Discover why expats choose to live in Alicante. From its stunning Mediterranean climate to affordable cost of living and vibrant expat community, explore the allure of making Alicante your home
More than half of all property sales are made to foreigners and according to Idealista (the app used for searching for a home in Spain) between June and September 2022, foreigners bought 26,728 homes, which represents 15.92% of the total number of registered sales and purchases in Spain. With its sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, Alicante offers a lot to those looking to make a change.
How is the weather for those that live in Alicante?
Alicante boasts a micro-climate with sunny skies and balmy temperatures. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, the city enjoys long, hot summers and mild, comfortable winters. Officially, the sunniest city on Europe, Alicante’s summer temperatures often soar into the high 20s and 30s Celsius, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy the city’s beaches and outdoor activities. Even in winter, Alicante maintains its appeal with pleasantly mild temperatures rarely dropping below 10 degrees Celsius. Alicante’s Mediterranean climate, similar to California’s, offers a year-round haven for those seeking sunshine and outdoor adventures.
How much does it cost to live in Alicante
In 2023, Forbes magazine named Alicante as the second-best city in the world to live in, according to expats. This was based on a survey from 177 nationalities and 181 countries. One of the factors for its popularity is its real estate market. Alicante is known for having a lower cost of living compared to other cities in Europe, making it a more affordable place to live. This can be especially appealing to those looking to retire or start a new life abroad.
The conventional buyer profile, once dominated by individuals aged 50–60, married with children, boasting high education levels and incomes exceeding €60,000, has undergone a significant transformation. In its place, a new demographic emerges: younger buyers, particularly digital nomads, are increasingly taking the forefront in the real estate market.
Forbes Article: https://tinyurl.com/mry6xur9
Beaches in Alicante
Alicante has some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, and many foreigners want to live in Alicante for this reason. With crystal-clear waters and soft sand, these beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of other outdoor activities. San Juan playa, el Campello and Pau 5 are all modern and developing beach areas for permanent residents.
Food Scene in Alicante
For those that live in Alicante, the food scene is renowned for its delicious cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a traditional paella (or the even more traditional Arroz a banda). or a modern tapas bar, you’ll find a wide variety of food options in the city.
The four central markets in Alicante—Central, Benalua, Carolinas, and Babel—are undergoing a transformation to cater to the growing tourism influx by offering a more immersive gastronomic experience. Inside these markets, there’s been a noticeable rise in the number of tapas bars, becoming popular spots for locals and tourists alike to gather for “Tardeo,” or late-afternoon socializing. This trend reflects a shift towards blending traditional market culture with the vibrant culinary scene that Alicante has to offer. Furthermore, across the Alicante region, there are now 13 fine dining establishments boasting Michelin stars, showcasing the area’s culinary excellence on a global stage. Alongside these esteemed venues, hundreds of bars throughout the region serve up beloved Spanish classics like homemade tortillas, albondigas, and Manchego cheese paired perfectly with an ice-cold caña, ensuring that visitors and locals alike can indulge in authentic flavours wherever they go.
Alicante’s Rich Culture
Alicante is rich in history and culture, with a variety of festivals, events, and attractions taking place throughout the year. Whether you want to live in Alicante because you’re interested in the arts, history, or simply soaking up the local culture, Alicante has something for everyone.
They say that Alicante has more festival than any other Spanish City and we absolutely believe that!
Sometimes we step one foot from the front door and find ourselves in a middle of a parade or March.
Quality of Life
Alicante is a relaxed and laid-back city, and many foreigners are drawn to this relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle for the sake of their families and their children. From leisurely strolls along the beach to evenings spent dining al fresco. Alicante is a city that encourages a slower pace of life and is very welcoming to children. A recent BBC report cited Spain as one of the top 5 places to bring up children in the world.
One of the things that makes Alicante such an attractive place for foreigners is the very fact that it is such an international city in terms of its inhabitants. There are people from all over the world who live in Alicante and that also tends to bring with it different cultures and traditions. This is often borne out in shops and restaurants that pop up all over the city.
One important thing to say is that, if you are British and you are seeking a very British kind of lifestyle surrounded by fellow ´Brits’ then Alicante city itself is probably not your best choice. Despite the popularity with nations all over the world there are not that many who live in Alicante City. For a more British way of life there are some wonderful towns in the Alicante region where you can find that lifestyle, Benidorm being the biggest and best but there are many more.
Travel Links
Alicante has tremendous travel links, the airport is only a 20 minute bus ride to the city and is very cheap. The train station has high speed trains to Madrid that will set you down in the capital in just a few short hours or Valencia in less than 2 hours.
There are also plenty of buses and a wonderful clean and cheap Tram system. On top of all that Alicante is an easily walkable city, If you decide to live in Alicante, you’ll notice that it’s so easy to find your way around in just a few short days you will be an expert.
Why Alicante?
There are many reasons why foreigners move to Alicante. Whether you’re looking for a change in climate, a more affordable lifestyle, or simply a new adventure, this city has a lot to offer. So if you’re thinking about making a move abroad, consider Alicante as your destination and discover for yourself why so many foreigners have chosen to call this small but beautiful city their home.
