City Guides

Detailed guides to Spain’s coastal cities will help you choose the best location for your property purchase.

9 Districts of Alicante: Where to Buy Property and How Much It Costs

9 Districts of Alicante: Where to Buy Property and How Much It Costs

Alicante is the most popular province in Spain among foreigners: last year 51.35% of local property transactions were completed by non-residents. The city of the same name is considered the strategic capital of the Costa Blanca, where most English-speaking tourists and immigrants come to holiday and buy second homes. Furthermore, Alicante Airport is one of the largest in Spain, handling up to 13 million passengers per year. We decided to investigate the secret of this location’s popularity and analysed the city district by district. Officially, Alicante is divided into nine administrative zones, within which there are further divisions into neighbourhoods, sub-districts and various areas. In this article we have described not only the beach and central parts of Alicante familiar to tourists, but have also explored the most remote corners of the city to understand where and for how much you can buy property, and what benefits can be gained.

Aguilas, Spain: Complete City Guide. Attractions, Beaches and Leisure

Aguilas, Spain: Complete City Guide. Attractions, Beaches and Leisure

1. General Information Aguilas (Aguilas) is a municipality and town in the autonomous community of Murcia, in the Alto Guadalentin comarca. It is located on the Costa Calida coast in the Gulf of Mazarron. The population is 35,722 (2020 data). The town lies 35 km from Lorca, 105 km from Murcia and 75 km from Cartagena. Geography The town is surrounded by mountain ranges: Lomo de Bas, Sierra de la Carrasquilla and Sierra de la Almenara. The latter holds the status of a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). The highest point, El Talayon, reaches 881 metres above sea level. The coastline stretches 34 kilometres.

Alicante City Guide (Spain): Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

Alicante City Guide (Spain): Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

1. Location and Map Alicante stretches along the Mediterranean coast and extends several kilometres inland. The city centre is concentrated around the port and the Santa Barbara fortress on Benacantil hill, which is considered the city’s main attraction. Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) From the airport to central Alicante, you can take the C6 bus, which runs every 20 minutes from 7:00 to 23:00 and hourly from 23:00 to 7:00. The bus stops at key stations: tram stops Luceros and Mercado (lines 1, 2, 3 and 4), RENFE railway station, Alfonso X el Sabio, Plaza de Los Luceros, Vazquez de Mella and others. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes. Ticket price: EUR 3.85.

Benidorm City Guide (Costa Blanca, Spain): Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

Benidorm City Guide (Costa Blanca, Spain): Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

Key Facts Province: Alicante Population: 67,558 Area: 38.5 km2 Elevation: 15 m Time zone: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1) 1. Map and Location of Benidorm Benidorm is located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, approximately 120 km south of Valencia and 40 km north of Alicante. It can be reached via the AP-7 motorway or the N-332 national road. Nearest Airport to Benidorm

Ciudad Quesada Guide (Alicante, Spain): What You Need to Know Before Moving

Ciudad Quesada Guide (Alicante, Spain): What You Need to Know Before Moving

1. Location and Map Airports Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) Murcia International Airport (RMU) Cities Torrevieja (5 km). Located on the other side of the Laguna Salada de la Mata from Quesada. This is the largest town in the south of the Costa Blanca and a popular destination for foreigners and investors. Ciudad Quesada is sometimes called a suburb of Torrevieja. Many Quesada residents visit Torrevieja for business, shopping or beach recreation.

Costa del Sol Property Market: Where to Buy?

Costa del Sol Property Market: Where to Buy?

Costa del Sol is Spain’s southern and most expensive coastline, belonging to the Andalusia region. The area attracts with its beaches, infrastructure, high-level service and quality of life. Water temperature is typically 22-24 C, so swimming pools are popular. The traditional Andalusian character of the region is gradually transforming into a modern, high-tech zone. 1. Costa del Sol Property Price Overview In June 2020, the average price per square metre was EUR 1,646 (a 6% increase compared to June 2019). Costa del Sol ranks sixth among Spain’s most expensive regions for property. The average purchase price reaches EUR 744,711. The highest prices are in Marbella: EUR 3,059/m2, followed by Malaga at EUR 2,123/m2. Notably, every third property purchase is made by a foreigner.

El Campello Near Alicante: City Overview, Property Market and Useful Tips for Living and Holidays

El Campello Near Alicante: City Overview, Property Market and Useful Tips for Living and Holidays

1. General Information El Campello is a coastal municipality in the province of Alicante, located 13 kilometres north-east of Alicante city. The official population is 28,349, though this figure triples in summer. Originally a fishing and farming village, today the economy centres on tourism, construction and related industries. The municipality covers 55.27 km2 with 23 km of coastline featuring notable beaches at Muchavista and Carrer del Mar. Alicante Metro (Trenet de la Marina) serves the area with 12 stops, connecting it with Denia and running from north to south.

