Alicante Province

The sea views and bright sunshine are there to greet you on the Costa Blanca. You can also take a stroll with the sounds of the gentle rippling waves in the background and the sea breeze brushing against your face. 

In the Costa Blanca in Alicante (Region of Valencia) you can enjoy the Mediterranean sea and the sun whilst you stay in comfortable resorts or sample haute cuisine in Michelin star restaurants. You can do this in charming seaside villages, in tranquil coves, in cities with vast beaches and seaside promenades, on nature breaks in the interior of the region…

A place for making memories

If life is a collection of memories, the Costa Blanca is a place for enjoying each and every moment and learning how good it feels to take things at a gentle pace. We’re talking about pleasant strolls through small seaside villages with well kept old quarters. Also, perhaps some relaxing afternoons enjoying the sun, with spectacular sea views, on the beach and in curious crags.Of course, with sumptuous grilled seafood on the coast or traditional paella dishes, raising a toast with the wonderful local wines and making culinary discoveries in international award-winning haute cuisine restaurants. Moments such as bathing in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean or beauty treatments in the region’s spa centres and resorts.These are some of the moments that await you on your holiday with towns such as Denia, Calpe, Altea, Javea, Villajoyosa and Teulada – Moraira. What’s more, the marinas in the tourist locations of Alicante, Benidorm and Torrevieja invite you to enjoy another marvellous moment: a trip on a sail boat or a recreational boat trip on the Mediterranean sea.

Culture, traditions and interior

The Costa Blanca offers much more than sun, the Mediterranean sea and good food. Alicante is a city with a great atmosphere, with a lively nightlife and interesting cultural offerings such as the Museum of Archaeology (MARQ) and the Castle of Santa Bárbara. From the castle you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view across the city and its port. For its part, Elche is home to the largest Palm Grove in Europe, which has been declared a World Heritage site. Around it, in Elche, white palm craftwork is a long-standing tradition. This and its popular shoe-making craft make it a great place to spend a couple of hours shopping, seeking out a unique, local souvenir to take home with you.This region is well known for its traditional celebrations. The main ones include the Bonfires of San Juan, in Alicante, and the Festival of Moors and Christians in Alcoy and Villajoyosa. These are the most iconic but they are celebrated to a greater or lesser extent all over the Costa Blanca.The interior of the Costa Blanca boasts some very pleasant surprises, such as small villages of Moorish origin with attractive castles, such as Guadalest; or special nature areas, such as the Sierra Mariola nature reserve, with its fields of aromatic grasses; or the Sierra de Maigmó mountain range with its spectacular views of the coast.

The Cities of Costa Blanca

  • Demographic: Population of around 330,000. A mix of locals and a growing expat community.

 

  • About the City: A bustling coastal city known for its port, historic castle, and international airport. Alicante is a commercial and cultural hub of the region.

 

  • Tourism: A major tourist destination offering attractions such as Santa Bárbara Castle, beaches, and a lively promenade. The city’s vibrant nightlife and shopping areas are also big draws.

 

  • Housing Market: Diverse, with both affordable apartments and luxury beachfront properties available. Prices are higher in the city center and near the beach.

 

  • Market Key Points: Strong demand for city apartments and coastal properties. High rental potential, especially for holiday rentals in central areas.
  • Demographic: Population of about 22,000, with a large proportion of foreign residents, especially artists and retirees from across Europe.

 

  • About the City: Known for its whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, and beautiful old town. It has a bohemian atmosphere and is popular among artists.

 

  • Tourism: Tourists come for the old town, beautiful church, and views of the Mediterranean. It’s known for its art galleries and cultural events.

 

  • Housing Market: One of the more expensive markets on the Costa Blanca, with a focus on unique, historic properties and sea-view homes.

 

  • Market Key Points: High demand for properties in the old town and near the beach. Popular with international buyers looking for a scenic, peaceful lifestyle.
  • Demographic: Population of about 70,000, but the number swells dramatically in tourist season. It has a significant expat and seasonal worker community.

 

  • About the City: Known for its high-rise hotels, beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Benidorm is a major tourist hub on the Costa Blanca.

 

  • Tourism: Benidorm is famous for its long sandy beaches, amusement parks, and nightlife. It attracts millions of tourists annually from across Europe.

