Buying a House on the Costa Blanca

We are here to help you with our selection of the best places for expats to live on the Costa Blanca. The official number of foreigners living in Spain has reached 6 million, an increase of 3.6% just in the past year alone. And many of those expats who choose to live in Spain opt for the Costa Blanca.

The continued popularity of Spain's Valencia region, and particularly the province of Alicante, is due to the fact that the Costa Blanca is a fantastic place for both families and those looking to retire in Spain. Not to mention those who choose the Costa Blanca as the best place to buy a holiday home in Spain. But perhaps you’re not quite sure where on the Costa Blanca you want to live. Where should you start your property search in Spain? Where do most expats live in Alicante province? We highlight the best places to live on the Costa Blanca.

Where to Live on the Costa Blanca?

• Orihuela
• Torrevieja
• Benidorm
• Rojales
• Elche
• Marina Alta

Living in Orihuela 

First on our list of the best places to live on the Costa Blanca is Orihuela, a town located at the foot of the mountains in Alicante. Orihuela is perfect for a traditional Spanish lifestyle. It's the ideal place if you want to be surrounded by history, with cobblestone streets, medieval influences, and some of the best traditional Easter celebrations in Spain.

For those who prefer a more cosmopolitan lifestyle, you can head about 20 km to the coastal area of Orihuela Costa. In recent years, this area has developed into a town with its own amenities, nightlife, and a significant number of Blue Flag beaches. Here, you’ll find Orihuela's largest expat community, thanks to its ideal location, proximity to airports, and train connections to Alicante and Murcia. Additionally, there are many golf courses, several international schools, and a large number of residential areas with reasonably priced villas and apartments. All this makes Orihuela one of the best places to buy a (holiday) home on the Costa Blanca.

Living in Torrevieja 

Torrevieja is a former fishing village that has transformed into a multicultural city where a large number of expats from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and Russia reside. The city earns its place as one of the best places to live on the Costa Blanca for expats thanks to its kilometers of quality beaches and a protected natural park, not to mention its two salt lakes.

Here, you’ll find a thriving expat community, with a large number of retirees and expat families who have chosen to take advantage of the city’s pleasant weather, vibrant cultural scene, and some of the cheapest real estate for sale on the Costa Blanca.

Living in Benidorm 

No list of the best places to live on the Costa Blanca for expats would be complete without mentioning Benidorm, a long-standing favorite among British expats and tourists. Benidorm is located in the Marina Baixa region of Alicante. Despite its reputation as a party town, Benidorm is actually one of the best places for expats to live in Spain. It’s a larger city than most people realize, offering something for everyone.

Where do expats live in Benidorm? There are many different areas for expats in Benidorm, and each has its own unique atmosphere. Spaniards generally live close to the city center and the Poniente beach area. So if you’re looking for a more authentic Spanish experience, this is the perfect place to look for a home.

On the other hand, most expats tend to gravitate towards the Levante area, often nicknamed “the English district” due to the large number of British expats. Despite the name, you’ll also find many other Northern European expats here, including Dutch, Germans, and French. Another option is the suburbs of Benidorm or one of the nearby villages, such as La Nucía, Polop, or Alfaz del Pi, popular because of their proximity to the international schools in Benidorm.

Living in Rojales 

Rojales has become a real magnet for expats in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. This charming town on the Costa Blanca lies between the sandy beaches of Guardamar del Segura and Orihuela, and it’s just 35 minutes from the airports of Alicante and Murcia.

Rojales is known for its unique cave houses located in the hills south of the town, while the area is a favorite among golfers, thanks to several championship golf courses nearby. Also close is Ciudad Quesada, which, according to Idealista statistics, is the most popular Spanish village among foreign buyers and a great place for those seeking an authentic Spanish lifestyle in one of the most beautiful parts of the Costa Blanca.

Living in Elche 

Just under 30 km from the city of Alicante is Elche (also known as Elx). This historic Spanish city is the third most populated in the Valencia region (after Valencia city and Alicante), and you’ve probably heard of it because of its famous palm groves. With its pleasant weather year-round, Elche is a popular option on the Costa Blanca for families, as the area is home to one of the best international schools in Alicante and the 5th best university in Spain (the Miguel Hernández University of Elche).

When it comes to buying or renting property in Elche, prices vary significantly depending on the area. The best deals can be found outside the city center, with villas in the suburbs starting at 130,000 euros.