Go Expat In… Moving to Alicante
Thinking of moving to Alicante? Then our latest article by Matthew Hirtes may whet your appetite. If you have a destination for relocating to Spain that you would like to see featured, let us know by emailing info@spainbuddy.com
The eastern city’s that neither big nor bad
Ups
Although its name may suggest it shares a tacky status with nearby Costa Blanca resorts, Alicante’s a whole lot more pleasant on the peepers than an eyesore. This is very much a provincial Spanish city. And one that’s more working town than tourist resort.
Downs
Life can get rather hectic, especially during fiesta time where it’s not uncommon for firecrackers to go off on your doorstep. Expats tend to prefer living within half an hour’s drive of the city rather than actually in it. So you might find it difficult to build up a network of compatriots.
In and out
Alicante-Elche airport (ALC) is the sixth-busiest airport in the whole of Spain. To the extent that it also serves both Murcia and Valencia. It’s located 9km southwest of the city centre.
Education
The British School of Alicante’s also known as King’s College. Rated “excellent” by the latest Independent Schools Inspectorate report, the ISI lavished praise on the school. They noted: “The commitment of the staff is exemplary.”
Shop until you drop…
The Rambla de Méndez Núñez’s the heart of the Alicante shopping scene. On and around this bustling thoroughfare, you’ll find many of the city’s best independent boutiques. And if all that walking sees your soles give way, there’s certainly no shortage of shoe shops where you’ll be able to pick up a new pair.
Property types
There are bargains to be had in Alicante on the property front. La Crisis has resulted in quite a few repossessions. And if you head as far south as Torrevieja, you’ll find properties with prices as low as €40.000.
Market watch
Apartments, €70.000+. Villas and townhouses, €140.000+.
Click to view property for sale in Alicante (link opens in a new window)
In Praise Of
“Alicante’s a beautiful place to move to as there’s so much going on throughout the year. It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan city by the sea with fabulous beaches, historic old town, and an impressive castle. Yet, it’s a smallish city and so has a friendly feel. The fiestas are fantastic, particularly in summer when Alicante celebrates the summer solistice with beach parties, fireworks galore, and giant satirical statues which are burnt to the ground.” Sarah Farrell (My Destination Alicante)
• Are you an expat in Alicante? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football
March 22, 2014 @ 5:32 pm
Just so you know, the photo is from Altea – a small town a bit up the coast!
October 16, 2015 @ 1:46 pm
Hi there, I’ve been living as an expat in Alicante since January and absolutely love it. I live at the north end of the city towards playa de San Juan, about 15 minutes from the city centre and think it has a good balance of everything. On my doorstep are a plethora of shops, bars and restaurants that stay open all year round, so many we still haven’t even scratched the surface yet! Nothing beats heading out in the afternoon sunshine for a cana and tapas for 1.50 Euros and people watching. Its great to practice my spanish and sample some different types of tapas u dont get in the uk (cheese with rose petal jam and dates wrapped in bacon being two of my favs). And spanish people are so friendly and welcoming if you make an effort. If I fancy something more upbeat I head on the tram into the city centre and go to ‘mushroom street’ and castanos for a mojito and maybe a dance in a disco bar. Or try improve my Spanish at a language exchange group. Then I can head back to avenida Costa blanca and try some salsa at Texaco pub, or maybe rock music at the Harley bar. It has so much to offer I can’t wait to explore more…
October 16, 2015 @ 3:33 pm
Glad to hear you’re settling in, Nikki. Sounds like you’re having a great time. Thanks for taking time out to comment.
October 22, 2015 @ 7:13 pm
how difficult would it be for an American to live in Alicante? Is it relatively simple to become a Spanish citizen? Is there an article or blog that details the process? I appreciate the information.
October 22, 2015 @ 8:51 pm
Hello Kendall. It is fairly straightforward, as long as you don’t mind jumping through a few paperwork hoops. We recommend that American relocators speak to Cat Gaa, a good friend of Spain Buddy’s owners. You can reach her via her website at http://comoconsultingspain.com/
Good luck!
April 26, 2016 @ 10:58 am
Hi Nikki, are you still in San Juan? I’ve just moved out here and it would be great to chat with another brit and learn from your experiences.
August 8, 2016 @ 12:41 am
Is this a good place to retire. I am 59 and my husband is 61. We are thinking of selling our home and living somewhere beautiful and affordable. Would appreciate any help in starting our research.
August 8, 2016 @ 2:04 pm
Hello Anne. You certainly wouldn’t be the first retirees to move to the area. Any area is good to retire to – but it all depends on personal taste.
Good luck!
E x
September 15, 2016 @ 6:45 pm
Hi Daren and Nikki I would love to talk to you about possible areas to live between Alicante and San Juan
January 12, 2017 @ 9:29 pm
Plus if your moving to Spain you can get most of the ammenieties like your vits and supplements.
Holland and Barrett have just launched their new website online in Spain. Delivery within 72 hours to Alicante.
http://www.hollandandbarrett.es
February 17, 2017 @ 5:07 am
Hi,
My daughter and I are looking to relocate to Spain from United States. We will be in the area the entire month of May and would love to meet up with any ex pats and chat a bit about the process.
Connie
March 25, 2017 @ 12:13 pm
Hi I am looking into the possibility of moving to the Med coast of Spain (Alicante is high on the list) for a year or so–in about 4-5 years. Just starting the learning and “finding contacts” phase. Am open to conversation and learning
Hanks
Aimee
August 9, 2017 @ 11:04 am
I’m thinking of moving to the med too, my husband and I are in our late forties and we have a ten year old child.. Any information regarding work, life ect would really be appreciated.. feels like a needle in the haystack situation. Many thanks.
