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The Best Cities in Alicante to Live In: Our 2025 Guide

The Best Cities in Alicante to Live In: Our 2025 Guide
Alicante Property Buying Tips & Market Analysis
Estimated reading time : 4 minutes

Introduction

Almost perpetual sunshine, fine sandy beaches, delicious gastronomy, and an attractive cost of living... The province of Alicante has it all. But with such diverse landscapes and atmospheres, one question constantly arises: where should you settle down?

Whether you are a family seeking tranquility, a retiree looking for relaxation, a digital nomad, or an investor, each city on the Costa Blanca offers a unique experience. As seasoned experts in this region, we understand this is a significant decision. To help you navigate your options, we have selected the best cities in Alicante for a desirable lifestyle.

Top 7 Cities to Live in Alicante Province

1. Alicante: Urban Vibrancy by the Sea

The provincial capital is an essential choice for those who love having everything within reach. It's a perfect blend of a dynamic city, rich cultural history, and the gentle Mediterranean way of life.

Ideal for: Young professionals, students, digital nomads, and those who don't want to choose between city and beach life.

View of Alicante port and castle, a dynamic city

✅ Pros ⚠️ Cons
Excellent connectivity (Airport, High-speed train, Tram). Less peaceful than villages, especially in summer.
Rich cultural and nightlife year-round. Parking can be a challenge in the city centre.
Comprehensive services (Hospitals, Universities, Shops). Higher property prices in the city centre.
Urban Postiguet beach within walking distance.

2. Jávea (Xàbia): The Jewel of the Costa Blanca

Often cited as one of the coast's most beautiful towns, Jávea captivates with its turquoise coves, charming historic centre, and a cosmopolitan yet family-friendly atmosphere.

Ideal for: Families, discerning retirees, and nature lovers.

  • Spectacular coastline (Granadella, Portitxol coves).
  • High quality of life and a highly preserved environment.
  • Active international community, facilitating integration.
  • Property cost higher than the provincial average.
  • Car essential for moving between the three main areas (Arenal, Port, Pueblo).

3. Dénia: Gastronomy and Authentic Atmosphere

Capital of its comarca (region), Dénia is a lively port city, crowned by a castle. Recognized as a "Creative City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO, it's a paradise for food lovers.

Ideal for: Food enthusiasts, families, and those seeking a vibrant year-round city.

View of Dénia castle and port, a gastronomic city

  • Exceptional culinary scene (Michelin-starred restaurants and tapas).
  • Dynamic port with ferry connections to the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Formentera).
  • 20 km of beaches (sandy to the north, coves to the south).
  • Very busy in summer, especially near the port.

4. Altea: The Bohemian Charm of a White Village

Perched on a hill, Altea is arguably the most picturesque village on the Costa Blanca. With its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and iconic blue-domed church, it exudes an artistic and serene atmosphere.

Ideal for: Artists, couples, and those seeking tranquility and beauty.

  • A magnificent setting with breathtaking views.
  • Artistic atmosphere (galleries, artisans) and peaceful quality of life.
  • Steep slopes in the old town ("casco antiguo").
  • Mostly pebble beaches.

5. Calpe (Calp): Between Family Beaches and Iconic Nature

It's impossible to miss Calpe with its imposing "Peñón de Ifach," a majestic rock jutting out into the sea. It's a highly popular family destination for its long sandy beaches and calm waters.

Ideal for: Families with children and enthusiasts of water sports and hiking.

  • Perfect sandy beaches (La Fossa, Arenal-Bol).
  • Peñón de Ifach Natural Park for hiking.
  • Excellent value for money in real estate.
  • Architecture dominated by tall buildings on the coast.

6. Moraira: Discreet Exclusivity

Smaller and more upscale than its neighbours, Moraira has preserved its fishing village charm while offering high-end services. It's a preferred destination for those seeking tranquility and exclusivity.

Ideal for: Retirees, investors, and those seeking a luxury secondary residence.

  • Controlled urban development (no tall buildings).
  • Calm, sophisticated, and secure atmosphere.
  • Magnificent coves like El Portet.
  • Among the highest property budgets in the region.

7. Elche (Elx): The Cultural Oasis

Located slightly inland, Elche offers a different experience. Famous for its Palm Grove, the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a dynamic city with a strong cultural identity.

Ideal for: Those who prefer the authenticity of a Spanish city to a beach resort, while still being close to the sea.

  • A unique living environment with its 200,000 palm trees.
  • More affordable cost of living and property than on the coast.
  • Proximity to Alicante airport and beaches (Arenales del Sol).
  • A car is necessary to go to the beach (approx. 20 minutes).

Infographic comparing the best cities to live in Alicante by budget and lifestyle

Quick Comparison Table

City Lifestyle Property Budget Ideal for...
Alicante Urban & Lively €€ Young Professionals, Students
Jávea Family & Nature €€€€ Families, Expats
Dénia Authentic & Gourmet €€€ Food Lovers, Year-round Living
Altea Bohemian & Peaceful €€€ Artists, Couples
Calpe Coastal & Family-friendly €€ Families with Children
Moraira Exclusive & Peaceful €€€€€ Retirees, Investors
Elche Cultural & Authentic € Authenticity Seekers

Expert Tip: Don't rely solely on photos. The "best" way to choose is to rent accommodation for a few weeks in your 2 or 3 preferred towns, ideally out of season (in winter). That's when you'll truly get a feel for a place's atmosphere.

