Living in Alicante Province

Why buy property in Alicante Province?

In the heart of Spain's eastern coast, Alicante province's exceptional climate attracts residents from across Europe to its picturesque shores and mountain villages.

A multicultural haven with established expat communities

Alicante boasts the highest concentration of international residents in Spain, with some municipalities recording over 70% non-Spanish residents according to Spain's Institute for National Statistics (INE). This diversity creates practical advantages for newcomers, with English widely spoken in coastal areas and established networks providing support with bureaucracy and integration. Unlike other expat destinations dominated by a single nationality, you'll find significant communities of British, German, Dutch, Scandinavian, Russian and Chinese residents, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere while still retaining authentic Spanish charm.

Affordable living with excellent amenities

Property prices in Alicante remain remarkably competitive compared to other Mediterranean destinations, with options to suit virtually every budget. From urban apartments in Alicante city (from €65,000) to rural fincas in the Jalón Valley (from €100,000), the diversity is remarkable. The cost of living stretches pensions further, with everyday expenses like dining out, healthcare, and utilities typically 15-20% lower than in northern Europe. Yet these savings come without sacrificing quality - the province boasts excellent infrastructure, modern healthcare facilities, and reliable transport networks.

Savour the Mediterranean flavours!

In Alicante, gastronomy is a homage to sea and sun. In bustling seaside chiringuitos and time-worn mountain taverns, flavours whisper tales of Moorish spice routes and sun-drenched citrus orchards. Dive into a steaming cauldron of caldero, where saffron-tinged rice cradles tender morsels of fish, the essence of the Mediterranean distilled into each spoonful. Let your palate dance with arroz a banda, and as twilight paints the sky, uncork a bottle of Alicante's liquid amber – perhaps a muscatel that tastes of honeyed sunshine or a bold Monastrell that echoes the region's fiery spirit. Finally, surrender to the sweet seduction of turrón, its nutty decadence a fitting finale to this gastronomic reverie.

Year-round celebrations and festivals

Alicante is alive with vibrant festivals throughout the year. Join the exuberant Hogueras de San Juan in June, when bonfires, fireworks, and colourful parades light up the night as enormous satirical sculptures meet a spectacular fiery end. Explore the magnificent Moors and Christians festivals in towns like Alcoy, where hundreds of locals parade in lavish period costumes recreating medieval battles with astonishing historical accuracy. For a truly unique experience, visit Elche for the Mystery Play—a medieval liturgical drama performed inside the basilica and recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Discover Alicante's natural wonders

Beyond the beaches that frame holiday brochures, Alicante harbours ecological treasures that reward the curious explorer. The otherworldly pink lakes of Salinas de Torrevieja and La Mata form one of Europe's most important wetland complexes, their hyper saline waters creating conditions where only specialised organisms thrive, including the microscopic algae that give the water its rosy hue. The Montgó massif rises dramatically from the Mediterranean near Jávea, its distinctive elephant-head silhouette sheltering rare orchids and over 650 plant species. Inland, the Guadalest Valley presents a picture-perfect tableau where white villages cling to impossible precipices beneath castle ruins, while the emerald reservoir below reflects craggy peaks.

What's it like to live in Alicante Province?

Living in Alicante province means embracing outdoor living year-round. The exceptional climate allows for al fresco dining in January and beach visits well into November. The province's varied geography creates distinctly different lifestyle options: coastal areas offer modern developments with international amenities, while inland villages provide authentic Spanish experiences at significantly lower costs.

The international character varies significantly across the province. Resorts like Benidorm and areas of Torrevieja offer an experience where you can function almost entirely in English if desired. Meanwhile, inland villages provide deeper immersion in Spanish culture, though with fewer specialist services. This diversity means you can choose exactly how "Spanish" you want your everyday experience to be—from fully integrated local life to primarily English-speaking communities.

Alicante's celebrated salt lakes create unique microclimates said to benefit those with respiratory conditions, while the World Health Organisation once declared the area around Torrevieja one of the healthiest places to live. The province's geography significantly impacts everyday living choices: northern coastal areas offer dramatic scenery but often steeper terrain, while the flatter southern regions provide easier mobility—an important consideration for retirees or those with mobility issues.

For golf enthusiasts, Alicante is a paradise with over 15 championship courses set against stunning backdrops of mountains and sea. The province has earned its reputation as a sportsperson's haven, with excellent facilities for tennis, padel, cycling, and water sports available year-round. The mountainous interior offers spectacular hiking and mountain biking, with routes suitable for all ability levels winding through pine forests and almond groves.

