Natalie To know where to buy property in the Costa Blanca is simply finding a place that feels like home. The Costa Blanca Mediterranean coastline in Spain, spans approximately 200 kilometres from Valencia to Alicante. This region has two distinct areas: the rugged Northern Costa Blanca, with dramatic cliffs and villages like Altea, and the flatter Southern Costa Blanca, with charming towns.
The appeal lies in beautiful beaches, and several golf courses, but house hunters can expect a lot more and don’t have to compromise on their idea of life in the sun. From coastal resorts to exclusive developments, there are a lot of choices of places to buy. You will find your perfect property whether you want a traditional Mediterranean villa, Conchita style, or a modern apartment for sale.
Naturally, though, house buyers might find the huge choice overwhelming. After all, the Costa Blanca is huge. In this article, we will discuss differences between the north and south and prominent towns where foreign people buy property, either for holiday home use, investment, or permanent living.
Where to Buy Property in Costa Blanca
1: Gran Alacant – Highly Sought-After Area
Budget buyers would do well to look at Gran Alacant, which has low prices and a short transfer time to Alicante airport. With 4-kilometre beaches and fish restaurants, it doesn’t feature high on lists of tourism hotspots, but that is precisely the charm.
An average population of 12,000 people swells in the summer, but it still has that perfect family ambience that sometimes bypasses the other more fashionable districts. In Gran Alacant, house buyers enjoy low prices and will find property viewing trip fruitful. Expect various types of properties, from Conchita-style houses in natural beauty to villas for sale with absolute privacy. (Homes in Grant Alacant.)
2: Torrevieja in the South
Torrevieja ranks high among the places where foreigners find affordable prices in Spain. The name translates into “old tower,” while historical attractions are abundant, modernisation is everywhere. One thing that Torrevieja did well was limit the number of tall, high-rise buildings, a feature that has blighted other places in Spain.
In addition to tourism, the region earns a reputation for salt production, and the World Health Organisation labelled it a healthy place to live. Like other places, seaside properties command a high price but look inland to grab those bargains. Otherwise, with ample cash, Torrevieja also boasts of spectacular luxury villas. (Property in Torrevieja)
3: Javea and Spacious Living
Many instantly fall in love with Javea (Xabia) because of the panoramic views and already-established expat community. The Spanish tourism board calls it a typical Mediterranean fishing village, but the thriving town offers everything on your doorstep. Javea breaks down into three districts, the old town, port, and Arenal Beach.
With an average annual temperature of 18 degrees; ex-pats particularly like mild winters with minimal rainfall. Unfortunately, high demand and low availability have forced prices in Javea up. You can find cheaper properties inland, but some people choose surrounding towns instead.
On the outskirts of Javea, on the way to Moiraria, Cumbre del Sol is a well-regarded residential resort in Benitachell. With houses and apartments for sale, think luxurious properties and varied amenities. Perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views, the elevated position provides residents with tranquillity, privacy, good parking, and spectacular sunsets.
The residential resort features attractive properties, including villas, apartments, and townhouses, and the properties are known for their high quality, craftsmanship, attention to detail, and luxury finishes. The area attracts many expatriates, mainly from Northern Europe. (Properties in Javea.)
4: Guardamar for Budget Properties.
Guardamar del Segura boasts breathtaking landscapes, and Blue Flag beaches, including Playa Centro and Playa de la Roqueta. The town’s promenade features an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes, while natural parks and dunes provide serene havens. Guardamar can easily feel like home with the mild Mediterranean climate and welcoming ambience.
Guardamar has several exclusive developments with on-site facilities and yearly community fees. You can buy a ground-floor apartment or a fantastic semi-detached house or look at a bungalow for sale. This is one of the less expensive coastal property districts and is excellent for budget properties.
5: Murcia – Popular Tourist Destination
Murcia is quickly emerging as an investment property destination, drawing attention to affordable property prices. This affordability makes the town perfect for families and retirees, and the low cost of living and numerous parks and green spaces create welcoming environments filled with outdoor activities.
Among prominent tourist attractions in Murcia are Terra Natura and Aqua Natura, both of which offer family-friendly experiences. Terra Natura is a wildlife park that allows families to get up close with animals in natural habitats, while Aqua Natura features thrilling water attractions.
