Moving to Alicante: Your essential guide to living on the Costa Blanca
Friday, February 13, 2026 @ 7:15 PM
This is your comprehensive and essential guide to successfully navigating a relocation to the province of Alicante, the true heart of Spain's stunning Costa Blanca. This region is renowned globally for its kilometres of beautiful white beaches, a consistently stable and exceptionally mild Mediterranean climate, and a vast, established international community that makes transitioning seamless.
Whether you are a retiree looking for year-round golf and a relaxed pace, a family prioritising high-quality international school education, or a remote worker seeking a high quality of life, this guide provides the vital logistical, financial, and lifestyle information you need to make Alicante your new Spanish home. The Costa Blanca is a welcoming and popular destination for the expat community.

Alicante is the heart of Spain's Costa Blanca and renowned for its micro-climate . Photo: Pixabay
Best places to live on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca stretches over 200 kilometres of coastline in the province of Alicante and is geographically split into the North and South, each offering a distinct lifestyle and appeal to various expat groups.
- Alicante city:The vibrant provincial capital offers an ideal blend of city amenities, historical charm, and coastal life. It is perfect for younger professionals and families who want access to a busy university, a diverse cultural scene, and excellent transport links (including the international airport in Alicante).
- North Costa Blanca (The Marina Alta):
- Jávea (Xàbia) & Denia: Highly sought after by Western and Northern European foreign buyers, these towns offer picturesque, greener environments with mountain backdrops. They are known for high-quality dining, marinas, secluded coves, and a more upmarket atmosphere. Denia also provides a crucial ferry link to the Balearic Islands.
- Altea: Recognised for its stunning white-washed old town perched on a hill, Altea attracts creatives and those looking for a quieter, more sophisticated and bohemian lifestyle.
- South Costa Blanca (Vega Baja del Segura):
- Torrevieja & Orihuela Costa: These Costa Blanca areas boast some of the highest concentrations of foreign residents in allSpain, featuring large, established expat communities. They are popular for affordability, purpose-built golf resort developments, and extensive infrastructure catering directly to international residents, especially British and Scandinavian retirees. This is truly a sought-after retirement spot.
- Inland villages: Towns such as Elche and Novelda offer a more traditional Spanish culture, significantly lower property market prices, and a stronger connection to the local employment markets away from tourist hotspots.
Population and popular expat areas
Alicante is one of Spain’s most highly international provinces. The expat community is well-established, making the transition easier as many essential services (legal, medical, and real estate) are readily available in multiple languages, particularly English, German, and Dutch.
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