Real estate agent in Alfaz del Pi

Buying a Home in Alfaz del Pi – International Living Between Albir, Altea, and Benidorm

Are you interested in buying a home in Alfaz del Pi? If so, you’re choosing a unique town on the Northern Costa Blanca where a traditional Spanish village center, international residential neighborhoods, nature, and the Albir coastline all come together.

The official Valencian name is l’Alfàs del Pi, but Dutch homebuyers often refer to it as Alfaz del Pi.

The municipality is located between Benidorm and Altea and consists of more than just the town center of l’Alfàs del Pi. The popular coastal town of Albir is also part of the municipality.

That means that living in Alfaz del Pi can mean many different things:

an apartment in Albir near the sea;
a home in the center of l’Alfàs;
a villa in a quiet residential community;
new construction;
or a detached home with a garden and a pool between l’Alfàs and the surrounding towns.

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian buyers with purchasing a home in Spain and can help you with both new construction and existing homes on the Costa Blanca.

Why live in Alfaz del Pi?

L’Alfàs del Pi stands out for its combination of Spanish roots and a very international population.

According to the municipality, l’Alfàs has a population of approximately 22,000, and more than half of the population is of foreign origin. People from nearly 100 different nationalities live there.

You'll notice that in your daily life.

In the municipality, you'll find, among other things:

Spanish retail and hospitality businesses;
international restaurants;
foreign associations;
international services;
cultural activities;
sports facilities;
schools;
health care;
and a large group of residents who live here permanently.

This may be appealing to people who are moving to Spain but would like to be surrounded by an international community.

Alfaz del Pi or Albir?

This is probably the most important decision within the municipality.

Living in Alfaz del Pi

The center of l’Alfàs del Pi is located inland.

Here, you'll be living more like you would in a typical Spanish town, with:

local center;
stores;
hospitality industry;
schools;
municipal facilities;
sport;
and residential neighborhoods.

It feels less like a beach town than Albir.

Living in Albir

Albir is located right on the beach.

Here you will find:

beach;
boulevard;
restaurants;
the terrace;
apartments;
hotels;
international residents;
and direct access to the Serra Gelada nature reserve.

For those looking for a second home or who enjoy walking to the beach, Albir may be a more appealing option.

As a result, housing prices and types of housing can also vary significantly.

Buying a House in Albir

People looking for a home in Alfaz del Pi often end up in Albir.

Albir has a more international and seaside-oriented atmosphere than the center of l’Alfàs.

Here you'll find, among other things:

apartments near the sea;
penthouses;
residential complexes with a swimming pool;
row houses;
villas;
and new construction.

It is especially the combination of the beach, restaurants and cafes, and everyday amenities that makes Albir attractive to people who like to get around on foot.

Albir Beach

Albir Beach is located on the bay between Serra Gelada and Altea.

The beach consists mainly of pebbles and has a promenade along the coast with restaurants, cafes, and outdoor seating areas.

That's a different kind of beach than, for example, the long sandy beaches around Alicante or Guardamar.

For some homebuyers, that's actually appealing because of the clear water and the view of the bay.

Walk of Fame

The Paseo de las Estrellas runs along the beach in Albir.

This promenade is associated with the annual film festival in l’Alfàs del Pi.

Actors, directors, and other prominent figures from the Spanish film industry are honored here with their own star. By 2026, more than sixty names had been honored.

It's a nice nod to the community's cultural identity.

Alfaz del Pi Film Festival

L’Alfàs del Pi has been hosting its own film festival since the late 1980s.

In 2026, the 38th edition took place, featuring dozens of films and short films, as well as activities at venues including Cine Roma, Casa de Cultura, and Albir.

Events like these make l’Alfàs more than just a place to live or a vacation destination.

There is a fairly active cultural program throughout the year.

Serra Gelada

The Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada borders Albir.

This protected nature reserve encompasses the mountainous coastal strip between Albir and Benidorm.

For residents, this is one of the most attractive nature areas in the immediate vicinity.

There, you can:

hiking;
visit scenic viewpoints;
observing nature;
and walk toward the Albir lighthouse.

