By Laura Kemp • Updated: 01 Sep 2023 • 13:42
Image of Benidorm on the Costa Blanca: Credit: Photographer in Spain/Shutterstock.com
With its warm climate, charming and colourful old town still full of Spanish culture, sparkling coastline, buzzing nightlife and no shortage of places to eat, the city of Alicante has become one of the most sought-after areas for travellers and expats wanting to move to Spain.
So, you are thinking of moving to Alicante, but where do you go for all that essential information on the types of property on offer, the best schools and the most popular restaurants?
To make moving to Alicante a bit easier, the Euro Weekly News has put together this handy guide to everything you need to know before heading over.
Contents
Alicante is a city and municipality in the Valencian Community on the Costa Blanca. It is the capital of the province of Alicante and a historic Mediterranean port.
The nearest major airport is Alicante Airport (ALC / LEAL). This airport has international and domestic flights and is just nine miles from the centre of Alicante.
Another major airport is Murcia-San Javier Airport (MJV / LELC), which has international and domestic flights from Murcia and is 61 miles from Alicante.
Our recommendation Marmax Realty The multilingual team at Marmax Realty, Alicante, are well versed and experienced in what clients need and want when buying or renting property. Having gone through the experience of buying their own home in Spain as foreigners, the team understands all of the problems and issues that can arise – and this is the reason owner Maria Rolando created the business. They understand that moving to a new country with a different language and regulations can be a stress-inducing time, but Marmax Realty strives to make the experience as straightforward and easy as possible. With a clear view of starting a real estate company that offers honest, transparent and experienced advice to mainly international clients, Marmax Realty focuses on gaining client’s trust so that they can find their perfect home on the Costa Blanca. The real estate agents at Marmax Realty will guide you through the whole buying journey and accompany you every step of the way. The team works with their own trusted lawyers, who speak 11 languages including English, French, Dutch and Chinese, and will assist you with all of the documents and paperwork required. You will have the peace of mind that the property you purchase will adhere to all of the necessary regulations and that Marmax Realty deal with only the highest-quality properties on the market. Whether you are looking for a luxury villa with stunning views, a modern apartment with a large terrace, a historic finca that has been remodelled to the highest standards or a beautiful beach-line property near the best golf clubs, Marmax Realty will find the right home for you at the right price. Marmax Realty can also assist you with the process of obtaining your non-lucrative or golden visa, making the move easier for you. Aiming to get back to you within 24 hours of your contact, get in touch with Marmax Realty to find your dream home in the sun! Website: Click here Address: Calle Bazan, 7, Bajo 2, 03001, Alicante Telephone: +34 674 447 170 or +34 657 900 728 Email: info@marmaxrealty.com Facebook: Click here Sponsored
Our recommendation
The multilingual team at Marmax Realty, Alicante, are well versed and experienced in what clients need and want when buying or renting property. Having gone through the experience of buying their own home in Spain as foreigners, the team understands all of the problems and issues that can arise – and this is the reason owner Maria Rolando created the business.
They understand that moving to a new country with a different language and regulations can be a stress-inducing time, but Marmax Realty strives to make the experience as straightforward and easy as possible.
With a clear view of starting a real estate company that offers honest, transparent and experienced advice to mainly international clients, Marmax Realty focuses on gaining client’s trust so that they can find their perfect home on the Costa Blanca. The real estate agents at Marmax Realty will guide you through the whole buying journey and accompany you every step of the way.
The team works with their own trusted lawyers, who speak 11 languages including English, French, Dutch and Chinese, and will assist you with all of the documents and paperwork required. You will have the peace of mind that the property you purchase will adhere to all of the necessary regulations and that Marmax Realty deal with only the highest-quality properties on the market.
Whether you are looking for a luxury villa with stunning views, a modern apartment with a large terrace, a historic finca that has been remodelled to the highest standards or a beautiful beach-line property near the best golf clubs, Marmax Realty will find the right home for you at the right price.
Marmax Realty can also assist you with the process of obtaining your non-lucrative or golden visa, making the move easier for you.
Aiming to get back to you within 24 hours of your contact, get in touch with Marmax Realty to find your dream home in the sun!
