Buying a Home in El Campello: Coastal Living Between Alicante and the Sea
Buying a Home in El Campello: Coastal Living Between Alicante and the Sea
Are you interested in buying a house in El Campello? If so, you’re looking at a coastal town northeast of Alicante, with a character quite different from the larger beach resorts further south. El Campello features its own town center, a harbor, sandy beaches, smaller coves, and residential neighborhoods that stretch along a long stretch of coastline.
For Dutch and Belgian buyers, El Campello may be an attractive option if you’d like to stay close to Alicante but don’t want to live in the middle of a big city. Here, you can choose from apartments near the sea, homes around the town center, residential developments, penthouses with views, and villas in quieter coastal areas.
The most important thing is not to search solely by the place name El Campello. The municipality is quite long and narrow, and the day-to-day living experience can vary greatly between the center, the beach areas, and the residential areas further to the north.
Be sure to check out our current listings, our existing homes, the available new-construction homes, and our information on buying a home in Alicante.
Where is El Campello located?
El Campello is located on the Costa Blanca, northeast of the city of Alicante. To the south, the municipality lies near Playa de San Juan and Sant Joan d’Alacant; to the north, the coastline extends toward Villajoyosa.
This makes El Campello an attractive option for homebuyers who value both the coast and the urban amenities of Alicante.
So you won't be living in isolation here in a resort area. At the same time, El Campello is clearly smaller and more focused on the coast than Alicante itself.
El Campello is more than just a beach town
That's an important starting point in your search for a home.
The municipality is home to a variety of residential areas. Around the town center and the most famous beaches, you’ll find more apartments, shops, restaurants, and public transportation. Further along the coast, the development becomes more residential, with more low-rise buildings, villas, and housing developments.
As a result, a home that is officially located “in El Campello” can feel very different in terms of day-to-day life than another home just a few kilometers away.
Why Buy a Home in El Campello?
El Campello might be a good option if you want to combine living by the coast with relatively good transportation links to Alicante.
For example, it appeals to buyers who value the beach and the sea but also want a real place to live with everyday amenities. For permanent residence, this can be more attractive than a purely seasonal residential development.
This combination can also be appealing for a second home: you have a coastal location, but you aren’t completely dependent on a car if you deliberately choose a centrally located property.
Downtown El Campello
If you enjoy exploring on foot, you can use the city center as your starting point.
There, you’ll find a more densely developed residential area with apartments, shops, restaurants, and everyday amenities. A centrally located apartment can be practical if you don’t need a large yard and want to take advantage of the location and accessibility.
This could be an excellent choice for permanent residence, especially if you want to be less dependent on a car in the future.
Living near Playa del Carrer la Mar
Around the central coastal area, you'll find residential areas where the beach, boulevard-like sections, and downtown amenities are relatively close together.
An apartment in this area might be of interest to someone who is primarily looking for:
the beach, restaurants and cafes, everyday amenities, and a low-maintenance home.
When buying a coastal apartment, you should pay special attention to salt damage, building maintenance, parking availability, and the level of tourist activity during the summer.
Buying an Apartment in El Campello
Apartments make up a significant portion of the housing supply.
You'll find a variety of types: older apartments in existing buildings, modern apartments in residential complexes, penthouses with terraces, and ground-floor units with outdoor space.
When it comes to an apartment, the following points are particularly important: elevator, parking space, homeowners' association, terrace, orientation, condition of the facade and common areas, and any future renovations.
Penthouse in El Campello
A penthouse can be appealing when views and outdoor space are important.
You might get a large terrace, more privacy, and a ocean view. But here, too, a penthouse isn't automatically the best place to live.
Be sure to check for wind, sun, elevator access, waterproofing, and the legal status of the terrace or solarium. A large rooftop terrace that’s too windy for half the year may be less practical than a smaller, sheltered terrace on a lower floor.
Ocean View in El Campello
El Campello has a long coastline and significant elevation changes in certain residential areas. As a result, ocean views are common, both in apartments and villas.
