Last updated on September 24th, 2024 at 11:55 am
If you’re looking to settle in a new city with a warm Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches and lots of options for leisure and nightlife, look no further than Alicante.
Located on Spain’s stunning Costa Blanca, Alicante has historically been a popular destination for tourists and expats alike. In fact, as a province Alicante ranks third in Spain for the highest number of foreign residents—behind only Barcelona and Madrid—making it a truly diverse and welcoming destination for expats.
At Remitly, we understand that relocating to a new city can be daunting. But, as a British expat who has lived in and around Alicante for most of my life, I can personally attest to the city’s undeniable appeal. So, here’s our comprehensive guide to help you with your move to Alicante as part of a series of articles about settling in different cities.
Quick facts about Alicante
If you’ve never heard about this historic city, here’s a quick rundown of the essential facts to know before moving here.
- Location: Alicante is a city located in southeast Spain, on the Mediterranean coast. It’s the capital of the Alicante province and is part of the Autonomous Community of Valencia.
- Geography and climate: The city boasts over 20 km of coastline and is considered the sunniest city in Europe, with a monthly average of 349 hours of sun. Temperatures are generally mild all year round, so you’ll be keeping your winter coat in storage most of the time!
- Population and demographics: Alicante is a medium-sized city, with around 350,000 inhabitants—over 15% of which are foreign nationals. Living here means you get the best of both worlds—the amenities of a big city without the hectic lifestyle.
- Language: Alicante has two official languages, Spanish and Valencian (a dialect of Catalan spoken in the Valencian Community). Since it’s a tourist town, most people speak some English. However, it’s a good idea to learn some basic Spanish before moving here, for example, through a language learning app.
Where to live in Alicante
Choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions when settling into a new city. For a small city, Alicante has an impressive range of choices—vibrant urban areas, peaceful suburbs, and coastal retreats. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, a family, or a retiree, you’re sure to find a place to call home in this city.
Popular neighborhoods
Santa Cruz, the old town
Known to locals as “El Barrio,” Santa Cruz is a historic neighborhood with winding streets, whitewashed houses, vibrant flowers, and traditional Spanish charm. But it’s not just a picturesque spot—it’s also the center of Alicante’s nightlife, filled with tapas restaurants, bars, and clubs.
One of my favorite traditions here is to go to Calle Castaños for tardeo; late afternoon tapas, drinks, and socializing. Santa Cruz is an ideal area for those who love culture and a lively social scene. The area offers moderate to high rental prices, reflecting its prime location and vibrant atmosphere.
Diputación-Ensanche
Located just south of the city center, Diputación-Ensanche is a bustling, modern neighborhood. This area is perfect for professionals and young families looking for a central location with easy access to stores, restaurants, and public transport. It has a more urban vibe and a mix of apartments and offices. Rental prices are mid-range, offering a good balance of central location and affordability.
Playa de San Juan and Cabo de la Huerta
Playa de San Juan and Cabo de la Huerta are neighboring areas and arguably Alicante’s most desirable locations. Playa de San Juan is renowned for its long, sandy beach, making it a favorite for people who enjoy an active, sun-soaked lifestyle.
Just a stone’s throw away, Cabo de la Huerta offers a more peaceful setting with rocky coves and luxurious villas, appealing to those seeking a quieter, more refined atmosphere. Both areas provide easy access to the beach and are perfect for enjoying Alicante’s coastal charm, with property prices reflecting their sought-after locations.
Vistahermosa and L’Albufereta
Vistahermosa and L’Albufereta are adjacent neighborhoods that offer a blend of tranquility and accessibility. Vistahermosa is an upscale residential area known for its spacious homes, green spaces, and good schools. La Albufereta, located along the coast, has a mix of modern and traditional homes. Both areas are especially suited to families due to their suburban comfort and mid-range property prices.
Surrounding towns
If you’re open to living just outside the city, some surrounding towns are great options with easy access to the province’s capital. Sant Vicent del Raspeig, where I spent four years of my life, is a lively university town just a few minutes from Alicante, and the location of the University of Alicante’s main campus.
For those drawn to the coast, El Campello offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed vibe, while Mutxamel provides more affordable housing and a quieter, rural setting. Elche, a larger town home to Europe’s largest palm grove, combines a laid-back lifestyle with all the amenities of a small city. These towns are ideal for those who want to be close to Alicante while enjoying a more tranquil environment, often at a lower cost of living.
Finding accommodation
Finding accommodation in Alicante is fairly straightforward, with options ranging from city-center apartments to luxurious beachfront villas. The rental market is diverse, with prices varying quite significantly by neighborhood.
