for a more enriching experience, and language exchange groups provide a fun and informal way to practice your language skills while meeting locals.
- Social Clubs and Activities: Alicante offers a wide range of social clubs, including sports clubs, book clubs, and hobby groups. Participating in these activities can be a great way to meet people with shared interests.
- Local Festivals: Alicante hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, offering vibrant opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture and interact with the community.
While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and among the expat community. However, learning some basic Spanish will undoubtedly enhance your social interactions and integration into the local culture.
How LBGQT+ friendly is Alicante?
Alicante is considered LGBTQ+ friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere and a growing scene. The city has a number of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and venues, particularly in the city center and near the beach areas. Alicante also hosts an annual Pride event, “Alicante Orgullo,” which includes parades, parties, and cultural activities, contributing to the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.
The local population is generally accepting, with a relaxed, open-minded approach to diversity. While the city may not have as large or as prominent a scene as places like Madrid or Barcelona, it offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in more urban and tourist-friendly areas. Overall, Alicante is a safe and friendly place for LGBTQ+ people to live and visit.
What are Alicante’s Main Residential Areas
- Centro: The city center is a vibrant area with a mix of historical buildings, modern apartments, and bustling pedestrian streets. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
- El Campello: A charming coastal town located north of Alicante, El Campello offers a more relaxed pace of life with beautiful beaches and a friendly community.
- San Juan Playa: A popular beach resort with a lively atmosphere, San Juan Playa boasts long stretches of golden sand, numerous bars and restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Santa Pola: A traditional fishing village with a picturesque harbor, Santa Pola offers a more authentic Spanish experience with a relaxed ambiance and beautiful beaches.
- Aguas de San Juan: A tranquil residential area located south of Alicante, Aguas de San Juan offers a peaceful environment with stunning coastal views and easy access to the beach.
- Mutxamel: A charming inland town with a historic center and a relaxed atmosphere, Mutxamel offers a more authentic Spanish experience with a slower pace of life.
- Busot: A picturesque village nestled in the mountains, Busot offers stunning views, a peaceful environment, and a more rural lifestyle.
What are the best areas of Alicantefor expats?
- Centro: – Lively atmosphere, central location, easy access to amenities.
- El Campello: – Relaxed pace of life, beautiful beaches, strong expat community.
- San Juan Playa: – Vibrant beach resort, excellent amenities, lively social scene.
- Aguas de San Juan: – Peaceful and tranquil, stunning coastal views, good access to the beach.
Location and Accessibility of Key Amenities
- Nearest beach and distance: Varies depending on location, but many areas in Alicante offer easy access to beaches within a short distance.
- The 2 Nearest airports and distance: Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is located approximately 15 kilometers from the city center.
- Nearest international school and distance:
- King’s College Alicante (approximately 15 kilometers from the city center)
- British College of Alicante (approximately 15 kilometers from the city center)
- Nearest public school and distance: Public schools are located throughout the city and surrounding areas.
- Nearest hospital and distance: Hospital General Universitario de Alicante (approximately 5 kilometers from the city center)
- Nearest Railway Station and distance: Alicante Train Station (located in the city center)
What are the top-rated international schools in Alicante?
- King’s College Alicante: A prestigious international school offering British curriculum from nursery to A-Levels.
- British College of Alicante: A well-regarded school offering British curriculum from Early Years to A-Levels.
- Colegio Internacional de Alicante: A private school offering Spanish and international curricula.
Medical Care
Alicante boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including both public and private hospitals. Public healthcare is available to residents through the Spanish social security system. Private healthcare is also readily available, with several well-regarded private hospitals offering high-quality care. Medical care is typically available in both Spanish and English.
Transport options
- Need for a car and Parking availability: While public transportation options are available, owning a car can enhance mobility and access to areas outside the city center. Parking can be challenging in the city center, but residential areas often offer more parking options.
- EV Charging Coverage: EV charging infrastructure is expanding in Alicante, with charging stations available in various locations throughout the city.
- How accessible is public transportation in Alicante? Alicante has a good public transportation system, including:
- TRAM: A modern tram system connects the city center with the surrounding areas, including beaches and coastal towns.
- Buses: A comprehensive bus network serves the city and surrounding areas.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout the city.
The top 10 Sports facilities in and around Alicante
- Club de Golf Alicante: A challenging 18-hole golf course with stunning views.
- Campo de Golf Bonalba: Another excellent golf course with well-maintained facilities.
