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.

• Centro (Centre)

• Pla del Bon Repos - La Goleta - San Anton

• Campoamor - Carolinas - Altozano

• Juan XXIII

• Los Angeles - Tombola - San Nicolas

• San Blas - Pau

• Benalua - La Florida - Babel - San Gabriel

• Parque Avenidas - Vistahermosa

• Playa de San Juan - El Cabo

• Property Price Examples by District

1. Centro (Centre)

Let us start with Centro, located in the south of Alicante. Despite its name, the district does not occupy the geographical centre of the city. However, from a historical, tourist and business perspective, it plays a key role.

Casco Historico concentrates the majority of Alicante’s architectural monuments. It sits adjacent to Mount Benacantil, atop which stands the Castle of Santa Barbara - the city’s main attraction. In the Casco Historico you will find the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the Church of Santa Maria, medieval Moorish white houses and other sites along the cultural route.

From here you can reach Playa Postiguet - the city’s main beach. This is a sandy beach 700 metres long and approximately 40 metres wide, making the district extremely popular among tourists. In summer, the Casco Historico offers vibrant nightlife with bars and cafes.

Many homes in the Casco Historico are over a hundred years old, and some feature attractive layouts with narrow staircases and high ceilings. Almost all buildings are resale properties of two to three storeys. A 2-bedroom apartment of 70-80 sq m starts from EUR 150,000. The Casco Historico can be recommended to investors planning to earn rental income.

On 9 July 2018, a new tourism law came into force. Each municipality now has the right to set its own rules for properties that can obtain a tourist licence - that is, the right to legally rent out property. In Alicante, tourist licences are now issued only for ground-floor properties. The exception is the Casco Historico and one other zone, which we will discuss below. Here you can officially rent out an apartment on any floor, and in high season this will yield EUR 100-150 per day.

Centro Tradicional is a district of mixed new and resale property. During the Civil War, Alicante remained the last stronghold of General Francisco Franco’s opponents, resulting in heavy bombardment of the city. As a result, new buildings now appear here, including high-rises. New-build prices range from 250,000 to 300,000 EUR. A 2-bedroom apartment built in the 1970s, not on the seafront, costs around EUR 120,000.

The district offers views of the yacht marina. The picturesque promenade is paved with clay tiles and lined with palms. Every two years, the Port of Alicante becomes the starting point for the Volvo Ocean Race.

Centro Tradicional is full of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Many are located right on the pier, where you can also find a casino. This is where most young people socialise.

Ensanche Diputacion is the business district. Avenida Maisonnave runs between two El Corte Ingles department stores: one sells household appliances and homeware, the other clothing, shoes and accessories. Other well-known Inditex brands (and others) are located between the two stores along this avenue. You will also find insurance and travel agency offices, notaries, law firms and municipal organisations. The Diputacion Palace hosts sessions of the province’s elected officials.

Property in this sub-district consists of resale housing aged 20 to 50 years. Prices are similar to the Casco Historico and Centro Tradicional. Buildings are quite tall, and most have lifts. Moving towards the sea, you will see a funfair and a ficus tree avenue. Here too is the 25-storey Estudiotel, fully fitted with studios for sale (from 70,000 to 100,000 euros, depending on renovation and views). A management company helps with rental.

Another part of Centro is called Mercado Central - the quarters around Alicante’s central market. Although it looks more like a railway station or church from the outside. Here you can buy fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. The market operates daily from early morning until 2 PM (except Sundays).

In the outlying part you will find the bullring and the Plaza de Toros. Bullfights take place every summer, coinciding with the San Juan festival.

Several streets in Mercado Central, along with the Casco Historico, have no restrictions on tourist licences. So investors should take a closer look at this zone. Moreover, prices here are slightly lower than the rest of Centro (as the district is not as close to the beach). A 2-bedroom apartment on the fifth floor without a lift, requiring renovation, can be purchased for EUR 70,000.

2. Pla del Bon Repos - La Goleta - San Anton

Adjacent to the Mercado Central is the San Anton quarter, belonging to the next administrative unit. Part of San Anton resembles the old town with its narrow streets and low-rise buildings. Property closer to Avenida Jaime II is partially inhabited by Roma communities. However, this does not mean the area is dangerous. Nevertheless, many people avoid it.

Overall, Roma communities can be found in almost any part of the city. During the day, it is not always possible to distinguish a regular district from a Roma one. The picture becomes clear at night, when you may see people in dressing gowns and houses with open entrance halls. Therefore, be sure to drive through the district at night before purchasing an apartment.

San Anton is slightly cheaper than the central area. There is less infrastructure, fewer shops and pharmacies. However, some homes offer views of Mount Benacantil, which is impressive.