Website: Click here
Address: Calle Bazan, 7, Bajo 2, 03001, Alicante
Telephone: +34 674 447 170 or +34 657 900 728
Email: info@marmaxrealty.com
Facebook: Click here
Our recommendation Pompas Funebres Samper Organising a funeral is one of the most stressful and upsetting times for many of us, with so much to think about from the ceremony to transport, paperwork to financial responsibilities – this fact is even more difficult when you are in a foreign country – that’s why Pompas Funebres Samper are here to help make the process a bit easier, including international transportation for expats. Pompas Funebres Samper in Alicante is the third generation of an independent family funeral service business that has been helping families from many different nationalities get through the process of saying goodbye to a loved one since 1950. Samper will deal with all of the necessary paperwork and permits, transport, burials and the cremation. They also offer international transport, handling the paperwork required by the courts, medical authorities and consulates for transporting the coffin or urn from Spain to any foreign country. As a family-run business, Samper will make you feel at ease whilst helping you with the difficult decisions. Their warmth and empathy makes them a benchmark in the field, with many years of experience giving them a high-level of professionalism. The caring team at Pompas Funebres Samper will adapt the service to your personal needs and traditions and, although the mortuary is located in Pilar de la Horadada, they can travel to the church or cemetery chosen by the family to hold the funeral service. The families will have the requested time for the organisation of the funeral service and there will be no pressure on timings. Website: Click here Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am until 2pm Address: Calvo Sotelo, 10, Pilar de la Horadada (Alicante), 03190 Telephone: 0034 965 35 19 45 24-hour line: 649 81 53 29 Email: info@pfsamper.com Sponsored
Organising a funeral is one of the most stressful and upsetting times for many of us, with so much to think about from the ceremony to transport, paperwork to financial responsibilities – this fact is even more difficult when you are in a foreign country – that’s why Pompas Funebres Samper are here to help make the process a bit easier, including international transportation for expats.
Pompas Funebres Samper in Alicante is the third generation of an independent family funeral service business that has been helping families from many different nationalities get through the process of saying goodbye to a loved one since 1950.
Samper will deal with all of the necessary paperwork and permits, transport, burials and the cremation. They also offer international transport, handling the paperwork required by the courts, medical authorities and consulates for transporting the coffin or urn from Spain to any foreign country.
As a family-run business, Samper will make you feel at ease whilst helping you with the difficult decisions. Their warmth and empathy makes them a benchmark in the field, with many years of experience giving them a high-level of professionalism.
The caring team at Pompas Funebres Samper will adapt the service to your personal needs and traditions and, although the mortuary is located in Pilar de la Horadada, they can travel to the church or cemetery chosen by the family to hold the funeral service. The families will have the requested time for the organisation of the funeral service and there will be no pressure on timings.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am until 2pm
Address: Calvo Sotelo, 10, Pilar de la Horadada (Alicante), 03190
Telephone: 0034 965 35 19 45
24-hour line: 649 81 53 29
Email: info@pfsamper.com
Our recommendation Masterclass Removals and Storage Putting your trust in a removals company while you are in the process of moving locations can be a stressful task, with paperwork, time constraints and the packing of your worldly goods to contend with. But we have the solution for you! Masterclass Removals and Storage is a British family-run business based in Benissa, on the Costa Blanca, which prides itself on being professional and reliable with their door-to-door removals and storage services, promising tailored solutions for all of your needs. They have their own staff and vehicles, meaning you can have the peace of mind that your belongings are in safe hands at all times – whether they are storing them for you or assisting you in your move to your new home. From your initial enquiry and quote, right through to the moving of your goods, you will receive a personal, straightforward and friendly service from the team. Masterclass Removals and Storage also has in-depth knowledge and experience of the recently implemented Brexit rules and regulations. They will help you with all of the paperwork required for customs clearance, offering you the best price while reducing the stress so that you can enjoy the journey of moving to your new home! All of your goods will be fully insured, and their flexible approach means the team will work to your requirements to ensure collection and delivery is a straightforward process. They offer various levels of removal services, from Spain to the UK and through France and, depending on the packaging you need, can provide boxes and material as well as packing services to ensure any fragile and high-value possessions are stored safely. With thousands of satisfied customers now enjoying their new life with the help of Masterclass Removals and Storage, get in touch with the team to find a solution for you! Website and free online quote: Click here Telephone: +34 965 734 162 or +34 607 338 253 Email: info@masterclassremovals.com Address: Parcela 1d, Calle Isaac Peral, Pol. Ind. La Pedrera, 03720 Beninssa, Alicante Facebook: Click here Sponsored
Putting your trust in a removals company while you are in the process of moving locations can be a stressful task, with paperwork, time constraints and the packing of your worldly goods to contend with. But we have the solution for you!