But “sea view” can range from a completely unobstructed view to just a small glimpse of the sea between buildings.
Therefore, always have a precise assessment made of the view from the living room, bedroom, patio, and, if applicable, the sunroom.
Permanent ocean view
If a ocean view is an important factor in your purchase, you should also check what can be built in front of the property.
An empty lot or low-rise buildings may change in the future.
Therefore, have the urban planning situation reviewed if the view is a major factor in the purchase price.
Buying a Villa in El Campello
Those who prefer to look for a villa will find more options, especially outside the compact city center.
A villa may be a good option if privacy, a larger lot, outdoor space, and perhaps a private pool are important to you.
On the other hand, this usually means more maintenance and greater dependence on a car.
Villa near the sea
A villa near the coast can be appealing, but don't just check the distance in meters.
Check the actual route to the beach, any slopes, access roads, parking, and whether there is actually a usable beach nearby or just a rocky coastline.
That difference is significant along a long and varied coastline.
Private pool or the ocean?
A home with a private pool isn't a must for every coastal homebuyer.
If you live close to a nice beach, you might not use your pool very often.
A swimming pool also means extra maintenance, water, electricity, and technical systems.
So, carefully consider whether you'd rather pay for a better lot, a larger home, or a better beachfront location.
Residential Developments in El Campello
Outside the city center are several residential neighborhoods and housing developments.
These can be appealing because of their tranquility, views, swimming pools, larger patios, and less urban hustle and bustle.
But always take a moment to reflect on how you live your daily life there.
Distances to supermarkets, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and public transportation may be greater than you would expect based on a map.
Car Dependency
A home further along the coast or higher up in a residential development might be in a beautiful location, but a car is often much more practical there.
When considering permanent residency, it’s wise to look not only at vacation days but also at daily routines.
How often do you want to go to the supermarket, the doctor's office, downtown, or Alicante? And do you always want to make those trips by car?
TRAM and public transportation
One of El Campello's strengths is its connection to the Alicante region's tram network.
This may appeal to people who want to live in a way that is less dependent on a car or who want to travel to Alicante regularly.
But here, too, the distance from your specific home to a stop determines how practical that connection really is.
Even a home in the same municipality can still be far from a convenient bus stop.
El Campello in Alicante?
Alicante is much more urban.
Alicante is a better fit if you're looking for metropolitan amenities, train service, a wide range of shopping and cultural options, and a lifestyle where you can find just about everything within the city.
El Campello is a better fit if you want to keep things on a smaller scale and prioritize living by the coast.
El Campello or Playa de San Juan?
Playa de San Juan is part of Alicante and has a distinctly urban beach atmosphere, with many large apartment complexes and extensive amenities.
El Campello feels more like an independent coastal town with its own town center and a longer stretch along the coast.
If you're looking for a larger coastal town, you might find Playa de San Juan more appealing. If you prefer a smaller coastal town, El Campello might be a better fit.
El Campello or Villajoyosa?
Villajoyosa is located further north and has a distinct historical and urban character of its own.
Villajoyosa is known for the colorful buildings in its historic center and has several beaches.
El Campello is closer to Alicante and may therefore be more convenient for people who want to visit there regularly.
El Campello or Benidorm?
Benidorm is much larger, has taller buildings, and is more touristy.
Benidorm offers many amenities and a very large housing market, but it’s on a completely different scale.
El Campello is a better fit for buyers who prefer a quieter coastal setting while still being close to Alicante.
El Campello or Santa Pola?
Santa Pola is located south of Alicante and is better known for its fishing and port activities.
Both are true coastal towns, but geographically they are located on opposite sides of Alicante and have different relationships with the airport, the surrounding beaches, and the residential areas.
Which one is a better fit depends mainly on where on the Costa Blanca you want to settle down.
El Campello or Guardamar?
Guardamar del Segura is located further south and is well known for its dunes, pine forests, and long sandy beaches.
