Alicante is a sunny port city on Spain's Costa Blanca with beaches, historic sites, and a relaxed vibe. It blends modern city life with traditional culture and has good infrastructure for remote workers. The weather is warm year-round, making it a nice place to live by the sea.
Mediterranean cuisine is strong, with fresh seafood and rice dishes like arroz a banda and paella. There are international options, and vegetarian/vegan choices are growing. Dinner happens late; many spots stay open late on weekends.
Nightlife is lively in the Santa Cruz and El Barrio areas with bars and clubs for different tastes.
Traditional Spanish coffee culture is common, with a growing number of specialty coffee shops emerging.
Tipping is optional and usually a thank you for good service. Restaurants often get 10-15% if service is good. Taxis and small services usually just round up.
SIM cards are available at the airport, provider stores like Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, and electronics shops. Registration requires ID or passport. Major providers offer good coverage; eSIMs are becoming common.
Streets and public areas are mostly clean with regular waste collection and recycling bins.
Some pharmacies operate 24/7 on rotation. Emergency hospital services available all day. Convenience stores and restaurants have limited late hours.
Supermarkets like Mercadona, Consum, Carrefour, and Lidl offer local and some international products. Fresh markets like Mercado Central provide produce and seafood. Stores usually open 9-10 AM to 9-10 PM, Monday to Saturday; many close Sundays.
Most places accept cards, including for tips. Cash is still used for small purchases.
ATMs are common across the city, especially from CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA, and Sabadell. Non-local cards may incur fees, so check with your bank.
Several international schools teaching in English and Spanish, some offering German. Admissions open in autumn for the next year; popular schools may have waiting lists.
A growing hub with coworking spaces, meetups, co-living, and online groups. Plenty of places to work and network.
Several parks are well-maintained and good for walking and running, offering shaded areas too.
Good running routes along the waterfront and in parks. Generally safe and popular with local running groups.
Many gyms and sports centers are available, but specific popular names were not provided.
Tennis and padel courts are common, with bookings and coaching widely available.
Padel courts available at sports clubs with rental and coaching options.
Yoga studios and classes are available, including some organized by coworking spaces, with English-speaking instructors common.
Various gyms offer Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, BJJ, Muay Thai, and Boxing, with drop-in options. English-speaking instructors are sometimes available.
No skiing nearby; nearest resorts are several hours away in Sierra Nevada.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are available. Equipment rentals and guided tours run in warmer months.
Surf spots like San Juan Beach suit beginners and intermediates. Waves are moderate, best in winter. Several surf schools provide lessons and rentals.
Diving at Tabarca Island Marine Reserve offers clear water and rich marine life. Suitable for all levels with multiple dive centers providing courses and rentals.
Good public and private healthcare options. Private hospitals like Vithas Alicante offer English-speaking staff. Public care is free with EHIC; private care costs around €20-50 per visit.
Tap water meets European standards and is safe to drink, but some prefer bottled water for taste.
Plenty of parks with playgrounds and family attractions nearby like Terra Mitica and Aquopolis water park. Baby supplies available in supermarkets and pharmacies.
Alicante is welcoming and safe for LGBTQ+ people, with many inclusive venues and annual pride events.
Pet-friendly places are growing, with dog parks, vets, and pet supplies available. Transport rules vary by size of pet.
Electricity is stable with rare and short outages.
Postiguet Beach is central and sandy. San Juan Beach is 7 km away, accessible by tram. Both have clear water and Blue Flag status.
Mount Benacantil and Sierra Grossa offer hiking close to town with good views.
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