Alicante's pueblo blancos (white villages) are famous for their pristine whitewashed buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and traditional Valencian culture. Villages like Guadalest, Polop, and Altea cling to hillsides, offering spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The Moorish architecture and relaxed pace of life in these communities provide an authentic glimpse into historic Spain, all within easy reach of coastal amenities.

Essential Information about Alicante Province

Healthcare

Alicante province offers excellent healthcare facilities and hospitals, with both public and private options available. The public healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage to registered residents, whether through employment contributions, S1 forms for UK state pensioners, or private insurance policies designed to access state care. To find out more, check out our comprehensive guide to the Spanish healthcare system. 

Major public hospitals include the impressive Hospital General Universitario in Alicante city and Torrevieja Hospital, both offering cutting-edge facilities and comprehensive specialties. The San Juan University Hospital is renowned for its research facilities and teaching excellence.

Private healthcare thrives alongside the public system, with networks like HCB Hospitals, IMED Levante in Benidorm, and Hospital Vithas Medimar International in Alicante offering premium facilities often with shorter waiting times. In areas with high expatriate populations, many medical professionals speak English, and translation services are readily available in most facilities.

For minor ailments and routine prescriptions, the province's extensive network of public health centres (centros de salud) provide local care, while pharmacies can address many issues without requiring a doctor's visit. Prescription medications are generally less expensive than in northern Europe, with pensioners paying only a small percentage of the cost.

The province has become a destination for medical tourism, particularly for orthopaedic, cosmetic, and dental procedures, combining quality care with recovery in a perfect climate.

Employment opportunities in Alicante Province

If you're looking for jobs in Alicante province, you'll find diverse employment opportunities across various sectors. Tourism remains the dominant industry, with seasonal jobs in hotels, restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities particularly abundant along the coast. However, Alicante's economy has diversified significantly in recent years.

The construction and property sectors employ thousands, from skilled tradespeople to estate agents catering to international buyers. Agriculture remains important, particularly in the Vega Baja region, with citrus fruits, almonds, olives, and wine production offering seasonal work.

Alicante city has developed a significant technology sector, with the Alicante Port Technology Park providing opportunities in IT, communications, and digital services. Teaching English continues to be a reliable employment option, with language academies throughout the province seeking native speakers.

For digital nomads and remote workers, Alicante offers an ideal base, with excellent internet infrastructure in urban areas and a growing network of co-working spaces. The provincial capital has actively positioned itself as a hub for digital professionals, with initiatives to attract international talent.

Major employers include the University of Alicante, Miguel Hernández University in Elche, the provincial hospital network, and companies based in the various industrial parks around Elche and Alicante. The shoe industry around Elche creates manufacturing opportunities, while the Port of Alicante generates logistics and shipping roles.

Job websites like InfoJobs.es, Indeed.es, and English jobs in Spain are good starting points for job searches, while networking remains crucial in the Spanish job market. LinkedIn is increasingly important for professional positions, particularly in multinational companies.

Check out our handy guide for more information on finding a job in Spain. 

Schools and education in Alicante Province

Alicante province offers a wide range of education options for expatriate families. The public school system provides free primary and secondary education taught in Spanish and Valencian, the region's co-official language.

There are numerous state-run schools (colegios públicos) throughout the province, offering quality education from ages 3-16. These schools provide full immersion in Spanish culture and language—ideal for younger children who adapt quickly to new languages. For older children or those planning shorter stays, the province boasts several excellent international schools.

The most prestigious international schools include Elian's British School in La Nucía, Lady Elizabeth School in Jávea, Sierra Bernia School in Alfaz del Pi, and El Limonar International School in Villamartín. These schools follow British, American, or International Baccalaureate curricula, with instruction primarily in English while still including Spanish language education. Fees typically range from €5,000-10,000 annually.

In coastal areas with high expatriate populations, many state schools have developed effective integration programmes to help foreign students adapt, with additional language support available. The concertado system (partially state-funded private schools) offers a middle ground, often providing bilingual education at lower costs than fully private institutions.

For higher education, the University of Alicante offers quality degree programmes across multiple disciplines, with some courses available in English. The Miguel Hernández University in Elche specialises in health sciences and biotechnology, while vocational training centres throughout the province provide practical qualifications particularly relevant to the tourism industry.

Early childhood education is well-established, with numerous nursery schools (guarderías) accepting children from around 4 months. For special educational needs, both public and private sectors offer specialised facilities and support services.

