Located on the beautiful Costa Blanca in southeastern Spain, Alicante is a city that offers year-round charm and comfort. With its Mediterranean character, rich history, modern amenities and international appeal, Alicante is one of the most popular places in Spain to live, work, invest and enjoy. Whether you are thinking of emigrating, investing, or simply considering a visit, Alicante welcomes you with open arms.

Amenities in Alicante

Medical care

Medical facilities in Alicante are of excellent quality. You will find both public and private hospitals and clinics. The Hospital General Universitario de Alicante is one of the most important public hospitals in the region and offers a wide range of specialty care. In addition, there are several private hospitals such as Vithas Medimar International and HLA Vistahermosa, where you can go for prompt, high-quality treatments. The presence of pharmacies, dentists and physical therapists is also ample, with often multilingual staff, which is nice for international residents.

Education

The education system in Alicante is well developed and offers many choices:

• Primary and secondary education are offered through both public and private schools. The quality of education is high, and there are several bilingual or international schools, such as the European School of Alicante and King's College Alicante.
• University education is provided by the University of Alicante, a modern university with a wide range of degree programs, a green campus and much attention to research and international students.
• Special education is also well catered for in Alicante. There are institutions dedicated to children and adolescents with learning or developmental disabilities, often with individual counseling and therapies.

Shopping in Alicante

Shopping in Alicante is a real pleasure. You can visit large shopping centers such as Plaza Mar 2, with international brands, cinemas and eateries. In the historic center you will find atmospheric boutiques, specialty stores and local markets such as the Mercado Central, where you can buy fresh produce and local products. Along the Explanada de España and in the El Barrio district you will discover original stores, ideal for those who love handicrafts and unique finds.

Sports in Alicante

Sports play an important role in Alicante's daily life. You can play outdoor sports here almost all year round thanks to the mild climate. Popular sports include soccer, padel, tennis, sailing, golf and running. Alicante has modern sports facilities such as the Ciudad Deportiva and several golf courses, including Alicante Golf, designed by Severiano Ballesteros. Water sports such as windsurfing, diving and kayaking are also popular, especially in coastal areas such as San Juan Playa.

Living in Alicante

Living in Alicante means living in a city where comfort, nature and culture come together. The city caters to families as well as retirees, young professionals and students. If you are looking for a quieter area with plenty of nature, Jalón (aka Xaló) inland is an excellent choice. This place is especially popular with people looking for tranquility, vineyards and a village feel, but still want to live close to the coast.

Living in Alicante is known for its relaxed lifestyle, excellent accessibility (thanks to Alicante-Elche Airport) and relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities.

Popular neighborhoods in Alicante

Each neighborhood in Alicante has its own character and target group:

• For families: Vistahermosa and San Blas are very popular because of their proximity to schools, parks and quiet residential areas.
• For students: Carolinas Altas and Centro offer affordable apartments, good ov connections and plenty of vibrancy.
• For investors: Ensanche Diputación, Albufereta and Playa de San Juan are attractive due to their location, value stability and rentability.

Nature and climate in Alicante

Alicante enjoys a Mediterranean climate with more than 300 sunny days a year and mild winters. Temperatures in summer are around 30 degrees, while in winter it rarely falls below 12 degrees.

The city is surrounded by beautiful nature. Parque Natural del Carrascal de la Font Roja and Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja offer hiking trails and unique flora and fauna. The waterfalls of Algar are also a popular destination for nature lovers. In addition, you can enjoy viewpoints such as the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, located on Monte Benacantil, with panoramic views of city and sea.

Emigrating to Alicante

Alicante is a popular destination for emigration, especially among the Dutch, Belgians and British. The city offers a high standard of living, low crime rate and excellent amenities. Living costs are relatively low; groceries, restaurants and public transportation are more affordable than in northwestern Europe. Homes range from apartments in the city center to villas on the coast or inland.

Popular neighborhoods for emigrants include Playa de San Juan, Cabo de las Huertas (for those seeking luxury and tranquility) and Campoamor, with many expat facilities. Life in Alicante is social, active and focused on being outdoors - something many find enriching.

Investing in Alicante

Investing in Alicante is interesting because of its stable real estate market, its appeal to tourists and its favorable prices. Rentability is very good, especially in the neighborhoods of Centro, Albufereta and San Juan Playa, which are popular with tourists and students. Growth potential is considerable, thanks in part to urban development and growing popularity among international buyers.

The combination of good infrastructure, sunny climate and quality of life provides a solid basis for real estate investment, especially in apartments for vacation rental or long-term rental to expats and students.

What to do in Alicante

Alicante offers a rich array of activities and attractions:

• Visit Castillo de Santa Bárbara: This impressive castle offers not only historical insights but also breathtaking views of the city and coastline.
• Explanada de España: This famous boulevard, paved with marble mosaics, is ideal for a leisurely stroll past palm trees and buskers.
• Beach days at Playa del Postiguet: An urban beach with clear waters, sunbeds and nearby cafes.
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante (MACA): For art lovers, this museum is an absolute must, with works by Dalí, Miró and others.
• Market visit to Mercado Central: Here you will discover local cuisine, fresh fish, fruits, vegetables and artisan products.
• Nightlife in El Barrio: This neighborhood comes alive at night with cozy tapas bars, terraces and music.
• Wine tasting in the Jalón region: The valley is known for its vineyards and bodegas where you can taste local wines.
• Fiestas and events: Consider the spectacular fireworks and colorful costumes during the annual Hogueras de San Juan, Alicante's biggest party.