Estepona Property Market: Guide to Prices and Best Locations for Buying

Estepona Property Market: Guide to Prices and Best Locations for Buying

Estepona’s property market is examined in detail here. The town is located on the Costa del Sol coast in Malaga province, Andalusia, with a population of approximately 70,000. It is one of the most promising coastal areas for property investment, thanks to its proximity to Marbella and expectations that both cities will eventually merge into a single conurbation, driving prices up. Unlike Marbella, Estepona still has plenty of undeveloped land, offering numerous new-build options for buyers. The entry threshold starts from 100,000 euros. British residents predominate among foreigners, attracted by numerous golf courses and proximity to Gibraltar Airport. The town suits both temporary residence and holidays, as well as investors actively purchasing properties at various construction stages for resale or rental.

Finestrat (Alicante, Spain): Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

Finestrat (Alicante, Spain): Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

1. Map and Location of Finestrat Finestrat is located 8 km north of Benidorm, 40 km from Alicante and 50 km from Alicante-Elche Airport. The old town sits at 267 metres above sea level. The municipality covers 42.5 km2 with a 267-metre coastline, including Cala de Finestrat cove. Puig Campana mountain reaches 1,410 metres. The Terra Mitica theme park occupies part of the municipality’s territory. Province: Alicante Population: 6,381 Area: 42.25 km2 Elevation: 238 m Time zone: Central European Standard Time Airport Transfer Transfer providers: ShuttleDirect, BeniConnect, Hoppa.

Living the Million-Euro Life: La Zagaleta - Spain's Most Luxurious Neighbourhood

Living the Million-Euro Life: La Zagaleta - Spain's Most Luxurious Neighbourhood

Spain’s Most Expensive and Exclusive Urbanisation Former hunting grounds acquired by Adnan Khashoggi in Benahavis (Malaga), located minutes from Marbella, have been transformed into an exclusive enclave for the world’s wealthiest individuals. The community maintains strict confidentiality as a core principle - an approach essential even for navigating the 900-hectare estate. Prospective residents must invest a minimum of one million euros for a plot, with premium locations fetching up to six million euros. These plots provide direct access to one of two 18-hole golf courses and views of the Mediterranean extending to Africa. Existing mansions typically cost between four and sixteen million euros, though the most expensive reach fifty million.

Malaga, Costa del Sol: Attractions, Beaches and Leisure. Complete City Guide

Malaga, Costa del Sol: Attractions, Beaches and Leisure. Complete City Guide

1. History and General Information Malaga is one of Spain’s largest ports and the capital of the province of the same name in Andalusia. The city’s population reaches 570,000; it is one of Europe’s oldest cities. The city’s history dates back to the 8th century BC, when Phoenicians founded a settlement called Malaka, meaning “salted”. Subsequently, the city was under Roman rule (until the 3rd century BC), then Byzantium and the Visigoths. During Islamic rule, Malaga became part of the Caliphate of Cordoba and grew into a major trading centre. The Castilians conquered the city in 1487, incorporating it into the Crown of Castile. The 19th century brought rapid economic development, and from the 1960s the tourist boom began.

Moraira and Teulada (Spain): Beaches, Attractions and Complete City Guide

Moraira and Teulada (Spain): Beaches, Attractions and Complete City Guide

1. General Information Moraira is a town within the Teulada municipality, located 80 km north of Alicante and 100 km south of Valencia on the Mediterranean coast. These two settlements are usually referred to together as Teulada-Moraira. They lie in the north-east of Alicante province, in the Marina Alta comarca. Teulada is considered the municipal urban centre and lies 6 km from the Moraira coast. The population of Teulada-Moraira is 11,112, roughly evenly split between men and women. Moraira, situated on the shore, has its own port and marina. It is a popular resort. Five fishing boats operate from the local port. Moraira’s fish market is one of the most renowned on the Costa Blanca.

Pilar de la Horadada: The Southernmost Point of Alicante Province

Pilar de la Horadada: The Southernmost Point of Alicante Province

1. General Information Pilar de la Horadada is a municipality in Alicante province, Spain, located just 1 km north of the Murcia border, making it the southernmost point of Alicante province. The town has a population of 21,905. Until 1986, Pilar de la Horadada was part of the Orihuela municipality. Distances to major cities: Valencia approximately 230 km, Alicante 68 km, Murcia 45 km, Cartagena 41 km, Orihuela 36 km, Torrevieja 18 km. The municipality lies 3 km from the coast on a coastal plain.

San Pedro del Pinatar: Complete Resort Guide for Living and Holidays

San Pedro del Pinatar: Complete Resort Guide for Living and Holidays

1. General Information San Pedro del Pinatar is a municipality in the Mar Menor comarca, located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor lagoon. It belongs to Murcia province on the border with Alicante province. The town is 37 km from Cartagena, 58 km from Murcia and 22 km from Torrevieja. To the north lies the Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar natural park. As of 2018, the official population was 25,167. It is one of the smallest municipalities in the Murcia region at just 22 square kilometres. The population is distributed across San Pedro del Pinatar itself and its surroundings: Lo Pagan, Los Saes and El Mojon.