Pla del Bon Repos is considered one of the best districts in Alicante for permanent living and the best value for money. Residents are close to both the sea and the centre - both within a 20-minute walk. Pla del Bon Repos is predominantly Spanish, although many immigrants have settled here in recent years. You will find a wide selection of supermarkets, restaurants, private schools, sports facilities and the Archaeological Museum - everything needed for permanent residence.

Furthermore, Pla del Bon Repos has a direct airport bus. The district is also surrounded by a tram that runs along the scenic green boulevard Rodolfo de Salazar. Overall, public transport in Alicante is very well developed. With a Bonobus card, you can transfer to any other bus or tram route within one hour. Thus, one ticket covers a transfer to any part of the city. It costs EUR 11 for ten bus or tram journeys. The card can then be topped up at the rate of 10 journeys for EUR 8.70. This means one journey costs the cardholder EUR 0.87, while a single ticket without the card costs EUR 1.45 with no transfer rights.

Returning to Pla del Bon Repos: part of the district consists of block buildings (some windows face a tiny inner courtyard). An average 2-bedroom apartment in these buildings costs approximately EUR 65,000. Some residential complexes are less densely built; they are larger, with windows facing streets on both sides.

Raval Roig is located at the foot of the castle hill, very close to Postiguet beach. The price matches the excellent location: seafront apartments start from EUR 150,000 on the first line, from EUR 110,000 on the second line.

Within this administrative unit there is a district called La Goleta. It consists of approximately a dozen buildings near the Plaza Mar 2 shopping centre. The proximity of shops, a spacious car park and convenient access to the beach make the quarter a pleasant location. As for neighbours, it varies, so extra attention is advisable.

3. Campoamor - Carolinas - Altozano

Moving further inland, we reach the Campoamor - Carolinas - Altozano district. Carolinas Bajas is near the bullring. The district consists of low-rise resale housing. A significant number of Moroccan nationals and refugees live here, some with irregular status or on benefits. Plaza de Castello - a pleasant recreation area with a fountain and playground - sometimes becomes a gathering spot for noisy groups at night. There is less infrastructure and greenery; the quarter is a so-called “concrete jungle”.

A philharmonic hall is nearby; the central market is a five-to-ten-minute walk. The cheapest 70 sq m apartment costs around EUR 50,000. However, this will either be a fifth floor without a lift or an apartment requiring renovation.

Carolinas Altas is a residential district popular among Spanish families. There are several schools, Mercadona and other supermarkets. The tram to the University of Alicante runs through Carolinas Altas, which is very convenient for students. Consequently, property prices here are slightly higher than in Carolinas Bajas.

Campoamor looks much like its neighbours: block buildings, narrow streets, buildings up to four storeys. One advantage of this sub-district is the Castle of San Fernando, the city’s second most important historical landmark. The castle is surrounded by a large green park, making Campoamor attractive for walking enthusiasts. On the other side of the castle are sports facilities: football pitches, a swimming pool, riding rings and running tracks.

Altozano is a privileged district; property here is new and quite expensive. In Altozano you will find gated residential complexes with swimming pools. Apartments start from EUR 100,000. There are also some lower-class and more affordable homes (50,000-70,000 EUR). The Main Hospital of Alicante is located in this district.

On the other side of Gran Via avenue lies the Benisaudet district. Here too you can find gated complexes with tennis courts and other sports facilities for residents. Prices are similar to Altozano. Lo Morant Park is nearby, where families can spend quality time. Lidl supermarket is within walking distance.

4. Juan XXIII

Beyond Campoamor - Carolinas - Altozano lie the Roma districts: Cuatrocientas Viviendas, Virgen del Remedio, Colonia Requena and Juan XXIII. The latter is the largest, which is why its name is used for the entire administrative zone.

Frankly, some parts of Juan XXIII resemble a genuine ghetto. Consequently, property here is the cheapest: options can be found for as little as EUR 15,000. Some non-Roma residents also live here, but they are either people deceived by estate agents, or those who purchased out of desperation or ignorance.

While Colonia Requena is filled with identical buildings with unattractive facades, the sub-district of Virgen del Remedio is reasonably acceptable. More European immigrants and Moroccans live here. The previously mentioned Lo Morant Park is nearby. Apartments here start from EUR 30,000.

However, there is an exception. A small part of Juan XXIII can be recommended for purchase and residence. This is a few buildings in a gated complex with swimming pools. They stand apart from the rest of the district between Via Pinto Pedro Camacho and Via Diputado Antonio Garcia Mirales. The city centre is easily reachable by bus, which is quick and convenient. Major supermarkets and two schools are within walking distance: Colegio Publico Pedro Duque and Colegio San Agustin.

Since this “island” administratively belongs to the Roma district (although it has nothing in common with it), apartment prices here are excellent. Apartments requiring cosmetic renovation can be purchased for EUR 50,000. For this price, you get a 3-4 bedroom apartment of 75+ sq m. This spot is popular among young Spanish families with children and retirees.