Check out our ‘finding the right school for your expat family’ article or listen to our schools and education in Spain podcast episode for more information. 

Getting around Alicante province

The province of Alicante enjoys excellent transport connections, both internally and to the rest of Spain and Europe. The Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport serves as the main gateway, with direct flights to over 100 European destinations making weekend trips home or visiting friends refreshingly simple.

For internal transport, the distinctive white-and-yellow TRAM metropolitan train provides excellent coastal connections, running from Alicante city to Dénia and linking major towns like Benidorm and Calpe. This service offers spectacular sea views and convenient access to beaches and urban centres.

The bus network is comprehensive, with ALSA operating most routes connecting towns and villages throughout the province. Urban buses serve larger towns, while smaller communities typically have at least basic connections to regional centres. Fares are reasonable, with discount cards available for regular users.

Spain's high-speed AVE train connects Alicante city with Madrid in just 2 hours 20 minutes—a journey that once took over five hours—while regular train services link to Valencia and other major cities. The coastal railway is gradually being improved, though service can be limited in some areas.

The road network is excellent, with the AP-7 toll motorway running the length of the Costa Blanca providing fast connections between major centres. The A-7 offers a free alternative, though with more traffic and lower speed limits. Secondary roads are generally well-maintained, especially in coastal areas.

For drivers, fuel costs are lower than in northern Europe, though toll charges can add up for regular long-distance travel. Most urban areas have paid parking zones (blue lines), while larger towns increasingly offer underground parking facilities. Traffic can be heavy during summer months in popular tourist areas.

Taxis are readily available in urban areas and operate on meters with regulated fares. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are available in Alicante city but have limited presence in smaller towns.

Alicante province property market statistics

The Alicante property market offers exceptional value compared to other Mediterranean destinations. Average prices per square metre range from €1,100 in inland areas to €2,800 in premium coastal locations—significantly below comparable areas in France or Italy.

New build properties typically command a 20-30% premium over resale homes, reflecting modern specifications and often better energy efficiency. The province has seen steady price growth of 4-6% annually since 2015, with particular strength in the luxury segment.

Foreign buyers account for approximately 35% of all property transactions in the province, with British, Scandinavian, Belgian and German purchasers most prominent. This international demand helps maintain market stability even during periods of domestic economic uncertainty.

The rental market is robust, with gross yields averaging 5-7% for well-located properties. Short-term holiday rentals can achieve significantly higher returns during peak seasons, though recent regulations have tightened requirements for tourist licences.

Construction quality varies significantly, with properties built between 1995-2005 often requiring careful inspection as this period saw rapid development during Spain's property boom. Newer constructions typically offer better energy efficiency and modern amenities, while traditional properties provide character but may need updating to meet contemporary expectations.

Where to buy property in Alicante province

Jávea (Xàbia)

Nestled between Cape San Antonio and Cape La Nao, Jávea has carefully managed development to preserve its authentic character. The result is an elegant coastal town with distinct personalities—the historic old town with its fortress church and market, the bustling port area with seafood restaurants lining the promenade, and the Arenal with its sandy beach and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The Montgó massif creates a dramatic backdrop and influences the local microclimate, said to be one of the healthiest in Europe according to the World Health Organisation. Luxury villas dot the pine-covered slopes, many offering stunning sea views.

Jávea property prices start from €180,000 for a two bedroom apartment.
Check out our Living in Jávea guide for everything you need to know.

Torrevieja

Once a salt-mining town, Torrevieja has transformed into a multicultural hub where over half the registered residents are foreign nationals. This diversity brings a unique atmosphere where Spanish traditions mingle with international influences.

The town flanks two remarkable pink salt lakes that form a nature reserve and contribute to the area's renowned microclimate. The urban beaches of La Mata and El Cura offer golden sands within walking distance of affordable apartments, while nearby natural parks provide refreshing green spaces.

The flat terrain makes Torrevieja particularly suitable for those with mobility issues or retirees concerned about future accessibility. The town centre offers amenities within walking distance, while purpose-built urbanisations provide community facilities like pools and gardens.

Torrevieja property prices start from €65,000 for a one bedroom apartment
Check out our Living in Torrevieja guide for everything you need to know.

Altea

Artists have flocked to Altea for decades, drawn by its extraordinary light and the backdrop of the Sierra Bernia mountains meeting the Mediterranean. The result is a sophisticated enclave with an artistic soul, where whitewashed houses cascade down the hillside beneath the iconic blue-domed church.