December 2, 2017 @ 9:36 pm
I am looking to move and live here but am finding it difficult to find low cost long term furnished properties for a single person also I am trying to find out how I can get a residency here as I am a British citizen. Once living here is it easy to find work and carry on self employed online. Hope I can get advice as I am finding it difficult to find the answers I want. Thanks
December 4, 2017 @ 12:40 pm
Hi Pete. I canb’t help with accommodation I’m afraid – I’d just recommend speaking to as many agents as possible.
Residencia is siomple enough – although the rules have tightened now… so you’ll need to be able to prove how you can pay for healthcare… which can be done via a healthy bank balance, proof of income or proof of payment to a private healthcare company. There are people who can help you with this for a fee. We paid the fee to someone when we first moved over and it’s worth every centimo for the peace of mind. I don’t know who does it in Alicante… but if you are on Facebook… any local Alicante Groups will be able to recommend someone. Whoever you choose should be able to help you get set up to pay tax on your earnings and get you registered into the Spanish healthcare system (which will avoid you having to pay for private healthcare – although it’s not cheap. It can be €280 per month regardless of earnings).
For finding work – it’s as easy as anywhere else. All depends how proactive you are at marketing yourself.
Does that help?
Good luck!
Elle xx
January 7, 2018 @ 3:34 pm
Hi, I am looking to locate myself to Alicante Sept 2018. My girlfriend is south american and is completing her masters in Alicante university. I am visiting the city in March to get an idea of best areas to live in for us and to enjoy the city for a few days and I would also like to check out a few areas in the city and on the outskirts of the city which have good transport connections to the university and are also nice places and good value to live in. Can anyone recommend some areas inside the city and on the outskirts that would be maybe within 30 mins transport to the university and are quite nice areas and any suggestions of living outside the city. Any advice and insights are greatly appreciated.
August 7, 2018 @ 10:34 am
Greetings! My husband and I are spending 60 days in Alicante. We like to juice carrots and make green juices. We have purchased our own capable juicer. What is the best way to buy produce (organic preferred)? We may also need the supplements turmeric and flax oil. Where to purchase. Lastly what is the equivalent of cottage cheese or quark here and how do you say it in Spanish?
August 7, 2018 @ 11:54 am
You’ll be able to get organic produce at the local markets and also the major supermarkets.
Turmeric will be available in the larger supermarkets. Not sure about Flax oil (I’ve never bought it) – but maybe do a search for some health-food shops in the area.
Cottage Cheese I’ve only seen in British supermarkets. This Google search should help in locating any near to you that you can contact direct: English Supermarkets in Alicante
Have a chat to Sarah Farrell at http://www.myguidealicante.com – she’ll be able to help as a long-term resident of the area.
Enjoy your 60 days!
Elle xx
August 7, 2018 @ 3:33 pm
Elle,
Thank you very much. We will definitely check out the local markets. That last no to Sarah Ferrell did not work but the information you provided is helpful.
Newberry
August 8, 2018 @ 10:39 am
Ah my apologies – maybe I’ve inserted a typo somewhere. Try this one: https://www.myguidealicante.com/
August 7, 2018 @ 5:29 pm
Cottage cheese is requesón in Spanish, Newberry. Have a great time in Alicante, guys! Glad you found this guide useful.
January 5, 2019 @ 6:06 pm
Hi.. My wife and I are looking to relocate to Spain during 2019 and looking at Alicante or Malaga. We are 59 & 68 years of age. Which location would best suit a retired couple. Ideally we want good shopping (similar to UK), decent hospitals with easy reach and sufficient British ex-pats to assist settling in as we don’t speak Spanish (yet). Will hopefully get a 4 bed villa near the coast on a budget of around £260,000. Is this viable or are we expecting too much?
January 6, 2019 @ 10:21 am
Hello Steve and Sue.
You can get almost what you seek. You will never get the same shopping as the UK, but both areas you’ve mentioned will have decent offerings anyway. Hospitals and established expat communities no problem.
Your budget is fine – although it may mean that you need to expand your search to half an hour inland or so – I’d be very surprised if you bagged one right on the coast for that price. Alicante slightly cheaper than Málaga.
Book yourselves a viewing trip or two and get some local Estate Agents to show you around – they’ll have a real handle on what’s available in the areas they show you.
Good luck!
Elle x
February 22, 2019 @ 5:05 am
Hi: I am a single man from Chicago, planning to retire in 3 years in Alicante or in any of the surrounding areas. I am planning to rent for a year just to make sure that Alicante is the place where I want to spend the rest of my life before I decide to buy. I will have a decent monthly income coming from different sources after retirement. It means that a relatively high rent won’t be an issue to worry about. I would greatly appreciate any information regarding the best areas (out of the City Center) where I could focus my apartment search. I enjoy peaceful surroundings as much as possible, but I also enjoy the convenience of having restaurants, grocery stores, health clubs, etc in the vicinity, and walking distance from place of residence.
I thank you in advance for your kindness in providing me with any helpful advise.
February 23, 2019 @ 10:00 am
Hi Fabrizio!
Have a chat to Sarah Farrell via sarah@myguidealicante.com – she knows Alicante extremely well after living and working there for many years. She’d be able to help us withe personal and up to date advice… far better than we could.
Good luck with the move!