Where to buy a property in Alicante
For many people, the city of Alicante is the place that divides the Costa Blanca neatly into its two halves or is home to the busy airport from which they arrive (and depart) on one of the hundreds of planes each week that arrive from Europe.
But the city itself - a 15-minute drive from El Altet airport - is well worth a visit in itself, whether for a dose of history, culture or for its superb beaches. In fact, it’s a great spot from which to explore the very different sides of the Costa Blanca, the region of which it is the capital city, albeit quite a small one with a population of around 300,000.
So why linger there? Historic highlights include St Barbara Castle, an Archaeological Museum, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari with its impressive architecture, the bullring that hosts seasonal fiestas and the Baroque 18th-century town hall.
The busy marina and harbour offer ferry destinations to Alger and Oran in Algeria, whilst the ‘Explanada de Espana” is an elegant boulevard that stretches around it lined with palm trees and ‘Mediterranean waves’ of 6.6 million red, black and cream marble tiles. With pavement cafes, music and free concerts it’s a popular place for a walk in the evening as many Spanish families do - this is a cosmopolitan city very different from the Anglo-centric resorts of the Orihuela Costa.
But apart from the outdoor buzz of Mediterranean city life, it’s the beaches that are the best thing about Alicante. Playa de San Juan is Alicante’s longest and best beach, stretching or more than seven kilometres of fine white sand. It’s got lifeguards during the summer, beach bars and restaurants along its long promenade and a play area for children.
But there’s also Playa Postiguet within walking distance from the city centre (great fireworks there for the San Juan festival), Playa La Albufereta, a picturesque small bay a couple of miles up the coast with fine white sand, a beach bar and water sports, and Playa Arenales del Sol (great dunes). Like snorkelling? Try the crystal clear waters of Cala de la Palmera and Cala Cantalars - both part of the Cabo Huertas rocky cape. These are just a few of many.
Like the sound of it? You can buy a small apartment from just over €50,000 in a block, although you’ll have a far greater choice with a budget of €80,000, and maybe a sea view with €100,000. For villas with outside space, you’d do better (for value and choice) looking outside the city, at the resorts up or down the coast.
Anyone seeking an urban version of the Costa Blanca that is cosmopolitan - yet still very Spanish - and with a beach for every day of the week, then Alicante city beckons!