El Campello is closer to Alicante and has a more linear coastline with several beaches and coves.
If nature and sandy beaches are your top priorities, Guardamar might be a better fit. If you plan to visit Alicante more often, you might find El Campello more appealing.
Permanent residence in El Campello
Would you like to move to Spain permanently?
Then you'll need to look beyond the ocean and the terrace.
For permanent residence, everyday amenities, health care, public transportation, parking, and winter comfort are particularly important.
A home that seems ideal in August may be a different story in January.
Winter Sun
Whether you're looking for a permanent home or a place to spend the winter, it's important to explore your options.
A south- or southwest-facing patio can be pleasant in the winter, while a fully north-facing patio tends to stay cooler and shadier.
So don't just look for a ocean view; also consider how many hours of sunshine the patio and living room get.
Wind on the Coast
Near the sea and at higher elevations, wind can be a factor.
That affects how often you actually use a patio.
Shade, glass screens, or smart orientation can therefore be just as important as the view.
Salt Tax
The closer you are to the sea, the more attention you need to pay to maintenance.
Salt can affect metal parts, fences, hinges, outdoor air conditioning units, roller shutters, and patio furniture.
That doesn't mean that living by the coast is problematic, but it does require more consistent maintenance.
Parking
In central and popular coastal areas, parking can become an issue during busy months.
Having your own garage or parking space can therefore be very valuable.
When looking at an apartment, check whether the space is legally part of the unit and how practical the access actually is.
Garages in Older Buildings
In older garages, driveways, turns, and pillars can be tight.
So, test it with a car of a similar size.
A parking space that appears large enough on paper may be difficult to use in practice.
New Construction in El Campello
Depending on current availability, there may also be new construction properties available in El Campello and the wider coastal area.
New construction can be appealing because of its modern layout, new systems, energy efficiency, elevator, parking space, and large patios.
But when it comes to new construction along the coast, the exact location is just as important as the home itself.
New construction near the sea
A project may be advertised as “close to the sea,” but be sure to check the actual route.
Don't just look at the straight-line distance.
Some coastal areas have elevation changes, rocky sections, or limited direct access.
The best new development isn't necessarily the one located closest to the coast on the map.
What is included in new construction?
Always check the specifications.
Don't automatically assume that the property includes kitchen appliances, full air conditioning, a parking space, a storage room, furniture, lighting, a pool, a pergola, or a landscaped garden.
A sales rendering often shows a fully furnished setting that does not exactly match the standard configuration.
Buying Off-Plan
Are you buying before the project is completed?
You will then evaluate, among other things, the floor plan, site plan, orientation, view, and technical description.
In addition, have an independent legal review conducted to verify how permits, contracts, payment schedules, protection of advance payments, and acceptance conditions are handled.
An expected completion date is still just an estimate and is subject to change.
Turnkey new construction
A newly built home near El Campello has one major advantage: you can truly experience the surroundings.
You can immediately get a feel for the view, the breeze, the patio, the walk to the beach, the parking lot, and the street.
This is particularly valuable for coastal homes.
Existing Buildings in El Campello
Existing homes can actually be attractive precisely because of their established locations.
With older buildings, you can immediately see how the neighborhood functions and what amenities are actually available.
Existing apartments may also be located closer to the city center and the beach than newer developments on the outskirts.
Renovation
An older home in a prime location can be a good option if you're willing to renovate it.
Possible projects include the kitchen, bathroom, electrical work, windows, air conditioning, flooring, and the patio.
For coastal buildings, you should also take a close look at the facade, balconies, roof, and common areas.
Community
For apartments and many residential complexes, you pay a community fee.
Before purchasing, ask about the current maintenance fees, reserve fund, elevator, pool, gardens, planned work, and any outstanding payments.
A complex with many amenities can be attractive, but it usually comes with higher fixed costs.
Special Assessments
A derrama is an additional contribution made for large-scale collaborative projects.
On the coast, for example, building facades, balcony structures, roofs, elevators, or swimming pools can play a role.