- Club Náutico Alicante: Offers a wide range of water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
- Centro de Tecnificación Deportiva: A high-performance sports center with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Estadio José Rico Pérez: Home to Hércules CF, the local football team.
- Palacio de los Deportes: A multi-purpose arena hosting various sporting events.
- Marina Greenwich: Offers a variety of water sports, including diving, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
- Playa de San Juan: Popular for surfing, paddleboarding, and other water sports.
- Mount Benacantil: Offers excellent hiking and mountain biking trails.
- Parque Natural de la Serra Gelada: A beautiful natural park with stunning coastal scenery and hiking trails.
The Most Popular Pastimes and hobbies in and around Alicante
- Cycling: Alicante boasts excellent cycling routes, including coastal paths and mountain trails.
- Fishing: The Costa Blanca offers excellent fishing opportunities, both from the shore and by boat.
- Sailing: The city’s marinas offer opportunities for sailing lessons, boat rentals, and regattas.
- Hiking: Numerous hiking trails can be found in the surrounding mountains and along the coast.
- Watersports: Popular water sports in Alicante include surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing.
- Horse riding: Several equestrian centers offer horse riding lessons and trails.
- Kite surfing: The strong winds and beautiful beaches make Alicante a popular destination for kite surfing.
- Motor racing: The Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia is within easy reach of Alicante.
- Mountain climbing: The surrounding mountains offer challenging climbing routes for experienced climbers.
- Food and drink: Alicante offers a vibrant culinary scene with a wide variety of restaurants and bars. Enjoying tapas, paella, and local wines is a popular pastime.
The Flaura and Fauna in and Around Alicante
- Elche Palm Grove: Home to a unique and impressive collection of palm trees.
- Tabarca Island: A small island off the coast of Alicante, known for its marine life and diverse flora.
- Parque Natural de la Serra Gelada: Home to a variety of bird species, including peregrine falcons and griffon vultures.
- Mediterranean Sea: Abundant marine life, including dolphins, whales, and various fish species.
Neighborhood Characteristics
- Population of Alicante: Approximately 330,000
- Broadband and Mobile coverage: Excellent broadband and mobile coverage throughout the city.
- Demographics and community: A diverse community with a significant expat population.
- Integration ease for foreigners: Generally easy to integrate into the local community, with a welcoming atmosphere towards foreigners.
- Safety comparison with other areas in Spain: Alicante is generally considered a safe city.
- Noise levels at different times of day: Noise levels can vary depending on the location. Traffic noise can be noticeable in some areas, especially during peak
- Noise levels at different times of day: Noise levels can vary depending on the location. Traffic noise can be noticeable in some areas, especially during peak hours.
- Popularity with expats by nationality: Popular with expats from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and other European countries.
Climate and Seasonality
Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- Year-round climate variations:
- Summer (June-August): Hot and sunny with average temperatures exceeding 30°C.
- Spring and Autumn (March-May & September-November): Pleasant with warm temperatures and sunshine.
- Winter (December-February): Mild with occasional rainfall.
- How busy is Alicante in season? Alicante is very busy during the summer months (June-August) with a significant influx of tourists.
- How busy is Alicante out of season? Alicante is less crowded during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) and winter, making it a more relaxed and enjoyable time to visit.
Nightlife
Alicante offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. The city center is particularly lively at night, with numerous bars and restaurants offering outdoor seating. San Juan Playa also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of beach bars and clubs.
Restaurants and Bars
Alicante offers a diverse culinary scene with a wide range of restaurants and bars. You can find everything from traditional Spanish tapas bars and paella restaurants to international cuisine, including Italian, French, and Asian. The city center is home to numerous restaurants and bars, while the coastal areas offer a variety of beach bars and seafood restaurants. El Portal Taberna is a popular tapas bar, while La Taberna del Gourmet is known for its excellent paella.
Shopping
Alicante offers a variety of shopping experiences:
- High-End Shopping: The city center boasts several high-end boutiques and designer stores.
- Trendy and Eclectic Shopping: Explore the charming streets of the El Barrio district for unique boutiques and independent shops.
- Department Store Shopping: El Corte Inglés is a popular department store offering a wide range of products.
- Shopping Malls: The Gran Vía Alicante shopping center offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
- Outlet Shopping: Visit the La Zenia Boulevard outlet mall for discounted designer brands.
- Local Markets: The Mercado Central is a bustling market selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal crafts.
- Unique Shops: Discover unique shops selling handcrafted items, local souvenirs, and antiques in the historic center.