San Pedro del Pinatar: Guide to Living, Holidays and Buying Property

San Pedro del Pinatar: Guide to Living, Holidays and Buying Property

1. General Information San Pedro del Pinatar is located in Murcia province, on a peninsula bounded by the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor lagoon. Municipality area: 22 square kilometres, population 25,167 (2018). The town received its name in the 17th century from a chapel dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, built by Franciscans. Previously the settlement was called El Pinatar, as it was situated amid extensive pine forests.

Santa Pola Near Alicante: Everything You Need for Holidays and Buying Property

Santa Pola Near Alicante: Everything You Need for Holidays and Buying Property

1. General Information Santa Pola is a municipality in the Valencian Community on the Alicante provincial coast. In 2019, the population was 32,306. The town is known for historic ruins, its fortress, port, salt lakes and Blue Flag beaches. Population growth accelerated significantly in the 20th century. Gran Alacant, a new district approximately 5 km north, comprises about a third of the municipality’s population and is located near Alicante Airport.

Suburbs and Neighbourhoods of Alicante: Best Places to Live Near the City

Suburbs and Neighbourhoods of Alicante: Best Places to Live Near the City

Where is the best place to live in the suburbs of Alicante? Which areas are considered good and which are not? What do expats prefer and why? Property prices and cost of living with examples. We recently published an article about the districts of Alicante itself; now it is time to explore the suburbs. The suburbs of Alicante attract buyers for several reasons: some want to live in a small town enjoying nature (while remaining close to infrastructure), others seek secluded beaches. Some buyers consider the suburbs because of more affordable prices compared to the city. Additionally, from the northern and southern suburbs of Alicante it is easier to reach Torrevieja and Benidorm.

Torre de la Horadada, Spain: Everything You Need to Know for Buying Property and Holidays

Torre de la Horadada, Spain: Everything You Need to Know for Buying Property and Holidays

1. Location, Climate and Key Features Torre de la Horadada is a district of the Pilar de la Horadada municipality with a population of 2,676, located in the south of Alicante province on the Mediterranean coast. The name Torre de la Horadada derives from both the 16th-century watchtower and the location where it stands: “horadada” in Spanish means “perforated, lace-like” - precisely how the local rocks appear with small caves and holes carved by seawater.

Villajoyosa City Guide: Everything for Buying Property and Holidays

Villajoyosa City Guide: Everything for Buying Property and Holidays

1. Location, Nearest Airports and Cities Villajoyosa (La Vila Joiosa) is a municipality in Alicante province on the Costa Blanca coast, Spain. Population: 34,000. The city sits at 27 metres above sea level, covers 20.45 km2 and has 15 km of coastline. Villajoyosa is 32 km north-east of Alicante and 12 km from Benidorm. How to Get There Nearest airport: Alicante (Alicante-Elche), 49 km away. Journey time approximately 1.5 hours by shuttle and train.

Villamartin (Orihuela Costa): Complete City Guide. How to Get There and What to See

Villamartin (Orihuela Costa): Complete City Guide. How to Get There and What to See

1. General Information Villamartin is an urbanisation within the municipality of Orihuela on the Costa Blanca coast, in the Alicante province of the Valencian Community. Construction and development of Villamartin began in 1972. The area has grown into a sought-after residential destination with thousands of apartments, townhouses and villas. The majority of residents are English-speaking Western Europeans who have relocated over the past decade, transforming the former settlement into a modern town. Well-developed tourist infrastructure ensures quality family holidays: golf courses, go-kart tracks and water sports. Several yacht clubs operate in the Orihuela area: Puerto deportivo de Campoamor, Club Nautico Marina Salinas Torrevieja, Puerto deportivo de Cabo Roig, Club Nautico Torre de la Horadada and Marina de las Dunas en Guardamar.

Where to Live and Buy Property in Spain?

Where to Live and Buy Property in Spain?

Where to buy property in Spain is the second most popular question after “how much does it cost?”. 90% of non-residents choose the country’s resort regions. Only a small percentage buys property for permanent residence in central and northern Spain. That said, Spanish holiday homes are perfectly suitable for year-round living. In this article, we cover the most popular regions for buying Spanish property - the eastern and southern coast from Catalonia to Gibraltar, plus the Balearic and Canary Islands.

Where to Live and Buy Property in Torrevieja: 7 District Overview

Where to Live and Buy Property in Torrevieja: 7 District Overview

Playa del Cura Centro (Centre) El Acequion - Los Naufragos Playa de Los Locos Nueva Torrevieja - Aguas Nuevas La Siesta - El Salado - Torreta Los Balcones 1. Playa del Cura Playa del Cura is the main coastal zone and the most popular swimming spot in Torrevieja. This sandy beach is fully equipped with parasols, sunbeds, lifeguard service, water sport hire, bars and cafes.