Therefore, request the minutes of the homeowners' association meeting and make sure to verify whether any projects have already been approved.
El Campello as a second home
El Campello can be an attractive option for a second home if you want to enjoy the combination of the coast, a terrace, and Alicante, all relatively close by.
An apartment can be practical because it requires less maintenance and is easier to lock up.
A villa offers more privacy and outdoor space, but requires more maintenance while you're away.
Apartment as a second home
An apartment with a terrace, an elevator, and a parking space can be a low-maintenance choice.
If you can reach shops and the beach on foot, you may not need a car as much during short stays.
This can be especially convenient if you fly to Spain several times a year.
Villa as a second home
A villa offers a different experience.
You may have a garden, a private pool, your own parking space, and more privacy.
But while you're away, you'll need to think about pool maintenance, the yard, security, and periodic inspections of the home.
Retirement in El Campello
For people who want to spend their retirement in Spain, El Campello may be an attractive option due to its combination of the coast and nearby Alicante.
Future-oriented purchasing remains important.
Pay special attention to the elevator, level access, daily amenities, public transportation, parking, and healthcare.
Health Care
How you can access the public Spanish healthcare system depends on your personal situation and coverage.
Learn more about health care in Spain and our information on hospitals and clinics on the Costa Blanca.
Living Without a Car
In certain central areas, El Campello may be an attractive option for people who want to be less dependent on cars.
But that doesn't apply to the entire municipality.
In more remote residential areas or those located at higher elevations, a car can be much more practical.
That's why you should always look at the specific property, not just the name of the municipality.
Apartment with an elevator or on the ground floor?
Both could be interesting options for future-oriented living.
An apartment with an elevator often offers better views and more privacy.
A ground-floor home can be more accessible and offer additional outdoor space.
If you're considering a ground-floor apartment, be sure to check for privacy, moisture, street level, and drainage.
Families
For families planning to live there permanently, you should focus primarily on the commute to school, sports facilities, shops, outdoor spaces, parking, and daily logistics.
A beachfront location is appealing, but school and work often have a much greater impact on your routine on weekdays.
Be sure to also read our general information about education in Spain.
Investing in El Campello
Would you like to invest in Spanish real estate?
In that case, you'll need to evaluate the property based on more than just its coastal location.
Important factors include the purchase price, exact location, type of home, patio, elevator, parking space, homeowners' association, maintenance, and future resale value.
A view of the sea or proximity to the beach may be appealing, but they do not guarantee a return on investment.
Vacation Rentals
Are you interested in renting out your property for short-term tourist stays?
Before purchasing, check whether this is possible for that specific home.
This may depend, among other things, on regional regulations, the municipality, the urban planning situation, the homeowners’ association, and registration requirements.
So a beachfront apartment isn't automatically suitable for tourist rentals.
Community Guidelines
For apartments and residential complexes, the bylaws and resolutions of the homeowners' association may also be relevant.
Have it inspected in advance if renting is part of your purchase plan.
Just because other units in the same building are being rented out doesn't automatically mean you have the same options.
Long-Term Rentals
For long-term tenants, other features are important.
Consider accessibility, shops, public transportation, the number of bedrooms, parking, and internet access.
A home that primarily offers spectacular views but is located far from everyday amenities may appeal to a different target audience than a centrally located apartment.
How much does a house cost in El Campello?
Quoting a general amount is of little value.
The market consists of a wide variety of housing types and locations.
It is difficult to directly compare a downtown apartment, a penthouse with a ocean view, a villa in a residential complex, and a newly built home.
The price is influenced by factors such as location, distance from the coast, view, type of home, lot, year built, condition, and parking.
So be sure to check out our current listings for the current asking prices.
Total Budget
In addition to the purchase price, be sure to factor in purchase costs, renovations, community fees, furniture, air conditioning, parking, insurance, and any pool or yard maintenance.
This way, you're not just comparing homes, but the actual costs of your future living situation.