For those looking to buy, Alicante’s real estate market is stable, with properties available to suit most budgets. In the more touristy and beachfront locations, much of the property is owned by expats, as locals tend to stick to more traditional and affordable options. Buying a house in Spain can be challenging due to the country’s complicated bureaucracy, so consider taking local legal advice.
Whether you’re buying or renting, to find the best deals, start by browsing housing platforms like Idealista and Fotocasa, or one of the many local real estate agents.
Getting around Alicante
Getting to Alicante is easy, thanks to its international airport, but how do you get around the city? Alicante’s transportation system is both efficient and affordable, making commuting to work or exploring the city’s many attractions easy.
Public Transportation
The city is well-served by buses and trams, with routes that cover all major areas. The TRAM network is particularly convenient, connecting Alicante to nearby towns and beaches, such as El Campello and Benidorm. For daily commutes, consider getting a transport card, for example:
- Bono 30: gives unlimited access to Alicante’s metropolitan transport system for 30 days.
- Bono Joven: like the Bono 30, but at a reduced price for under 30s.
- Bono Móbilis: a card for buying a set number of trips at a cheaper rate than a single ticket.
The local government often offers special discounts to promote public transport, with the city’s transport company and TRAM sites providing information and updates.
Driving in Alicante
If you prefer driving, you’ll find that Alicante’s roads are generally well-maintained, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Most locals I know own a car, especially when they live outside the city center, but I don’t think having a car is essential in Alicante. Parking in the city center can be challenging, so it’s worth looking into residential areas with easier parking options.
If you plan to stay long-term, obtaining a Spanish driving license will make your life easier. To do this, you’ll need to exchange your foreign license if you’re from outside the EU, or apply for a new one if you don’t have a valid license. For detailed information and the necessary forms, visit the DGT website (the Spanish traffic department).
Services and amenities
Alicante is a modern European city, so you’ll have no problem finding everything you need to go about your daily life.
Shopping
All of the most popular supermarkets in Spain like Mercadona, Alcampo and Carrefour are present in Alicante, so you’ll likely find one of them in your neighborhood. For fresh produce, I recommend checking out the main market, Mercado Central, located in a beautiful building close to the city center.
The city has a few large shopping malls too, like Gran Vía, or my personal favorite, Plaza Mar 2. Here you can find most of the major stores, as well as restaurants, cinemas, and bowling alleys. The main shopping street is Avenida Maisonnave, where you can shop at standard and upscale stores and El Corte Inglés, Spain’s leading department store.
Healthcare
Spain’s healthcare system is highly regarded, and Alicante is home to several excellent hospitals and clinics. The city has even become a popular destination for medical tourism due to its internationally renowned private hospitals. If you’re an EU citizen, you can access public healthcare services before registering as a resident with a European Health Insurance Card. Otherwise, taking out health insurance may be a requirement for your visa, so confirm this with your local embassy or consulate. Once you’re officially a resident, register with your local health center (Centro de Salud) as soon as possible.
Banking
Opening a bank account in Spain is relatively straightforward. Banks like Banco Santander, BBVA, and CaixaBank have branches throughout Alicante that offer English-speaking services to expats. You’ll need your NIE (foreign identification number), passport, and proof of address to open an account. Check out our guide on the best banks for some advice to help you choose.
Utilities
Registering for utilities such as electricity, water, and internet is usually done through the landlord if you rent. However, if you’re buying a property, you’ll need to set these up yourself. Providers like Iberdrola (electricity) and Movistar (internet) are common in Alicante.
Administrative services
Relocating to Spain can involve a lot of paperwork, so you’ll probably need to set up and attend various appointments in different administrative offices. Some processes can be handled online, but for others, you may have to go to a citizen information bureau (Oficina de Atención Ciudadana), a foreign office (Oficina de Extranjería) or a Policía Nacional station. Given the complexity of Spain’s bureaucratic processes, many abogados (lawyers) and gestorías offer advice specific to non-native residents.
Embracing the lifestyle
My favorite thing about Alicante is the laid-back, laissez-faire attitude and lifestyle. The city is largely walkable, and much of life is lived outdoors, making it a great place to enjoy yourself and socialize in the sun. The hospitality and tourism sectors are booming, with plenty of opportunities to find work. The city has so much to offer that settling into the lifestyle is a breeze.
Making friends in Alicante
As I’ve said, Alicante has a large expat community, so you’re sure to find plenty of people in the same boat as you if you make the move. You can use Facebook groups or platforms like Meetup, or search online for organized language exchanges.
