A Mediterranean lifestyle guide

With its far-stretching coastline, more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and an effortless blend of heritage and modernity, Alicante is fast becoming one of the Mediterranean’s most compelling places to live and invest. Framed by the deep blues of the Costa Blanca and alive with colour, character, and culture, the city offers more than just postcard beauty — it presents a lifestyle. One that is as emotionally enriching as it is strategically sound. Whether you’re considering relocating, buying a second home, or simply exploring what’s next, Alicante makes the case effortlessly.

The Mediterranean dream, realised year-round

There’s a certain ease to life here. Days begin with swims in the calm waters of Playa del Postiguet, followed by market strolls or long lunches beneath the palms of the Explanada de España. The rhythm of Alicante life is governed by the elements — sunshine, sea breeze, and the city’s welcoming streets.

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, outdoor living is championed. Mornings are for movement, afternoons for lingering over meals, and evenings for paseo — an untranslatable Spanish pleasure of walking, just to enjoy it.

Culture, coastline and timeless character

History looms large here, quite literally, with Santa Bárbara Castle watching over the city from Mount Benacantil — a ninth-century fortress offering panoramic views across the bay. Down below, Alicante’s old town weaves together elegant Baroque architecture, shaded plazas and quiet alleyways that come alive come sundown.

The Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari offers spiritual calm beneath its Renaissance dome, while the MACA Contemporary Art Museum showcases works by Miró, Dalí and Picasso within a beautifully restored 17th-century building. For those drawn to the ancient world, the award-winning MARQ Archaeological Museum uses state-of-the-art design to trace Alicante’s story from prehistory to the present day.

For an escape, Tabarca Island is a short boat ride away — Spain’s first marine reserve and a true hidden gem. With its clear waters, charming whitewashed houses and complete lack of cars, it’s easy to lose an afternoon here over grilled seafood and a glass of local wine.

Inland, the countryside offers almond groves, vineyards and walking trails through the mountainous terrain — perfect for those seeking space, privacy, and connection to nature.

Top tapas

Alicante’s dining scene is both authentic and inventive. At Bar Manero, vintage-grocer interiors meet modern tapas — jamón ibérico, anchovies, truffled snacks and cava in a buzzing atmosphere. It’s a city staple, equally suited to aperitivo or late-night bites.

A few steps away, El Portal Krug Ambassade draws a chic crowd with its candlelit interiors, creative cocktails and elevated Mediterranean cuisine — often with a side of live music. For true culinary heritage, Nou Manolín and La Taberna del Gourmet offer iconic tapas, impeccable seafood, and enduring local reputation.

There’s innovation too: Espacio Montoro serves up a multisensory tasting menu experience, while Punta Piedra provides relaxed, seaside elegance with grilled fish and a perfect view.

Evenings stretch easily into night at Sip and Wonder, a café-turned-natural-wine-bar with a creative, youthful crowd. For something more classic, Bodeguita 1999 serves wine by the glass and time-honoured tapas in a warm, traditional setting.

Lifestyle and lasting value

Alicante is more than a lifestyle destination — it’s also a smart investment. Offering many of the same advantages as larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona — excellent international schools, first-class infrastructure, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere — it does so at a significantly more accessible price point. That means greater value for lifestyle buyers and capital investors alike.

The Alicante-Elche International Airport connects directly to most major European cities, while the AVE high-speed train places Madrid just over two hours away. The city’s central location along the Costa Blanca makes it an ideal base for exploring the region — from the sophisticated coastal town of Altea to the golf enclaves of La Sella and Las Colinas.

International schools such as King’s College and Newton College provide quality education, while English-speaking legal, tax and financial advisors are readily available. A growing international community, from digital nomads to retirees, ensures new residents are never far from connection or support.

For investors, the city presents consistent demand across long- and short-term rentals, driven by tourism, remote workers, and lifestyle relocators. Over the past decade, property values have appreciated steadily, supported by low supply in central areas and a strong return on investment in key neighbourhoods.

For those looking to slow down — or simply to live more fully — Alicante is both a destination and a decision. A place where the sun rises over the sea, and the possibilities stretch as far as the coastline itself.