Masterclass Removals and Storage is a British family-run business based in Benissa, on the Costa Blanca, which prides itself on being professional and reliable with their door-to-door removals and storage services, promising tailored solutions for all of your needs.
They have their own staff and vehicles, meaning you can have the peace of mind that your belongings are in safe hands at all times – whether they are storing them for you or assisting you in your move to your new home.
From your initial enquiry and quote, right through to the moving of your goods, you will receive a personal, straightforward and friendly service from the team.
Masterclass Removals and Storage also has in-depth knowledge and experience of the recently implemented Brexit rules and regulations. They will help you with all of the paperwork required for customs clearance, offering you the best price while reducing the stress so that you can enjoy the journey of moving to your new home!
All of your goods will be fully insured, and their flexible approach means the team will work to your requirements to ensure collection and delivery is a straightforward process. They offer various levels of removal services, from Spain to the UK and through France and, depending on the packaging you need, can provide boxes and material as well as packing services to ensure any fragile and high-value possessions are stored safely.
With thousands of satisfied customers now enjoying their new life with the help of Masterclass Removals and Storage, get in touch with the team to find a solution for you!
Website and free online quote: Click here
Telephone: +34 965 734 162 or +34 607 338 253
Email: info@masterclassremovals.com
Address: Parcela 1d, Calle Isaac Peral, Pol. Ind. La Pedrera, 03720 Beninssa, Alicante
Our recommendation CasaMed Property Services CasaMed Property Services offers top-notch, personalised property management and maintenance services in the Costa Blanca South Region. With a dedicated team and a network of trusted partners, CasaMed ensures complete transparency and professionalism in every aspect of its services. A One-Stop Solution for Property Needs CasaMed is your go-to service provider for property management and maintenance requirements. From cleaners to electricians, plumbers to builders, gardeners to carpenters, they have an expert for every job. With a commitment to transparency, CasaMed ensures there are no hidden costs and operates only with registered and insured partners. Revamp Your Property, Hassle-Free CasaMed specialises in remodelling homes, even when owners are away. They offer complete or partial remodelling and construction services to transform properties according to owners’ preferences. Effortless Holiday Changeover Service For property owners looking to rent their homes, CasaMed’s Holiday Changeover Service is the ideal choice. They handle everything – from cleaning to waste disposal, and even greet guests and provide 24-hour phone support. Minor maintenance and repairs are also part of their comprehensive package. Meet the Host Couples CasaMed’s Host Couples trusted husband-and-wife teams, are dedicated to preparing properties for owners and guests. They excel in meet and greet services, property introductions, thorough cleaning, laundry, and pre-arrival shopping. With CasaMed Property Services, property owners and residents in the Costa Blanca South Region can experience unmatched professionalism, transparency, and tailored services. Don’t settle for less – contact CasaMed today to elevate your property management experience. Your satisfaction is their priority, and they are ready to exceed your expectations! Contact details Check out their websites: Click here for top-notch property management services Click here for more information on their remodelling and construction services. Telephone: 0034 604 428 450 Email: info@casamedps.com Check them out on Facebook here Sponsored
CasaMed Property Services offers top-notch, personalised property management and maintenance services in the Costa Blanca South Region. With a dedicated team and a network of trusted partners, CasaMed ensures complete transparency and professionalism in every aspect of its services.
A One-Stop Solution for Property Needs
CasaMed is your go-to service provider for property management and maintenance requirements. From cleaners to electricians, plumbers to builders, gardeners to carpenters, they have an expert for every job. With a commitment to transparency, CasaMed ensures there are no hidden costs and operates only with registered and insured partners.
Revamp Your Property, Hassle-Free CasaMed specialises in remodelling homes, even when owners are away. They offer complete or partial remodelling and construction services to transform properties according to owners’ preferences.
Effortless Holiday Changeover Service
For property owners looking to rent their homes, CasaMed’s Holiday Changeover Service is the ideal choice. They handle everything – from cleaning to waste disposal, and even greet guests and provide 24-hour phone support. Minor maintenance and repairs are also part of their comprehensive package.