Albir Lighthouse

One of the most famous hikes in the area leads to the Faro de l’Albir.

The route runs through Serra Gelada and ends at the lighthouse.

The lighthouse now houses an information center about the nature reserve and the history of the former lighthouse keepers.

The route is popular among residents and visitors alike and is one of the places where you can really see how closely nature and built-up areas coexist here.

Bombarda Tower

The ruins of Torre Bombarda are also located near the lighthouse.

This historic coast guard tower was part of a 16th-century defense system against attacks from the sea and is now a protected cultural heritage site.

Roman Villa of l’Albir

Albir also has archaeological heritage.

The Villa Romana de l’Albir is an open-air museum built around the ruins of a Roman villa.

These days, the grounds are also used for cultural activities, including movie screenings in the summer.

Places like this give Albir more historical depth than many modern coastal developments.

International community

One of the most striking features of l’Alfàs del Pi is its international population.

More than half of the residents are of foreign origin, and people from about 100 countries live there.

That means that foreign residents have been a part of everyday life here for decades.

Dutch community

Dutch people have also been living here for a long time.

The municipality had previously reported approximately 2,200 Dutch residents and described the Dutch community as a group that has been established for nearly half a century.

For example, there is also a Dutch association that has been active since the 1970s.

For Dutch people looking for a place to live, it can be reassuring to know that they can find Dutch-speaking contacts and services here relatively easily.

Scandinavian community

L’Alfàs del Pi is also particularly well known for its large Norwegian community.

In 2026, approximately 2,500 Norwegians were officially registered, and the community is home to Norwegian schools, a church, and various organizations, among other things.

That underscores just how international this municipality really is.

Is Alfaz del Pi still part of Spain?

Sure, but the character varies by region.

In the center of l’Alfàs, you’ll get a better sense of traditional Spanish daily life.

In Albir and some residential developments, the international influence is much stronger.

Anyone who wants to consciously integrate into a fully Spanish environment should therefore take a close look at the specific neighborhood.

Those who enjoy making friends easily with other international residents may find l’Alfàs very appealing.

Alfaz del Pi or Benidorm?

Benidorm is nearby, but has a completely different character.

Benidorm is:

larger;
printer;
more urban;
more touristy;
and known for its high-rise buildings and large sandy beaches.

Alfaz del Pi and Albir are:

on a smaller scale;
more residential;
calmer;
and less heavily frequented by tourists.

If you want all the amenities Benidorm has to offer but don’t want to live right in the middle of the hustle and bustle, you might find l’Alfàs appealing.

Alfaz del Pi or Altea?

Altea is located just north of Albir.

Altea has a highly distinctive historic center with white houses and the famous church on the hill.

Albir feels more open, modern, and international.

For people who enjoy:

walking on flat ground;
living near the boulevard;
and easily access everyday amenities,

Albir might be more practical.

If you're particularly drawn to historic charm and living in a hilly area, Altea might be a better fit for you.

Alfaz del Pi or Villajoyosa?

Villajoyosa is located south of Benidorm and has yet another distinct character.

Villajoyosa is:

more traditional Spanish;
known for its colorful houses;
right on the sandy beaches;
and less international than l’Alfàs.

L’Alfàs is particularly appealing if you value a large international community.

Alfaz del Pi or Calpe?

Calpe is also an international destination, but has a stronger vacation and coastal vibe.

Calpe has:

large sandy beaches;
many apartments;
of Peñón de Ifach;
and a lot of tourist activity.

L’Alfàs del Pi offers more variety between the coast, the town center, and the villa developments.

Homes for Sale in Alfaz del Pi

The housing market offers a wide variety of options.

You can search for, among other things:

apartments;
penthouses;
townhouses;
row houses;
villas;
homes with a pool;
new construction;
existing buildings;
and homes near the sea.

Which location is best depends largely on how you plan to use it.

Buying an Apartment in Albir

Apartments are popular among second-home buyers.

They may be appealing because of:

low maintenance;
beach nearby;
restaurants and bars within walking distance;
communal swimming pool;
parking space;
and a patio.

When making a purchase, always check:

community;
lift;
parking lot;
tourist crowds;
sun exposure;
and the condition of the building.

