Alicante

The provincial capital of the Costa Blanca — a real Spanish city with beach, port, castle and full services on your doorstep.

Suited to: Families · Remote workers · Students · Professionals · Retirees

Costa: Costa Blanca
Province: Alicante
Population: ~349,000 (city)
British Community: ~1,500 (city)
Airport: Alicante–Elche (~12 km)
Train: AVE high-speed rail

Photo by Dean Milenkovic on Unsplash

About this place

Alicante, located on the stunning Costa Blanca, is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends the charm of a coastal town with the amenities of a modern metropolis. With a population of around 340,000, it offers a rich cultural heritage, a Mediterranean climate, and a variety of neighbourhoods that cater to different lifestyles. This guide will explore the character of Alicante, its everyday amenities, connections, and what to realistically expect when considering a move to this beautiful city.

Explore Alicante

Healthcare

Health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, how to register, English-speaking doctors

Admin & Documents

Town hall, NIE office, empadronamiento, police station, gestoría recommendations

Housing

Rental market, buying, neighbourhoods, estate agents, typical prices

Cost of Living

Monthly budget, rent, utilities, groceries, eating out, IBI

British Community

Expat groups, social clubs, Facebook groups, where to meet other Brits

Integrating Locally

Spanish classes, markets, fiestas, sports clubs, how locals socialise

Daily Life

Supermarkets, transport, parking, broadband, banks, post office

Things to Do

Beaches, restaurants, hiking, day trips, seasonal events

Schools & Families

State schools, international schools, nurseries, extracurricular

Nearby towns you may also like

Benidorm
~45 km north · Famous resort, beaches, nightlife, entertainment. Very British.
Elche
~25 km west · UNESCO World Heritage palm groves, footwear industry, lower costs.
Torrevieja
~50 km south · Major British community, salt lakes, beaches, lower prices.

Last updated: 04/07/2026