Meet the Host Couples CasaMed’s Host Couples trusted husband-and-wife teams, are dedicated to preparing properties for owners and guests. They excel in meet and greet services, property introductions, thorough cleaning, laundry, and pre-arrival shopping.
With CasaMed Property Services, property owners and residents in the Costa Blanca South Region can experience unmatched professionalism, transparency, and tailored services. Don’t settle for less – contact CasaMed today to elevate your property management experience. Your satisfaction is their priority, and they are ready to exceed your expectations!
Contact details Check out their websites:
Click here for top-notch property management services Click here for more information on their remodelling and construction services.
Telephone: 0034 604 428 450 Email: info@casamedps.com Check them out on Facebook here
The old town of Alicante is sprawled on the hillside beneath the castle, where you can discover the colourful meandering streets between high whitewashed walls. Take a walk along the streets and admire the Spanish culture while stopping off for a cerveza and some tapas in the sun!
The Costa Blanca has an abundance of golf courses, so, for those who love the game, this area is a golfers paradise! There are 15 within the province, all at reasonable driving distance from Alicante city – discover them all when you move to Spain!
Looming over Alicante, the castle of Santa Barbara is a fortress with medieval Arab origins and amazing panoramic views of Alicante from the top (you can also get the lift to the top if you don´t fancy the hike!)
Located next to the old town, this pristine beach is perfect for a day relaxing and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Or, you could get adventurous and try out scuba diving, snorkelling, paddle boarding or sailing. You can also venture out and discover some of the other beautiful beaches that boast amazing coves, turquoise waters and blissful bays.
Close to Postiguet Beach is the Basilica of Santa Maria, a former mosque that was turned into a church, and is the oldest and prettiest in the city. This is the oldest active church in Alicante and dates back to the 14th Century. Currently, the church attracts visitors throughout the year, both those who attend daily Mass or on Sundays or visitors who come there to admire its architecture, reflected in the cavernous nave.
The Explanada de España is one of the emblems of the city of Alicante and runs parallel to one of the docks in the port. It is bordered on each side by rows of palm trees and the floor is decorated with an incredible 6,600,000 tricolor marble tiles that form a mosaic with a characteristic design that imitates the waves of the sea. During the summer season, it hosts the Alicante Crafts Fair where you can buy typical products (sweets and nougats), leather crafts, crystal crafts, clothing and everything you can imagine.
This museum full of history was crowned the winner of the European Museum of the Year Award in 2004. This amazing museum holds lots of interesting events and exhibitions and is a great day out for all ages.
Whether you’re looking for fresh fruit and veg, fish, meat or typical jamon, head down to Mercado Central and do some haggling! The rear facade is located in Plaça 25 de Maig and gained its name in honour of the more than 300 victims of the bombardment suffered by the Central Market during the Spanish Civil War, on May 25, 1938.
Only a third of the works at this museum can be displayed at any time and the display is rotated throughout the year, so no two visits will be the same. It´s worth checking out what exhibitions and events they have running before planning your trip, you might be able to get involved in one of their workshops!
A great place to people-watch, head to Alicante Marine and admire the beautiful yachts moored up and watch the world go by while enjoying a drink or bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and bars. The port also has a casino and shops and is used as a venue for concerts, events and activities throughout the year, as well as the starting point for the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race regatta for future editions.
This restaurant comes highly recommended for Spanish, Mediterranean and Latin cuisine. Although it may be a little off the beaten track, it is definitely worth making the trip for the exceptional food and wide variety of great quality wines.
Open: 1pm until 6pm on weekends, 1:30 pm until 5pm on weekdays
Address: Darsena Pesquera, Local 10, 03008 Alicante
Book: 623 19 65 60
Price: €€-€€€
This Michelin-star restaurant serves beautifully presented Mediterranean and Greek fusion cuisine. With one of the owners from Greece and the other from Mexico, they decided to open a restaurant that is a meeting point for Greek, Mexican and Mediterranean products – what more could you want?
Open: 1:30pm until 3pm and 8pm until 10pm on weekends, 8pm until 10pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
Address: Calle Argensola, 8, 03002 Alicante
Book: 966 39 81 54
If you’re a fan of burgers, Tepuy Burger serves juicy patties and a range of fresh toppings to stack. But it doesn´t stop at burgers, try their crispy empanadas, fluffy truffle potatoes, loaded fries with bacon and cheese, sticky chicken wings or their huge portion of nachos – complete with guacamole, beef, pickles, sour cream and cheese.
