Central Costa Blanca

Alicante

The capital of the Costa Blanca

Population

≈ 340,000 (metro 760,000)

Climate

Mediterranean · 320+ sun days · mild winters

Nearest airport

Alicante–Elche (ALC) — 10 km

Known for

Santa Bárbara castle, Explanada, Postiguet beach, gastronomy, AVE rail

Welcome to Alicante

Alicante is the provincial capital — a vibrant Mediterranean port city of palm-lined boulevards, a magnificent old quarter climbing toward the Santa Bárbara castle, a 7 km city beach and a modern, well-connected lifestyle. The international airport, AVE high-speed rail and university make it the most practical base on the Costa Blanca.

Who it's ideal for

Year-round residents who want city amenities
Digital nomads and remote workers
University students
Travellers using ALC airport and AVE

At a glance

Region: Central Costa Blanca
Area: 201 km²
Population: ≈ 340,000 (metro 760,000)
Languages: Spanish, Valencian, English

History & heritage

Founded by Carthaginians as Akra Leuka (white peak), reshaped by Romans and Moors. The Santa Bárbara castle on Mount Benacantil is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain.

Lifestyle

Urban, year-round, full Spanish city life with tapas culture in El Barrio, beach culture at Postiguet and San Juan, and a growing tech and digital-nomad scene around the Distrito Digital.

Best beaches

Playa del Postiguet

City beach beneath the castle, walkable from the old town.

Playa San Juan

7 km of fine golden sand — the main residential beach district.

Cabo de las Huertas

Series of rocky coves perfect for snorkelling.

Top things to do in Alicante

1.Castell de Santa Bárbara — free lift from Postiguet
2.Tapas crawl in El Barrio (Casco Antiguo)
3.Stroll the Explanada de España palm promenade
4.MARQ archaeology museum (European Museum of the Year)
5.Day-trip on the TRAM along the coast to Dénia

Where to eat & drink

Birthplace of arroz a banda and many Alicantino rice dishes; vibrant tapas scene and growing fine-dining offer.

Signature dishes

Arroz a bandaArroz con costraCalderoTurrón de Jijona

Where to stay

Full international hotel offer in the centre, plus resorts along Playa San Juan.

Living in Alicante

Healthcare

Major public hospitals (HGUA, San Juan, Vinalopó) plus private (Vithas, HLA, Quirónsalud, IMED).

Schools & education

Spanish public network plus international schools (King's College Alicante, ELIAN'S, Newton College).

Transport

ALC international airport (10 min), AVE high-speed rail to Madrid (2h20), TRAM along the coast, full bus network and tram. AP-7 motorway.

Safety

Safe for a city of its size; standard urban precautions in the port at night.

Shopping

El Corte Inglés (3 stores), Plaza Mar 2, Gran Vía mall, plus the historic Mercado Central and pedestrian shopping streets.

Expat community

Cosmopolitan and well integrated. Strong British, French, Italian, German, Algerian, Russian and Latin American communities.

Property & investment

Market overview

Apartments in the historic centre and around Mercado Central, modern blocks in PAU and Vistahermosa, beachfront in San Juan, villas in Cabo de las Huertas.

Price range

City apartments €150–500k; San Juan apartments €200–600k; Cabo villas €600k–3M.

Rental market

Strong year-round rental demand from students, professionals and digital nomads.

Business opportunities

Distrito Digital tech hub, hospitality, port and logistics, footwear, professional services, EU IP Office (EUIPO).

Browse property Moving to Alicante

Events & festivals

20–24 June

Hogueras de San Juan

Spain's second-largest fire festival, declared of International Tourist Interest.

Various

Moros y Cristianos

Multiple parades across the city's barrios.

Periodic

Volvo Ocean Race / The Ocean Race

Alicante is the start port of the round-the-world race.

Nearby towns

Continue exploring the Central Costa Blanca.

San Juan de Alicante El Campello Mutxamel Santa Pola Elche