Penthouse in Albir

A penthouse might be a good option if outdoor space is important to you.

Please note:

orientation;
wind;
zon;
privacy;
lift;
maintenance of the patio;
and any shared roof structures.

A large patio is especially valuable when it’s also practical.

Buying a Villa in Alfaz del Pi

In and around l’Alfàs, you’ll find several villa developments.

For example, a villa may feature:

private pool;
garden;
garage;
several patios;
guest house;
and a view of the mountains or the sea.

The exact location makes a big difference.

A villa may be in a quiet location, but that also means it's farther from shops and the beach.

New Construction in Alfaz del Pi

New construction is also underway in l’Alfàs del Pi and the surrounding area. new construction

This may be of interest to buyers who:

modern architecture;
large windows;
energy performance;
modern facilities;
swimming pool;
and little direct maintenance

consider important.

To view our current listings, check out our new construction projects.

What is included in a new construction project?

This varies by project.

Therefore, always check the following:

kitchen appliances;
air conditioning;
swimming pool;
parking lot;
salvage;
garden;
lighting;
solar panels;
and exterior finishes.

Don't automatically assume that what's shown in the sample photos is accurate.

Existing home in Alfaz del Pi

Existing homes may be a good option if you:

want immediate access to the home;
want an established neighborhood;
is looking for a larger lot;
or are willing to modernize.

For older villas, the following factors, among others, should be considered:

swimming pool registration;
expansions;
outbuildings;
property boundaries;
and technical condition.

Permanent residence in Alfaz del Pi

L’Alfàs del Pi is an excellent place to consider if you want to move to Spain permanently.

The municipality has a very high proportion of permanent international residents and actively focuses on the integration of and providing information to foreign residents.

For permanent residence, I would focus primarily on:

supermarket;
health care;
school;
work;
public transportation;
distance to the beach;
and car dependency.

Alfaz del Pi for Families

For families, the municipality may be attractive because of:

schools;
sport;
international environment;
beaches nearby;
nature;
and nearby towns such as Benidorm and Altea.

But don't base your decision solely on the home itself.

The daily commute to school can be much more important than an extra bedroom or a bigger pool.

International Schools

Due to the region's international population, there are various foreign educational initiatives in this region.

The most notable are the Norwegian schools in l’Alfàs, which are partly due to the very large Norwegian community.

For Dutch or Belgian families, it remains important to determine in advance which educational system is best suited to their situation.

Health Care

Medical facilities are available in l’Alfàs, Albir, and the surrounding areas.

For more comprehensive hospital care, Benidorm and other larger towns in the region are among the options.

For more information, see our guide on health care in Spain and hospitals, clinics, and Dutch doctors on the Costa Blanca.

Alfaz del Pi for retirees

L’Alfàs del Pi has long been a popular destination among foreign retirees.

For people who want to spend their retirement in Spain, the combination of:

international network;
facilities;
climate;
where;
and hiking opportunities

be attractive.

When choosing a home, we would pay special attention to:

slopes;
stairs;
lift;
distance to healthcare;
supermarket;
and car dependency.

How flat is Alfaz del Pi?

That varies greatly.

Albir itself has several flat residential areas, making it attractive to people who enjoy walking or biking.

As you head toward Serra Gelada and some of the villa developments, you'll encounter more elevation changes.

A home that appears to be close to the beach on a map may, in reality, be located on a steep slope.

That's something you really have to experience for yourself during a tour.

Stores and everyday amenities

In l’Alfàs and Albir, you’ll find plenty of everyday amenities.

Consider:

supermarkets;
restaurants;
pharmacies;
the bank;
sport;
services;
and international stores.

For larger shopping areas, you can head to Benidorm, among other places.

Hospitality Industry

Albir, in particular, has many restaurants and bars.

Thanks to the international population, you'll find not only Spanish restaurants here but also cuisines from various European countries.

That can be nice for permanent residents, although it’s still interesting, of course, to discover the local Spanish restaurants and bars as well.

Accessibility

L’Alfàs del Pi is centrally located on the northern Costa Blanca.