Conclusion

There is no single "best" city; there is only the one that perfectly matches your life project. Alicante for energy, Altea for poetry, Jávea for balance... each city on the Costa Blanca has its own distinct personality.

The best advice we can give you is to come and explore them for yourself to truly feel their atmosphere. Our team of experts knows the region inside out. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover our exclusive properties in these magnificent cities.

Discover Our Properties in Alicante

FAQ: Investing in Real Estate on Alicante's Costa Blanca

Investing in real estate on the Costa Blanca represents a unique opportunity for UK/US investors. Understanding the strengths and specificities of the key cities in Alicante province is essential for a successful investment.

Alicante province, on the renowned Costa Blanca, is a prime destination thanks to its sunny climate almost all year round, its magnificent sandy beaches, rich gastronomy, and generally very attractive cost of living. These combined factors make it an ideal location for a primary residence, a secondary home, or a rental investment.

The diversity of towns and atmospheres on the Costa Blanca caters to a wide range of profiles. Whether you are a family seeking serenity, a retiree looking for relaxation, a digital nomad searching for a stimulating environment, or a savvy investor, each locality offers a unique experience. It is crucial to clearly define your expectations to choose the town that best suits your project.

As experts in the region, Voguimmo provides an in-depth analysis of each town. We help you weigh the pros and cons, based on your personal and financial criteria. Our goal is to support you in this major decision to ensure a secure and profitable investment, offering you a clear overview of the opportunities.

Alicante, the provincial capital, is a prime choice for those who desire to have all amenities within easy reach. It offers a perfect balance between a dynamic urban life, a rich cultural history, and the Mediterranean way of life. It is particularly suitable for young professionals, students, and digital nomads who don't want to choose between city vibrancy and coastal enjoyments.

While Alicante offers many advantages, certain aspects deserve consideration. The city center can be less tranquil, especially during the peak summer season. Parking can sometimes be a challenge, and real estate prices are naturally higher in the prime city center. These elements should be integrated into your budget and lifestyle analysis.

Here is a comparative overview of key points regarding Alicante city:
✅ Alicante's Advantages⚠️ Points to Consider
Excellent connectivity (Airport, High-speed train, Tram).Less tranquil than villages, especially in summer.
Rich cultural and nightlife scene all year round.Parking can be a challenge in the city center.
Comprehensive services (Hospitals, Universities, Shops).Higher property prices in the prime city center.
Postiguet urban beach accessible on foot.

Jávea, or Xàbia in Valencian, is often hailed as one of the most beautiful coastal towns. It charms with its turquoise coves, picturesque historic center, and a cosmopolitan yet distinctly family-friendly atmosphere. It's an ideal choice for families, discerning retirees, and nature lovers who seek a high quality of life in a preserved environment. You'll find a very active international community there, facilitating integration.

While Jávea offers an idyllic setting, it's important to note that property costs are generally higher there than the provincial average. Furthermore, to move around easily between its three distinct areas (Arenal, the Port, and the Pueblo), using a car is almost essential. Factor these aspects into your budget and daily logistics.

Dénia is a lively port city, overlooked by a historic castle, and has built an exceptional culinary reputation. Its recognition by UNESCO as a 'Creative City of Gastronomy' testifies to the richness of its culinary scene, offering a multitude of options ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional tapas bars. It's a true paradise for foodies and those seeking an authentic life all year round.

Dénia stands out with several major assets. It is a very lively and family-friendly city, boasting a dynamic port offering ferry connections to the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Formentera). Its coastline stretches for 20 km, offering sandy beaches to the north and more intimate coves to the south. Its authentic atmosphere and comprehensive services make it a privileged location for living or investing.

Altea is undoubtedly the most picturesque village on the Costa Blanca. Perched on a hill, it captivates with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and its iconic church with a blue dome. It exudes an artistic and serene atmosphere. Altea is particularly suited for artists, couples, and those seeking tranquility, beauty, and a magnificent living environment with breathtaking views.

It's important to note that Altea's old town (the casco antiguo) is characterized by steep slopes, which can make getting around more challenging, especially on foot. Furthermore, Altea's beaches are primarily composed of pebbles, offering a different experience from the fine sandy beaches of other localities. These aspects should be considered according to your personal preferences.

Calpe (or Calp) is immediately identifiable by its imposing 'Peñón de Ifach', a majestic rock that juts into the sea. This town is very popular with families thanks to its long sandy beaches and calm waters (such as La Fossa and Arenal-Bol). It also offers direct access to the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park, ideal for hiking. Furthermore, it provides excellent value for money in real estate.

Yes, it is good to know that Calpe's architecture is dominated by relatively tall buildings along its coastline. While this offers numerous sea views, it may not appeal to all investors' aesthetic preferences. It is recommended to visit the neighborhoods to assess the environment before making a decision.

These two cities offer very different experiences:
  • Moraira is smaller and more upscale, having preserved its fishing village charm while offering high-end services. It is ideal for retirees and investors seeking a luxury second home, with controlled urban development (no large buildings), a calm and sophisticated atmosphere, and magnificent coves like El Portet. It embodies discreet exclusivity.
  • Elche (Elx), located slightly inland, offers an authentic cultural immersion. Famous for its Palm Grove, the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a dynamic city with a strong identity. It is perfect for those who prefer the authenticity of a Spanish city to a more tourist-oriented resort town, while remaining close to the coast.

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