Opening hours and holidays: Most shops are open from Monday to Saturday, with some closing for a few hours in the afternoon. Shops are typically closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Property Information
Alicante’s property market caters to various needs, from holiday homes to permanent residences and rental investments. The city has seen steady growth in property values over recent years, with a vibrant real estate scene attracting both domestic and international buyers.
Property price trends: Alicante prices have been on an upward trajectory, with an 18% increase during 2024 and expectations of further growth in 2025. Experts predict a 3-5% increase in property prices by 2025, driven by factors such as stable economic outlook and continued international demand.
Distribution of property types:
Apartments: 60%
Townhouses: 25%
Villas: 15%
Average price per square meter:
Apartments: €1,600 – €2,200
Townhouses: €2,000 – €2,800
Villas: €2,500 – €3,500
Estimated rental costs:
1-bedroom apartment: €600 – €750 per month
3-bedroom house: €950 – €1,200 per month
Relative expense: 3/5 (Alicante is moderately priced compared to other areas in Spain, offering good value for money while remaining more affordable than major cities like Madrid or Barcelona)
Cost of Living compared to other areas in Spain:
Overall cost: 2/5 (Alicante offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other Spanish cities, particularly in terms of housing and daily expenses).
Housing: 2/5 (Alicante’s housing costs are significantly lower than those in Madrid or Barcelona, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging around €750 per month).
Food and groceries: 3/5 (Food costs in Alicante are moderate, with prices generally lower than in larger Spanish cities).
Transportation: 2/5 (Public transportation in Alicante is affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €26, which is lower than the national average).
Utilities: 3/5 (Utility costs in Alicante are moderate, with monthly expenses for a typical apartment around €83).
Entertainment: 3/5 (Entertainment costs in Alicante are reasonable, with prices for dining out and leisure activities generally lower than in major Spanish cities).
Alicante offers an attractive balance of affordable living costs and high quality of life, making it an appealing destination for both residents and investors. The city’s lower housing costs, combined with its pleasant climate and well-developed infrastructure, contribute to its growing popularity in the Spanish real estate market.
Employment Opportunities in Alicante and surrounding areas
- Tourism: The tourism industry offers a wide range of employment opportunities, including hospitality, tourism services, and leisure activities.
- International Business: The presence of international companies in the region creates opportunities in various sectors, including finance, technology, and logistics.
- Education: International schools and universities offer employment opportunities for teachers, administrators, and support staff.
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector offers employment opportunities for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Construction: The ongoing development in the region creates opportunities in the construction industry.
Pros and Cons of Living in Alicante
Pros:
- Beautiful Mediterranean climate
- Stunning beaches and coastline
- Vibrant culture and history
- Excellent food and drink
- Friendly and welcoming community
- Good quality of life
- Affordable cost of living compared to some other Mediterranean destinations
- Easy access to other parts of Spain
Cons:
- Can be crowded during peak season
- Summers can be very hot
- Learning Spanish is beneficial for full integration
- Traffic congestion can occur in some areas
Sentiment analysis and reviews
Sentiment analysis from various online platforms reveals that Alicante generally receives positive reviews. Many residents and visitors praise the city’s beautiful beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and friendly locals. However, some common criticisms include the potential for overcrowding during peak season and the occasional traffic congestion.
Sample positive review: “Alicante is a fantastic city with something for everyone. The beaches are beautiful, the food is delicious, and the people are incredibly friendly. I highly recommend it as a place to live or visit.”
Sample negative review: “Alicante can get very crowded during the summer months, making it difficult to enjoy the beaches and other attractions. Traffic can also be a problem, especially during peak hours.”
Conclusion
Alicante is a vibrant and captivating city with a lot to offer. Its stunning Mediterranean backdrop, coupled with a rich cultural heritage, a lively social scene, and a relaxed Spanish lifestyle, makes it an appealing destination for those seeking a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle. While the city can experience periods of high tourism, its overall appeal lies in its blend of modern amenities, cultural richness, and the opportunity to embrace a truly Mediterranean way of life.
Now Discover The Best Neighbourhoods to Live in Alicante
FAQs
- What is the best time to visit Alicante? The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- How much does it cost to live in Alicante? The cost of living in Alicante is generally affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations, but costs can vary depending on lifestyle and location.
- What are the best beaches in Alicante? Some of the best beaches in Alicante include Playa de San Juan, Playa del Postiguet, and Playa de la Albufereta.
- Is it easy to get around Alicante without a car? Yes, Alicante has a good public transportation system, including a tram and bus network. However, having a car can enhance mobility and access to areas outside the city center.