Open: 1:30pm until 4pm and 8pm until 11pm
Address: Calle de Bazan No 47, 03001 Alicante
Book: 670 11 34 35
A gastronomic experience, in this Lebanese restaurant you will find incredible veggie and vegan tapas as well as highly recommended oriental teas and baklava!
Open: 12pm until 4:30pm and 6:30pm until 11pm, 12pm until 4:30pm on Sundays
Address: Calle Peru 13 Local 2E, 03008 Alicante
Book: 966 08 07 39
Price: €
Using only the freshest ingredients, Italian restaurant Ciao Miami has been a family business for 60 years and also offers vegan, veggie and gluten-free options. If classic Italian pizza and pasta is what you´re craving, you´ll find just that at this restaurant.
Open: 11am until 1am
Address: Paseo Explanada de Espana 7, 03001 Alicante
Book: 965 20 74 01
Located on the beautiful marina in Alicante, Restaurante Darsena serves amazing Mediterranean, seafood and Spanish dishes with a stunning view of the harbour.
Open: 1pm until 4pm and 8pm until 11pm, 1pm until 4pm on Sundays
Address: Lg Muelle Levante 6 Marina Deportiva, 03002 Alicante
Book: 965 20 73 99
Price: €€€€
Due to its nautical location, they serve up some of the best fish dishes in the area and a particularly good paella, as well as vegan, veggie and gluten-free options.
Open: 11am until 12am
Address: Lg Muelle Levante 6. Marina Deportiva Puerto de Alicante, 03002 Alicante
Book: 965 20 20 93
This restaurant, located in the charming old town of Alicante, specialises in traditional Spanish dishes, including octopus and spiced chorizo, and decadent homemade desserts.
Open: 12pm until 4:30pm and 7pm until 11:30pm
Address: Calle de Jorge Juan 6, 03002 Alicante
Book: 637 87 97 03
An absolutely stunning and unique restaurant in Alicante, Restaurante Espacio Montoro serves up healthy Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with friendly and attentive service.
Open: 8pm until 12am on Thursdays, 1:30pm until 5:30pm and 8pm until 12am on Saturdays and Sundays
Address: Av. Albufereta, 13, 03016 Alicante
Book: 966 04 43 65
You can’t go to Spain without trying some tapas! This tapas restaurant offers particularly tasty small plates with a wonderful ambience to enjoy your food.
Open: 12:30pm until 12am
Address: Calle Periodista Pirula Arderius 3, 03001 Alicante
Book: 965 14 50 95
When moving to a new location, making sure there are some great schools is essential, and Alicante has some impressive international and local schools to choose from.
King’s College, The British School Of Alicante is a highly respected school teaching pupils from the age of three years old until the age of 18. For European schools, The European School of Alicante is one of thirteen European Schools and the only one in Spain.
Montessori Kindergarten Mar de Estrellas teaches a comprehensive education in English in mixed-age classes from three years old.
Having access to quality healthcare is vital when moving to a new home and Alicante has an impressive public health service as well as private healthcare options.
This public hospital is open 24 hours for emergencies and offers English-speaking doctors.
Address: Pintor Baeza, 11, 03010 Alicante
Contact: 965 93 30 00 or click here
Clinica HLA Vistahermosa has a 24-hour emergency service and is the best private hospital in Alicante.
Address: Avinguda de Denia, 103, 03015 Alacant
Contact: 966 70 93 12 or click here
This public medical centre treats those entitled to public healthcare in Spain and is integrated into the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health of the Generalitat Valenciana.
Address: C. Arpon, 11, 03540 Alicante
Contact: 965 91 83 10 or click here
Clinica Dental Churraca has a professional team of dentists who can see to all of your oral health needs.
Address: C. Churruca, 30, 03003 Alicante
Contact: 965 92 81 96
Moving somewhere new is exciting but it’s important to know the contact information for the emergency services.
That´s why we have included information on important contacts when moving to Alicante.
Emergency services, including health, fire and police: 112
National police: 091
Local police: 092
For more about moving to Spain, take a look at our guide to moving to the Costa Blanca.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Originally from UK, Laura is based in Axarquia and is a writer for the Euro Weekly News covering news and features. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.
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