You can get there relatively quickly:

Benidorm
Altea;
Villajoyosa;
Calpe;
and other places in the Marina Baixa.

For many residents, a car is practical, although many everyday errands in Albir can also be run on foot.

Tram service

The area is served by Alicante's tram network.

That might be of interest to people who don't want to use their car for every trip.

When looking for a place to live, the distance to a transit stop can therefore be a practical selection criterion.

Second home in Alfaz del Pi

L’Alfàs—and especially Albir—could be good options for a second home.

An apartment in Albir can be practical because:

beach;
restaurants;
stores;
hiking trails;
and boulevard

is nearby.

Those who want less maintenance can therefore opt for an apartment or a housing development instead of a large detached villa.

Investing in Alfaz del Pi

Would you like to invest in Spanish real estate?

In that case, l’Alfàs del Pi has several potential target audiences:

permanent international residents;
retirees;
families;
long-term tenants;
and vacationers.

But location and type of home make a big difference.

An apartment in Albir has a different rental market than a villa further inland.

Therefore, always analyze:

purchase price;
target rental market;
response from children;
community;
maintenance;
regulations;
and future marketability.

Vacation Rentals in Alfaz del Pi

Anyone buying a home in Albir with the intention of renting it out to tourists should look into this before purchasing.

Check the following, among other things:

current regulations of the Valencian Community;
municipal requirements;
any restrictions imposed by the community;
registration;
and whether the property actually qualifies for the desired type of rental arrangement.

Don't be swayed by claims that a home is “ideal for Airbnb.”

Purchasing Costs in Alfaz del Pi

When buying a home in Spain, you'll pay more than just the purchase price.

Please keep the following in mind, among other things:

taxes;
notary public;
property registry;
legal assistance;
and any financing costs.

New construction and existing buildings are subject to different tax rules.

Therefore, always calculate your total purchase budget.

Mortgages in Spain

Would you like to finance part of the purchase?

Then read more about how a mortgage in Spain works.

It's a good idea to know your financial limits before signing a reservation contract.

NIE for residents

To buy a home in Spain, you need a NIE number.

If you would like to live permanently in l’Alfàs del Pi, you may also need to deal with residency requirements and other administrative procedures.

For more information, see NIE and residence permit.

Buying a Home in Alfaz del Pi with Casas Palmeras

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian buyers in their search for homes on the Costa Blanca.

We can help you with:

Select a location and neighborhood;
select a property listing;
Comparing Albir and Alfaz;
Compare new construction and existing homes;
viewings;
legal assistance;
financing options;
and guidance toward the transition.

Learn more about our approach.

Not just our own listings

We do not limit our search to just one of our own portfolios.

Through our network of real estate agents and developers, we can compare various properties in l’Alfàs del Pi, Albir, and the surrounding North Costa Blanca area.

This gives you more opportunities to explore:

location;
price;
housing type;
distance to the beach;
facilities;
and a total budget.

Dutch Real Estate Agent for Alfaz del Pi

Casas Palmeras is a Dutch real estate agency on the Costa Blanca.

This means that you can discuss the purchase process in Dutch while the necessary Spanish parties are involved in the transaction.

This can be particularly helpful when it comes to contracts, legal reviews, taxes, and financing.

View properties in Alfaz del Pi and Albir

Would you like to know which homes are currently available in l’Alfàs del Pi, Albir, and the surrounding area?

Then take a look at our current listings and the available new construction projects.

Would you like us to conduct a targeted search for, for example:

apartment in Albir;
home within walking distance of the ocean;
villa with a private pool;
new construction;
penthouse with a terrace;
permanent residence;
or a home within a certain total budget?

Please fill out the questionnaire for your housing search or contact Casas Palmeras with no obligation.

L’Alfàs del Pi is particularly appealing to homebuyers who want to combine the Northern Costa Blanca with a very international lifestyle. Moreover, the range of options within the municipality is remarkably wide: from traditional Spanish village life in the center to the beach and promenade in Albir, with quiet villa communities in between. With Serra Gelada, the Faro de l’Albir, Benidorm, and Altea nearby—and an international population that has been settled here for decades—L’Alfàs del Pi holds a unique position on the Costa Blanca.