El Campello
Fishing village turned coastal commuter favourite
Welcome to El Campello
El Campello sits on a 23 km stretch of beach between Alicante and Villajoyosa, combining a working fishing port (with its famous 5pm fish auction) and a long, sandy seafront promenade. The Watchtower of Illeta dels Banyets — perched over a Roman archaeological site jutting into the sea — defines the skyline. The TRAM line makes Alicante city centre a 25-minute ride, turning Campello into one of the most popular commuter towns on the coast.
Who it's ideal for
- Commuters to Alicante city
- Families wanting a long sandy beach
- Scandinavian and northern European retirees
- Buy-to-let investors targeting students and professionals
At a glance
- Region
- Central Costa Blanca
- Area
- 55.3 km²
- Population
- ≈ 28,500
- Languages
- Spanish, Valencian, English, Norwegian, French
History & heritage
Iberian and Roman settlement at Illeta dels Banyets (visible fish-salting tanks and villa ruins), grew as a fishing port under Alicante's protection, and exploded in the late 20th century as a residential extension of the provincial capital.
Lifestyle
Beach-and-promenade living with a Spanish family feel rather than a tourist-resort one. Long paseos, terrace cafés, the daily fish auction and easy TRAM access to Alicante for work, university and culture.
Best beaches
Playa Muchavista
3 km of fine golden sand running south toward Alicante — one of the province's best urban beaches.
Playa Carrer la Mar
Central town beach next to the port and promenade.
Cala Lanuza & Cala Piteres
Rocky coves north of town, excellent snorkelling.
Top things to do in El Campello
- 1.Watch the 5pm fish auction at the lonja
- 2.Walk the Illeta dels Banyets headland and Roman ruins
- 3.Cycle the seafront promenade to Alicante
- 4.Take the TRAM to Alicante's old town in 25 minutes
- 5.Visit Cova del Llop Marí coastal caves
Where to eat & drink
Day-boat fish and rice cooking at its best — Campello is regarded by many locals as the province's top town for arroz a banda and caldero. Strong tapas scene along the port.
Where to stay
Mostly small and mid-range seafront hotels and apartment-hotels; many visitors use Campello as a quieter base than Alicante or Benidorm.
Living in El Campello
Healthcare
Schools & education
Transport
Safety
Shopping
Expat community
Property & investment
Market overview
Price range
Rental market
Business opportunities
Fishing, hospitality, real estate, education (Norwegian School) and dormitory-town services for Alicante professionals.
Events & festivals
Moros y Cristianos
Major patron-saint festival with parades and a beach battle re-enactment.
Festes de Sant Bartomeu
Patron-saint fiestas with fireworks over the port.
Virgen del Carmen
Sea procession of the fishermen's patron saint.
Nearby towns
Continue exploring the Central Costa Blanca.