Greetings from Alicante

16 Jul 2026

Greetings from Alicante: the vibrant capital of the Costa Blanca

When people think of the Costa Blanca, Alicante often comes to mind. This lively city on the Mediterranean Sea combines the best of Spain: wide sandy beaches, a historic city center, a lively promenade, excellent restaurants, and a pleasant climate. Alicante is not only a popular vacation destination but also a beloved place to live, invest, or move to.

With over 350,000 residents, Alicante is the largest city on the Costa Blanca. Yet the city feels surprisingly compact. In just a few minutes, you can walk from the historic center to the beach, the marina, or a cozy outdoor café. It is precisely this combination of urban amenities and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle that makes Alicante so appealing.

The beating heart of the Costa Blanca

Alicante is the capital of the province of the same name and serves as the economic and cultural center of the Costa Blanca.

Thanks to its international airport, the high-speed train (AVE), and excellent highway connections, the city is easily accessible from all over Europe. For many people, Alicante is their first introduction to the Costa Blanca, but more and more visitors are ultimately deciding to buy a home here as well.

Alicante's famous boulevard

A visit to Alicante isn't complete without a stroll along the Explanada de España.

This iconic boulevard, paved with millions of colorful mosaic tiles, runs along the marina and is lined with tall palm trees, terraces, and restaurants. During the day, it’s a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll, while in the evening it buzzes with a lively atmosphere.

Along the boulevard, you'll find street musicians, art stalls, and cozy outdoor cafes where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the ocean view.

Santa Bárbara Castle

Towering high above the city is the impressive Castillo de Santa Bárbara, perhaps Alicante's most famous landmark.

From the castle, you have a spectacular view of the city, the harbor, and the Mediterranean Sea. You can reach the castle on foot, or by taking the elevator that departs from Postiguet Beach.

Within the old fortress walls, you'll discover centuries of history, beautiful viewpoints, and various exhibitions.

A beach right in the middle of the city

One of the biggest advantages of Alicante is that you can enjoy both city life and the beach.

Playa del Postiguet is located right next to the city center, making it one of Spain's most popular city beaches. The wide sandy beach has all the amenities you need and is the perfect place to cool off after a day of shopping or sightseeing.

A little further on is Playa de San Juan, a vast sandy beach nearly seven kilometers long. This beach is one of the most beautiful on the Costa Blanca and is popular with both locals and tourists.

Shopping in Alicante

For shopping enthusiasts, Alicante is an excellent destination.

Avenida Maisonnave is the city's main shopping district and offers a wide selection of well-known brands such as Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Primark, El Corte Inglés, and countless other fashion stores.

In addition, you’ll find many local boutiques, specialty shops, and cozy cafés in the side streets. The covered Mercado Central is also a must-visit for lovers of fresh local produce, fish, meat, vegetables, and Spanish delicacies.

Culture and History

Alicante's history dates back thousands of years, and you can see that everywhere in the city.

The charming Santa Cruz neighborhood, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and flowers, is perhaps the most beautiful part of Alicante. Here, you can still experience authentic Spain.

In addition, the city is home to several museums, including the MARQ Archaeological Museum, which has won several international awards, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA).

Gastronomy

Alicante is a paradise for lovers of Spanish cuisine.

All over the city, you'll find tapas bars, seafood restaurants, and cozy outdoor dining areas. Of course, you can't miss out on a traditional paella, but local specialties like arroz a banda and fresh seafood are definitely worth trying.

On warm summer evenings, the boulevard is filled with people enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle, while in the old town, the outdoor cafes stay crowded until late.

Living in Alicante

More and more people are choosing to live in Alicante permanently.

That's not surprising. The city offers excellent health care, international schools, good public transportation, and all the amenities you'd expect from a major city.

At the same time, you'll live within walking distance of the beach and enjoy pleasant temperatures almost all year round.

Whether you choose a modern apartment in the city center, a home on Playa de San Juan, or a villa in one of the suburbs, Alicante offers options for virtually every budget.

Investing in Real Estate

Alicante is also an attractive option for real estate investors.

Due to the constant demand for rental properties—from tourists, students, and expats alike—the housing market continues to perform well. Apartments in the city center, around the beach, and near the university are particularly popular.

In addition, the growing international interest ensures that Alicante remains an attractive city in the long term.

What is there to do in Alicante?

In addition to the beach and the castle, there's much more to discover.

Visit the Mercado Central, take a stroll through the Santa Cruz neighborhood, admire the luxury yachts in the harbor, or enjoy a drink at one of the many rooftop bars with views of the city.

A visit to Isla de Tabarca is also highly recommended. Boats depart daily from the harbor to this small island off the coast, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and enjoy fresh fish at one of the restaurants.

Will you be in Alicante in June? If so, don’t miss the Hogueras de San Juan. This spectacular city festival features giant works of art that are burned to the sound of loud applause at the end of the festivities. It is one of the largest and most impressive festivals in Spain.

Why So Many People Fall in Love with Alicante

There's something about Alicante that's hard to put into words. Maybe it's the combination of city and beach. Maybe it's the lively promenade, the historic streets, or the wonderful climate.

The fact is that many visitors keep coming back. Some come for a vacation, while others eventually buy a second home there or even move there permanently.