The charming old town offers a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with galleries, craft shops and restaurants, while the palm-lined promenade connects a series of pebbly coves. Unlike many coastal resorts, Altea retains its authentic character year-round, with a thriving permanent community.

Altea property prices start from €170,000 for a one bedroom studio apartment
Check out our Living in Altea guide for everything you need to know.

Guardamar del Segura

This charming coastal town is famed for its 11km of pristine sandy beaches protected by one of Spain's most remarkable natural features—an extensive pine forest planted in the early 20th century to prevent sand dunes from engulfing the town. Today, these dunes form a unique ecological park where walking trails wind through fragrant pines and indigenous flora.

Beyond its natural splendour, Guardamar boasts a fascinating archaeological heritage, with Phoenician and Roman remains dotted throughout the area. The town centre retains its authentic Spanish character, with a traditional weekly market and a calendar of vibrant festivals. Meanwhile, the extensive promenade offers seafood restaurants where you can sample the day's catch whilst gazing at the Mediterranean.

The town's well-planned layout provides a range of property options—from beachfront apartments with panoramic sea views to more affordable homes set back from the coast with excellent amenities. With a sizeable year-round population, Guardamar avoids the ghost-town feel of some coastal resorts during off-peak months.

Guardamar del Segura property prices start from €80,000 for a one bedroom apartment

Check out our Living in Guardamar del Segura guide for everything you need to know.

Denia

Where the Costa Blanca meets the Costa del Azahar, Denia offers a tantalising blend of historical grandeur and seafaring tradition. Dominated by its impressive 11th-century castle, the town sprawls from the bustling marina to the foothills of the Montgó mountain, creating distinct neighbourhoods each with their own character.

Denia's 20km coastline alternates between sandy beaches to the north and rocky coves to the south, providing endless opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. The town's gastronomic reputation is stellar—recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy—with restaurants ranging from traditional tapas bars to Michelin-starred establishments.

Unlike many coastal destinations, Denia functions as a proper working Spanish city year-round, with approximately 45,000 permanent residents. This ensures excellent infrastructure and amenities, including international schools and healthcare facilities. Property options range from characterful townhouses in the historic centre to modern apartments near the marina and luxurious villas on the Montgó slopes.

Denia property prices start from €120,000 for a one bedroom apartment

Check out our Living in Denia guide for everything you need to know.

Benidorm

Look beyond the clichés and you'll discover why Benidorm has been Spain's most successful resort for over 60 years. Its two magnificent crescent beaches—Levante and Poniente—consistently earn Blue Flag status, while the vibrant old town (often overlooked by visitors) offers a maze of pedestrianised streets, tapas bars and the iconic Balcón del Mediterráneo viewpoint.

Benidorm's pioneering urban planning means most properties enjoy sea views, thanks to the high-rise approach that has left 40% of the municipality as green space. The town's microclimate is genuinely remarkable, with the surrounding mountains creating a natural amphitheatre that maintains mild temperatures year-round.

For property buyers, Benidorm offers exceptional value and rental potential. Choose from seafront apartments with spectacular views, quieter residential areas like La Cala, or nearby urbanisations that provide a tranquil base with easy access to the town's unparalleled amenities. The robust public transport system means car ownership is genuinely optional here—unique for a resort town in Spain.

Benidorm property prices start from €125,000 for a one bedroom apartment

Check out our Living in Benidorm guide for everything you need to know.

Orihuela Costa

Distinct from the historic inland city of Orihuela, this meticulously planned coastal strip offers a string of blue-flag beaches interspersed with modern residential developments. Each of its areas—Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Campoamor and Mil Palmeras—has its own character, from the bustling commercial centres of Playa Flamenca to the elegant marina at Cabo Roig.

The jewel in Orihuela Costa's crown is perhaps La Zenia Boulevard, the largest shopping centre in Alicante province, where open-air design creates a pleasant environment for retail therapy and dining. Meanwhile, the Campoamor hills provide a stunning backdrop and host several championship golf courses.
The area's substantial international community ensures services tailored to foreign residents, from English-speaking medical centres to international supermarkets. Property options range from affordable apartments in gated communities with shared pools to luxurious detached villas with private gardens. The excellent infrastructure and modern construction make Orihuela Costa particularly attractive to those seeking contemporary comfort without renovation headaches.

Orihuela Costa property prices start from €125,000 for a two bedroom apartment

Check out our Living in Orihuela Costa guide for everything you need to know.