Living in Alicante

What’s it like to live in Alicante City?

Living in Alicante means waking up each day with the choice to slow down or dive into city life. Mornings can start with a café con leche by the marina or a walk through Barrio de Santa Cruz, where narrow lanes brim with potted geraniums and pastel-painted houses.

As the day unfolds, the city comes alive. Locals browse boutiques along Avenida Maisonnave, students fill the terraces with chatter, and street musicians perform along the palm-lined Explanada de España. There is a vibrant sense of possibility here, balanced by a relaxed coastal pace.

North of the city centre, the wide sands of Playa de San Juan are ideal for lazy weekends, water sports, and family picnics. For panoramic views, climb Mount Benacantil to the castle and look over terracotta rooftops and the bright blue sea stretching into the distance.

Alicante is known for its authenticity, even as it welcomes thousands of visitors. Tapas bars keep their doors open late, fiestas fill the streets with music and fireworks, and locals make newcomers feel part of the community.

Culture lovers have plenty to explore, from contemporary art galleries to theatres and live music venues. Foodies will discover endless tapas, market stalls overflowing with produce, and excellent restaurants where fresh seafood is always on the menu. Alicante is a city that manages to be both cosmopolitan and unmistakably Spanish.

Living in Alicante City: Essential Information

Population of Alicante City
Alicante has a population of around 330,000 residents, making it the second largest city in the Valencian Community. People from many countries have made a home here. Alongside lifelong locals, you will meet professionals, families, and retirees from across Europe, South America, North Africa, and beyond.

English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas and larger businesses. Still, everyday life maintains a strong Spanish identity, with friendly neighbours, traditional festivals, and a culture built on community and connection.

Healthcare in Alicante City
Healthcare in Alicante is modern and easily accessible. The city has three major public hospitals, including University General Hospital Dr. Balmis each with emergency departments and a wide range of specialist services. Local health centres, known as centros de salud, provide appointments for general care, vaccinations, and referrals.

Private clinics are plentiful, offering dental care, physiotherapy, diagnostics, and faster access to specialists. Many expats choose to take out private health insurance to complement their public coverage. Pharmacies are open throughout the city and operate an overnight rota so you can always find one when you need it.

Whether you prefer public or private care, Alicante provides peace of mind that medical support is always close at hand.

Working in Alicante City
Alicante’s economy is varied and offers opportunities for a wide range of professions. Tourism remains a pillar of the local job market. Hotels, restaurants, and travel services often look for English-speaking staff, especially during the high season.

However, the city is much more than a tourist destination. Alicante has a busy commercial port, one of the largest film studios in Europe, and a thriving university community. The service sector, technology startups, and creative industries are also growing steadily.

Remote workers will find reliable internet connections throughout the city. Coworking spaces such as Ulab and Business World Alicante provide professional environments for freelancers and entrepreneurs.

If you plan to work locally, Spanish skills are a strong advantage, opening more doors in administration, healthcare, and education. Job hunting is best done through platforms like InfoJobs, Indeed, and local Facebook groups such as Expats in Alicante.

Schools and Education in Alicante City
Families in Alicante have an impressive choice of schools. Spanish public schools such as CEIP Azorín and IES Jorge Juan welcome children of all ages and often have bilingual support programmes.

Two popular international schools are the European School of Alicante, which follows the European Baccalaureate, and El Limonar International School, which offers the British curriculum. Both schools are known for high standards and a welcoming community.

The University of Alicante is one of Spain’s respected centres for research and higher education, attracting students and academics from across Europe.

After-school clubs, sports academies, and language schools enrich the educational landscape, giving children and teenagers plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.

Transport in Alicante City
Alicante has excellent connections both within the city and to the rest of Spain. Alicante-Elche Airport is only fifteen minutes from the centre and offers flights across Europe and beyond.

The port provides regular ferry services to the Balearic Islands and North Africa. The main train station is a hub for high-speed AVE trains that reach Madrid and Valencia in a matter of hours.

A modern tram system runs along the coast and through the city, making it easy to reach beaches, shopping areas, and neighbouring towns. Buses cover every corner of Alicante, and taxis are widely available.

Many residents walk or cycle to work and social activities. The seafront promenades, dedicated cycle lanes, and compact city centre mean you do not always need a car, though having one can be convenient for weekend trips or exploring inland villages.

Things to Do in Alicante

Climb the Castillo de Santa Bárbara
Perched high on Mount Benacantil, the castle has watched over Alicante for centuries. Walk the ancient ramparts, discover the old dungeons, and take in spectacular views across the city and the sparkling coastline. The castle is an unforgettable place to learn about Alicante’s rich history.

Relax on 
At the foot of the castle lies one of Alicante’s favourite beaches. Soft golden sand, calm waves, and a lively promenade make Playa del Postiguet perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and evening walks. During the summer, beach bars serve fresh seafood and cool drinks long into the night.

Wander the Explanada de España
This famous promenade is paved with thousands of marble tiles in a wave pattern and lined with tall palm trees. Locals and visitors come here to stroll, listen to street musicians, or sit at a café and watch the world go by. It is the ideal place to feel the pulse of the city.

Explore Art and Culture
Alicante is a hub for creativity and history. The Contemporary Art Museum houses works by Picasso and Miró. The MARQ Archaeological Museum is one of Europe’s most innovative heritage spaces. Throughout the year, theatres and concert halls stage everything from flamenco performances to classical concerts.

Taste Alicante’s Cuisine
Food lovers will never be bored here. Tapas bars, gourmet restaurants, and bustling markets like Mercado Central showcase the best of Mediterranean cooking. Try the local arroz a banda, a savoury rice dish cooked in fish stock, or sample fresh seafood along the marina.