Purchase Costs
When buying a house in Spain, there are additional costs on top of the purchase price.
New construction and existing properties are treated differently for tax purposes. In addition, there may be costs associated with the notary, the property registry, legal advice, and any financing.
Therefore, have an individual, comprehensive calculation prepared for each specific home.
Mortgage
Dutch and Belgian buyers can apply for a Spanish mortgage under certain conditions.
The options depend on factors such as income, financial obligations, age, appraisal, home value, and immigration status.
Learn more about a mortgage in Spain.
NIE number
To buy real estate in Spain, you need an NIE number.
An NIE is not the same as a residencia.
Learn more about NIE and residency in Spain.
Legal Review
For a property in El Campello, one can verify, among other things, whether the ownership, the Registry of Property (Registro de la Propiedad), the Cadastral Registry (Catastro), and the actual condition of the property match.
Special attention may be needed for the patio, sun deck, parking space, storage shed, swimming pool, additions, and community.
For villas and homes in older residential developments, it’s a good idea to have any previous renovations and additions thoroughly inspected as well.
Dutch real estate agent for El Campello
Are you looking for a Dutch real estate agent to help you find a home in El Campello?
Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian homebuyers throughout much of the Costa Blanca.
We can help you determine whether El Campello is the right fit for your housing needs, or whether another coastal town better aligns with your priorities.
For example, we can compare factors such as central location, ocean views, villas, apartments, new construction, existing homes, distance to the beach, and accessibility to Alicante.
Learn more about Casas Palmeras, a Dutch real estate agency on the Costa Blanca and about our approach.
First, decide which El Campello you're looking for
The most important decision isn't just whether or not to go to El Campello.
It's about which part of the municipality is right for you.
If you plan to do a lot of walking, you should choose a more central location. If you’re looking for a villa, peace and quiet, and a view, you’ll likely end up in residential coastal areas. If you’re looking for a second home, the beach and maintenance costs may be more important factors. If you plan to live there year-round, amenities, public transportation, and winter comfort become more important.
Four Interesting Housing Profiles in El Campello
A central apartment is ideal for those who want shops, the beach, restaurants, and public transportation relatively close by.
A penthouse with a ocean view is ideal for those who value a terrace, privacy, and a view, and who appreciate the elevator and the breeze.
A villa in a coastal residential area is ideal for those looking for more space, privacy, and perhaps a private pool, and who don't mind relying on a car.
A newly built home is a good fit for those who value modern finishes and minimal immediate renovation work, but who are also particularly selective about location and future development.
Who is El Campello best suited for?
Buying a home in El Campello can be particularly appealing if you:
want to combine coastal living with the proximity of Alicante, prefer a smaller-scale setting over a big city, want the option to choose between an apartment and a villa, and are willing to carefully select the exact neighborhood.
Those looking primarily for large international developments or distinctively beachfront living will find other options further south. On the other hand, those who want to combine city life, the coast, and public transportation without living right in the heart of Alicante may find El Campello particularly appealing.
View properties in El Campello and the surrounding area
Would you like to know which homes currently meet your needs?
Then take a look at our current listings, our existing homes, the available new-construction homes, and current new-construction projects.
Would you like us to conduct a targeted search for, for example, an apartment near the beach, a penthouse with an ocean view, a villa with a private pool, a new construction, a home near the TRAM, or a home for permanent residence? If so, please fill out the questionnaire for your home search or contact Casas Palmeras with no obligation.
Buying a home in El Campello is all about finding the right combination of beach access, accessibility, and lifestyle. The town center is ideal for those who want to get around on foot and have amenities nearby, while the coastal areas further out offer more space, villas, tranquility, and views. So don’t just look at the distance to the sea, but also consider elevation differences, public transportation, parking, winter sun, salt exposure, the community association (comunidad), and your daily commute to shops and healthcare facilities. Ultimately, the best home in El Campello isn’t necessarily the one with the most beautiful view, but the one whose location aligns with how you truly want to experience life in Spain.