5. Los Angeles - Tombola - San Nicolas

Moving westward, we reach the Los Angeles - Tombola - San Nicolas district, home to a mixed population of Spaniards, immigrants from Africa and the Middle East. In southern Los Angeles is the city’s second most important market - Mercadillo Teulada. This is an open-air market on a car park where farmers bring produce from neighbouring villages.

From a property perspective, the district consists of typical Alicante apartment buildings. Prices for standard apartments start from 40,000 EUR.

6. San Blas - Pau

The San Blas zone borders Centro and has corresponding prices: if you are looking for an apartment in a building with a lift and decent renovation, you will not find anything below EUR 100,000.

Pau and Pau 2 (currently under construction) face Gran Via avenue. The centre is not far away. The district is not yet densely built: there is a park, several green zones and gated complexes with lawns and pools. Property prices are similar to San Blas. A significant amount of new property is expected in Pau over the coming years, which will appreciate in value after construction is completed.

7. Benalua - La Florida - Babel - San Gabriel

Benalua is a wonderful place for those who do not mind living slightly away from the beach but close to the centre. It is a quiet Spanish district with excellent infrastructure, with prices starting from EUR 60,000. The railway and bus stations are nearby.

The Princesa Mercedes and La Florida quarters have a similar environment. However, the demographics here are more diverse, so if you are planning a purchase, it is best to check the district at night. Babel is considered an industrial zone extending towards the commercial port. San Gabriel, by contrast, is “pushed out” towards the outskirts.

San Gabriel has access to the sea, but calling it a beach would be a stretch - although you can swim here. From San Gabriel it is easy to reach Alicante Airport, located ten kilometres south-west of the city. El Palmeral Park - a palm park on the outskirts of Alicante, a large green area for relaxing in the shade. Housing options are limited. Tourists rarely visit, so the district can be recommended for expats.

8. Parque Avenidas - Vistahermosa

Unlike other districts of Alicante, Parque Avenidas - Vistahermosa is full of blue swimming pools of various sizes and shapes when viewed from satellite. This is a prestigious part of the city.

A 2-bedroom apartment in the Garbinet and Parque de las Avenidas areas costs around EUR 150,000 plus a garage in the underground car park. IES Jaime II and Collegi Public Azorin are considered the best schools, so many immigrants with children seek to settle here. Major stores are also present: Media Markt, Leroy Merlin, Al Campo and others.

The exception is the Nou Alacant sub-district to the west. There, buildings are almost entirely occupied by Roma communities. Buildings are covered in graffiti, and streets have a lot of litter. Consequently, many cheap options can be found here for 35,000-40,000 EUR.

Moving eastward, you reach Vistahermosa. This district has no high-rise buildings - only private villas and townhouses. Prices for chalets and small villas start from EUR 300,000. For this price you get a house of approximately 150 sq m with a small lawn and barbecue area, plus a parking space. This zone is ideal for a peaceful life away from urban bustle. Infrastructure is limited and the centre is quite far, so if you plan to live in Vistahermosa, a car is essential.

9. Playa de San Juan - El Cabo

Finally, we have reached the easternmost part of the city. The Playa de San Juan - El Cabo district, although far from the centre, is a self-sufficient zone and a magnet for many tourists. The main reason is Playa de San Juan beach, approximately 70 metres wide and several kilometres long. Unlike Playa Postiguet, it is not overcrowded even on the hottest summer days.

This is the tourist part of the city that empties in winter. Most people buy property here for seasonal holidays - both foreigners and Spaniards (predominantly from Madrid). Near the sea, the housing stock is mostly older, but moving further inland, beyond the 10th beach line, new construction can be found. The district is so popular that most apartments sell out before construction even begins.

A new studio starts from EUR 150,000; a 2-bedroom apartment costs at least EUR 220,000. The northern part of the beach, which is administratively no longer part of Alicante, will see significant development in the coming years, guaranteeing excellent opportunities for investors.

Just beyond Playa de San Juan is Alicante Golf. As the name suggests, this is a zone with a golf course. Alicante Golf is popular among tourists year-round. In summer it is too hot to play on an open green field, while winters in Alicante are mild and pleasant: around +15 C during the day. British and Scandinavian visitors adore this spot. They typically buy townhouses for around EUR 250,000.

The Cabo de las Huertas district is located on a headland jutting into the sea. The sub-district is filled with two-storey townhouses of 90 to 120 sq m, priced from EUR 200,000. Homes built on the hill offer sea views and cost more. The coastline here consists of rocky cliffs, so residents also prefer going to San Juan beach. However, some enjoy tucking away in the small rocky coves.

Others prefer sunbathing at Playa de la Albufereta and Playa Almadraba. Particularly those living in neighbouring districts in gated urbanisations. The cheapest apartments in this zone cost around EUR 100,000.

10. Property Price Examples by District