Integrating with locals can prove a bit more difficult, but if you manage to befriend an alicantino, you’ll realize that the effort is worth it. They are some of the most open, fun, and friendly people I’ve ever encountered. Learning the language and being willing to speak it goes a long way with locals, as it shows them that you’re interested in their culture and becoming part of the community.
Things to do in Alicante
Dining and nightlife: The best places for tapas and cocktails are in El Barrio. Due to the narrow streets, establishments are usually small and can get crowded, especially in summer. Venture closer to the sea and you’ll find La Explanada, a boardwalk with nice restaurants and bars, and the port area, with more upscale clubs and seafood restaurants. If you like paella, you should try arros del senyoret, a typical Alicante rice dish with all the seafood already peeled for you.
Culture: If you like historical sites, I recommend visiting Santa Bárbara Castle, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s past while enjoying panoramic views. The Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) is another must-see, offering exhibits that trace the region’s history from prehistoric times to the modern era. And if you love cultural traditions and events, you can’t miss Hogueras de San Juan in June. It’s Alicante’s most important festival, where the streets come alive with bonfires, parades, and fireworks.
Beaches: The city of Alicante is renowned for its beaches and sunny days. Playa de San Juan and Playa del Postiguet are the most popular and touristic beaches. If you prefer more intimate coves, try Cala Cantalars or Cala de la Palmera.
Beyond the city: If you’re moving to Alicante or staying for a while, there are some other beautiful towns and villages in the province that I think are well worth a visit. Altea, a 40-minute drive from the city, is an enchanting town with cobbled streets and whitewashed houses—and one of my favorite places in the world. Other places worth visiting are Denia, a nice seaside town; Guadalest, a stunning inland village; Torrevieja, a town with nice beaches and a pink lagoon; and Benidorm, an expat town with an infamous nightlife.
Working and studying in Alicante
Alicante offers professional opportunities across various sectors, including tourism, real estate, healthcare, education, and technology. The city’s job market is competitive yet accessible, with many roles available for those fluent in Spanish and other languages.
Alicante has a laid-back work culture that balances productivity with a high quality of life. Salaries are generally lower than in larger cities, but the cost of living is also lower. The SEPE website has plenty of information about the labor market and finding employment in Spain.
For students, Alicante is home to the University of Alicante, my alma mater. It offers a broad range of programs in both Spanish and English and has many international students. Additionally, the city hosts several language schools, providing resources for learning or improving your Spanish.
Check out our guide to securing the necessary visas and permits before your move (student, volunteer, digital nomad visas, etc.). There’s information on the requirements for studying abroad or filing taxes in Spain too.
More information
One of the biggest challenges in moving to a city popular with tourists and foreigners—like Alicante, Malaga, or Valencia—is finding a balance between the comfort of the expat community and the reward that comes with integrating with locals.
If you’re planning on making the city your home, I encourage you to get involved with locals and learn about their language, culture, and way of life—it will make your experience all the more enriching.
For more information, be sure to read our other articles on moving to Spain and settling in, as well as our tips for understanding taxes, setting up a business, or handling your finances in the country.
FAQ
Q: What is the cost of living in Alicante?
A: The cost of living in Alicante is generally lower than in major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. But it’s easy to fall prey to tourist traps, so consider dining or drinking away from the most touristic areas—like directly on the beachfront or near tourist attractions, for example.
Housing costs vary by neighborhood, with more affordable options in areas away from the center, in the north of the city (e.g. Las Carolinas, Virgen del Remedio, San Blas, etc.). Overall, Alicante offers a good balance of affordability and quality of life.
Q: What cultural customs should I be aware of when living in Alicante?
A: Understanding local customs can help you integrate more smoothly. For instance, “siesta” is still observed in many parts of Alicante, with shops and businesses closing in the afternoon and reopening in the evening. Also, meal times are typically later than in other countries, with lunch around 2–3 p.m. and dinner not starting until 9 p.m. or later. Participating in local festivals and respecting these traditions will enhance your experience in Alicante.
Q: Is Alicante a safe place to live?
A: Yes, Alicante is generally a safe place to live, with a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities in Spain. However, like any popular tourist destination, there are occasional petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Like in any other major tourist city, there are scammers targeting tourists. To stay safe, try not to stand out as a tourist—speaking some basic Spanish can help you blend in better—and always stay vigilant, particularly in busy tourist spots.
Also read: Cost of Living in Spain: Your 2024 Guide