 

  • Housing Market: Dynamic and competitive, with high-rise apartments and beachfront properties in demand. Prices are higher in tourist areas.

 

  • Market Key Points: High rental potential due to the constant influx of tourists. Strong demand for vacation apartments and investment properties.
  • Demographic: Population of around 11,000. A blend of local residents and expats.

 

  • About the City: A small town with a medieval feel, located a few kilometers from the coast. It offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle.

 

  • Tourism: Tourists visit for its quiet, scenic surroundings, and access to nearby coastal coves. It’s also known for its historic buildings and churches.

 

  • Housing Market: More affordable than coastal towns, but still offering high-quality properties, particularly rural villas and farmhouses.

 

  • Market Key Points: Growing demand for rural homes and quieter settings. It’s popular with buyers looking for larger, more private properties.
  • Demographic: Population of around 22,000. A significant proportion of residents are foreign, with a large number of retirees from Europe.

 

  • About the City: A picturesque coastal town dominated by the Peñón de Ifach, a large limestone rock that towers over the coastline.

 

  • Tourism: Tourists are drawn to Calpe for its beaches, natural park, and historic old town. It’s a popular destination for both holidaymakers and nature lovers.

 

  • Housing Market: High demand for properties with sea views, particularly near the Peñón de Ifach and the beachfront. Prices are on the higher end.

 

  • Market Key Points: Strong demand for luxury properties. Calpe’s popularity with tourists ensures high rental potential for vacation homes.
  • Demographic: Population of around 27,000. A growing expat community, with many residents from the UK and other European countries.

  • About the City: A peaceful coastal town located 13 km from Alicante. Known for its balance between modern amenities and traditional charm, it has a strong connection to its fishing roots.

  • Tourism: Features pristine beaches such as Playa Muchavista, a marina, and Roman ruins like Illeta dels Banyets. A quieter option compared to nearby cities, ideal for relaxation.

  • Housing Market: Offers a range of properties from beachfront apartments to traditional Spanish villas. Prices are moderate compared to larger cities nearby.

  • Market Key Points: Moderate demand for second homes and rentals, especially among retirees and vacationers. Offers good value for coastal properties.
  • Demographic: Population of approximately 41,000, with a significant foreign population. Popular among retirees from northern Europe.

 

  • About the City: Denia is a port city with a long history, located near the Montgó Natural Park. It’s known for its fishing industry and vibrant marina.

 

  • Tourism: Popular for its beaches, Denia Castle, and the annual Moors and Christians festival. It’s also a gateway to the Balearic Islands.

 

  • Housing Market: Prices vary, with luxury villas in prime areas, especially near the coast, while more affordable options are found inland. Strong demand from international buyers.

 

  • Market Key Points: High demand for luxury and coastal properties. The market is diverse, with a strong appeal for both holiday homes and permanent residences.
  • Demographic: Population of around 16,000. It has a mix of local Spanish residents and a growing foreign community.

 

  • About the City: A small coastal town known for its vast sand dunes and pine forests. It has a more laid-back atmosphere than nearby tourist cities.

 

  • Tourism: The long stretches of beach, sand dunes, and parks attract tourists looking for a natural, unspoiled environment.

 

  • Housing Market: Affordable properties, with increasing demand for vacation homes. There’s a mix of apartments and villas available near the coast.

 

  • Market Key Points: Rising demand for second homes, with strong rental potential due to the town’s appeal for relaxed beach holidays.
  • Demographic: Population of around 27,000, with a large expat community, particularly British and German residents.

 

  • About the City: A coastal town known for its stunning scenery and luxury living. Javea offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.

 

  • Tourism: Javea’s beaches, such as Arenal Beach, attract tourists, as do the Montgó Natural Park and the historic old town. It’s a top destination for wealthy tourists.

 

  • Housing Market: Javea is a luxury market, with high demand for sea-view villas and exclusive properties. Prices are higher than in most of the region.

 

  • Market Key Points: High demand from affluent buyers, with strong interest in luxury villas and sea-view homes. The market appeals to both international buyers and wealthy retirees.
  • Demographic: Population of around 20,000, with a high percentage of expats, particularly from Scandinavia.

 

  • About the City: A small town near Benidorm, known for its quiet, residential feel and large foreign community. It’s a hub for Scandinavian residents.

