How Do You Choose the Right Place to Live on the Costa Blanca? Not Every Coastal Town Suits Everyone
How Do You Choose the Right Place to Live on the Costa Blanca? Not Every Coastal Town Suits Everyone
A house with a terrace, blue skies and the Mediterranean nearby. For many people, this is where the dream of buying a home in Spain begins.
But then comes a much more important question:
Where on the Costa Blanca do you actually want to live?
The Costa Blanca is not a collection of towns offering more or less the same lifestyle. Living in the centre of Alicante is very different from living near the beaches of Guardamar. And someone looking for peace, golf and a spacious villa in Algorfa probably wants something completely different from someone who wants to walk to the seafront every morning.
That is why it makes sense to fall in love with the location first, and the property second.
Already looking for a home? You can explore the current CasaOthers property listings.
Start with your daily life, not the house
A swimming pool, three bedrooms and a sunny terrace are easy to put on a wish list. But first, ask yourself some different questions.
Do you want to walk to a café for your morning coffee?
Would you like shops and restaurants within walking distance?
Do you enjoy a lively environment, or are peace and privacy more important?
Will you live there permanently, spend the winter there or mainly use the property for holidays?
And how important are the beach, golf courses, international facilities and distance from the airport?
A beautiful property in the wrong location can eventually be far less enjoyable than a simpler home in exactly the right place.
Alicante – for those who want city life and the beach
Alicante is an interesting choice for people who don't want to exchange city life for a quiet holiday development.
The city offers shops, restaurants, culture, public transport and, of course, the beach. Alicante Airport also makes it practical for people who regularly travel between Spain and other European countries.
This makes Alicante particularly attractive for permanent residents who don't want to depend on a car for everything.
The downside?
If your dream involves lots of land, maximum privacy and a large detached villa, you will usually need to look further outside the city.
Santa Pola – close to the sea and conveniently located
Santa Pola has a very different character. Life here is strongly connected to the Mediterranean.
Its harbour, beaches and promenade make it attractive to people who genuinely want to live close to the sea, rather than simply drive to the beach occasionally.
Santa Pola is also conveniently located near Alicante Airport.
That makes it interesting for both permanent residents and people looking for a second home who expect to travel back and forth regularly.
Guardamar del Segura – for beach lovers looking for more tranquillity
For many buyers, Guardamar del Segura offers an attractive balance.
There are long sandy beaches and plenty of nature, while everyday facilities remain within easy reach. It has a different atmosphere from some of the larger and busier coastal resorts.
Guardamar may therefore appeal to anyone thinking:
“I want to live near the sea, but I don't need to be surrounded by crowds.”
If you are seriously considering moving permanently to Spain, location is only part of the decision. Taxes, administration and ongoing costs matter too. You can read more in our guide to Dutch and Spanish taxes for expats and property buyers.
Torrevieja – international and full of amenities
Torrevieja has been popular with international property buyers for many years.
There are plenty of reasons for that. The city offers a wide choice of properties, shops, restaurants, healthcare facilities and large international communities.
For someone living in Spain for the first time, that international environment can make the transition easier.
But Torrevieja isn't for everyone.
Some areas are considerably busier and more tourist-oriented than smaller towns nearby. If peace, space and a more traditional atmosphere are your priorities, another location may suit you better.
That is exactly why comparing locations based purely on property prices per square metre doesn't tell you where you will actually enjoy living.
Orihuela Costa – popular with international buyers
Orihuela Costa consists of several residential areas along the southern Costa Blanca and is popular with people looking for a second home, holiday property or permanent residence.
Beaches, golf courses, restaurants, shops and international amenities are some of its main attractions.
It is also possible to choose between very different lifestyles: close to the beach, inside a residential development or nearer one of the area's golf courses.
For buyers who also view their property as an investment, location becomes even more important. A property that is perfect for you personally is not automatically the property holidaymakers or tenants will choose.
Pilar de la Horadada – southern Costa Blanca with plenty of choice
Further south you'll find Pilar de la Horadada.
The area combines traditional Spanish neighbourhoods with modern new-build developments. The coastline and beaches are nearby, while everyday amenities and transport connections remain easily accessible.
If you are interested in modern new-build property, this is an area you are likely to encounter during your search.
But look beyond the attractive development photographs.
Check the real distance to shops, restaurants and the beach. “Close to the beach” in a property description doesn't necessarily mean a five-minute walk.
Algorfa – when the beach doesn't need to be outside your door
There is another option that buyers sometimes overlook: living slightly inland.
Algorfa is a good example. The area is known in part for La Finca Golf and offers a quieter residential atmosphere than many coastal towns.
Here, you experience a different side of Spain.
There can be more space, less seasonal beach traffic and opportunities for larger properties and plots. For golfers or buyers who prioritise peace, privacy and outdoor space, this can actually be more attractive than an apartment directly beside the sea.
The coast is still accessible by car.
And that raises an important question:
How important is it really to reach the beach without using a car?
For some people, it is essential. Others discover after a few months that having their own pool, garden and peaceful surroundings matters much more.
Explore a town as if you already lived there
One common mistake is visiting a potential new hometown as a tourist.
You walk along the promenade, enjoy a nice meal and think: I could live here.
Try approaching it differently.
Visit the supermarket. Find out where the nearest medical centre is. Drive through the area during busy periods. Walk around the neighbourhood in the evening. Check how far you really are from restaurants and shops.
If possible, visit outside the summer season as well.
A neighbourhood that feels lively and exciting in August may feel completely different in January.
Think about the home you may need five years from now
Perhaps you are currently looking for a holiday home but plan to move permanently to Spain later.
Or perhaps you're buying primarily for yourself while also considering renting the property during certain periods.
Try to look a little further ahead.
Consider accessibility, maintenance, stairs, outdoor space, parking and nearby facilities.
And never let a low asking price be the only reason for choosing a particular property or location. A cheap home can become surprisingly expensive. Read more in The cheapest house in Spain could become your most expensive mistake.
Which part of the Costa Blanca suits you?
There is no single best place to live on the Costa Blanca.
Alicante suits people who want to combine city life, the beach and excellent amenities.
Santa Pola is attractive if being close to the Mediterranean and the airport matters to you.
Guardamar del Segura combines beautiful beaches and nature with a quieter atmosphere.
Torrevieja offers extensive amenities and a large international community.
Orihuela Costa combines coastal living, golf and a wide variety of residential areas.
Pilar de la Horadada offers interesting possibilities for buyers looking further south, particularly those interested in modern new-build homes.
And Algorfa proves that you don't have to live directly beside the sea to enjoy life on the Costa Blanca.
Ultimately, the best location isn't necessarily the town most frequently recommended online.
It's the place where an ordinary Tuesday in Spain feels right.
Choose the area first, then find the property
Once you know roughly which area suits your lifestyle, searching for a property becomes much easier.
CasaOthers allows you to explore and compare properties across the Costa Blanca based on location, property type, price and features.
👉 View the current CasaOthers property listings
Want to understand the buying process in Spain before choosing a property? Explore our guides to buying and living in Spain.
Because finding your place in Spain shouldn't begin with just a beautiful property.
It should begin with finding somewhere you can genuinely feel at home.