 

  • Tourism: While not a major tourist destination, it’s close to the attractions of Benidorm and Altea. It offers a quieter lifestyle with access to the nearby beaches.

 

  • Housing Market: Prices are moderate, with a mix of apartments and villas available. It’s popular with expats looking for a tranquil environment.

 

  • Market Key Points: Steady demand from expat buyers, particularly those looking for year-round residences. It offers good value compared to nearby tourist-heavy areas.
  • Demographic: Population of around 20,000. A growing community of expats, particularly British and Dutch nationals.

 

  • About the City: A tranquil inland town situated between the mountains and the coast. It’s known for its sports facilities and proximity to Benidorm.

 

  • Tourism: Primarily known for its hiking trails and proximity to nearby attractions. Tourists use it as a base to explore Costa Blanca.

 

  • Housing Market: Affordable compared to coastal towns, with larger properties and villas available. Popular among families and retirees looking for peace and space.

 

  • Market Key Points: Increasing demand for inland properties, especially among expats seeking value for money and larger homes.
  • Demographic: Population of about 34,000. Primarily local Spanish residents, though there’s a growing expat community.

 

  • About the City: A charming coastal town known for its colorful houses and chocolate industry. It has a more traditional, laid-back vibe.

 

  • Tourism: Tourists come for the historic old town, sandy beaches, and the Valor chocolate museum. It’s less crowded than nearby tourist hotspots.

 

  • Housing Market: Prices are moderate, with a mix of new developments and older properties. The old town and beachfront areas are particularly sought after.

 

  • Market Key Points: Steady demand for vacation homes and rental properties, with a focus on preserving the town’s traditional charm.
  • Demographic: Population of around 10,000. A significant proportion of residents are foreign, particularly retirees and second-home owners from northern Europe.

 

  • About the City: A small, upscale coastal town known for its luxurious vibe and marina. It’s quieter and less commercialized than other Costa Blanca towns.

 

  • Tourism: Popular among affluent tourists, drawn to its beautiful beaches, high-end dining, and luxury atmosphere. A favorite destination for yacht owners.

 

  • Housing Market: High-end housing market, with luxury villas and sea-view properties dominating the area. Property prices are among the highest on the Costa Blanca.

 

  • Market Key Points: Strong demand for luxury properties. A niche market catering to high-net-worth buyers, particularly from the UK and Germany.
  • Demographic: Population of around 80,000. The town has a mix of Spanish locals and expats, particularly in Orihuela Costa.

 

  • About the City: A city known for its cultural and historical heritage, including cathedrals and museums. Orihuela Costa, its coastal counterpart, is more touristic.

 

  • Tourism: Attracts visitors to its beaches along the Orihuela Costa and its rich cultural history in the inland city. Golf courses also draw tourists and residents.

 

  • Housing Market: Coastal properties in Orihuela Costa are highly sought after, while the historic city offers more affordable options.

 

  • Market Key Points: High demand in Orihuela Costa for coastal properties, particularly among British and northern European buyers. Stable demand for historical and inland properties.
  • Demographic: Population of around 32,000, with a significant number of seasonal residents during the summer months.

 

  • About the City: A traditional fishing town near Alicante, known for its salt production and proximity to the island of Tabarca.

 

  • Tourism: Santa Pola attracts tourists with its family-friendly beaches, marina, and the island of Tabarca, a popular day-trip destination.

 

  • Housing Market: Affordable compared to Alicante and other coastal areas, with good opportunities for investment in vacation rentals.

 

  • Market Key Points: Steady demand for vacation homes, with a focus on affordable properties and strong rental potential in peak tourist seasons.
  • Demographic: Population of about 83,000. It has one of the largest expat populations in the region, particularly from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia.

 

  • About the City: A popular coastal city known for its salt lakes and vibrant expat community. The salt industry is a key part of its history.

 

  • Tourism: Famous for its pink salt lagoons, beaches, and a bustling promenade. Tourists are also drawn to its nightlife and water sports activities.

 

  • Housing Market: One of the more affordable housing markets on the Costa Blanca, offering a range of budget apartments and luxury homes. It’s popular with retirees and expat buyers.

 

  • Market Key Points: Strong demand from foreign buyers, particularly for rental and retirement properties. The affordable prices make it a hotspot for investors.