With appealing investment opportunities and reasonable property prices, Murcia is an excellent place to invest in a family-oriented Spanish region. Whether you want to buy an independent villa, a four-bed townhouse, or look at country houses, this destination has potential.
6: Alicante and Beautiful Views
Alicante, an exceptional family-friendly destination earns fame for the Playa de San Juan and Postiguet beaches, while international schools and reputable local institutions, ensure children receive a top-notch education. This city offers fantastic lifestyles and presents attractive investment opportunities among expatriates and holidaymakers.
Average property prices in Alicante can go up to as much as €2,500 per square metre. For potential investors, neighbourhoods like Playa de San Juan and Santa Faz stand out, offering beautiful coastal living and robust rental potential. Alicante-Elche Airport is approximately 9 km southwest of Alicante city centre and is the primary international airport with global and domestic flights.
7: Benidorm and Sandy Beaches
Benidorm’s skyline, marked by impressive skyscrapers with spectacular sea views, makes it ideal for holiday home ownership and year-round living. As the sun sets, bars, clubs, and entertainment venues come alive. However, Benidorm caters to families as well with thrilling amusement parks like Terra Mítica and Aqualandia.
The international schooling options will suit those looking for education facilities, and ex-pats find everything and anything on their doorstep. But to get away from the heart of the action, Finestrat, on Benidorm’s outskirts, is a short drive away and offers mountain landscapes and a quaint old town with narrow streets.
8: Orihuela Costa – Favourite of British Buyers
Orihuela Costa, a premier tourist destination with 15 kilometres of Blue Flag beaches, revolves around diverse cultures. Residents enjoy several amenities, including renowned golf courses for novice and seasoned golfers, as well as several dining options ranging from Spanish cuisine to international fare.
For house hunters, the property market runs on high standards, offering quality residences for families and holidaymakers. Every taste and budget are there, from detached houses with private pools to modern apartments and bungalows.
Putting the spotlight on individual neighbourhoods, Playa Flamenca is a lovely beach in Alicante’s Orihuela Costa area with various activities and attractions, such as local markets and golf courses.
Meanwhile, Cabo Roig doesn’t have a significant population, which is part of the charm. The promenade is famous for strolling, dining, and enjoying the coastal views. One landmark of Cabo Roig, the 16th century historic watchtower, protected the coastline from pirates, and the region’s golf resorts offer several high-quality options nearby. Cabo Roig’s friendly, community-focused vibe with residents and expatriates is well-equipped with supermarkets, shops, and medical facilities.
9: Calpe and Mountainous Views
Calpe, a good all-rounder with many houses for sale, sees resale and traditional Spanish properties on the market. This is an excellent area to buy a beautiful villa with stunning lake views because of the Salt Lake, Las Salinas, a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The property market has seen steady demand thanks to the attractive coastal location, good infrastructure, and quality of life.
The market is stable, with occasional fluctuations based on economic conditions. But Calpe is highly popular among international buyers, particularly from Northern Europe (e.g., the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia) which adds to the high liquidity. Some foreigners have settled in Calpe either as retirees or as part-time residents.
Calpe is renowned for beautiful beaches, including Playa de la Fossa and Playa Arenal-Bol. At the same time, the town offers various English amenities for foreign residents to settle in and integrate.
10: Moraira for Exclusive Properties
Moraira, a coastal town with mild winters and warm summers, is ideal year-round. The crown jewel is Playa del Portet beach, which has clear waters and amazing views and is perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
This idyllic setting offers a luxurious lifestyle with an array of high-end amenities, including world-class sports facilities that cater to various activities such as tennis, golf, and sailing. Moraira features several Michelin-recommended restaurants, so residents enjoy exquisite dining experiences featuring local and international cuisine.
However, this paradise comes with a price, as high prices, desirability, and exclusivity characterise Moraira’s real estate market. There is easy access to larger cities like Valencia and Alicante, enhancing the appeal of tranquil lifestyles.
Choosing Between the South and North Costa Blanca
If you are still undecided about where to buy, narrow down your preference between the North and South based on the significant differences.
Northern Costa Blanca
Landscape: The north features rugged terrain, with dramatic cliffs, and mountain ranges like the Montgó Natural Park. The landscape is more varied, with lush green areas and picturesque coastal scenery. Towns like Denia, Javea, and Altea offering scenic, often less-developed coastal areas.
Character: The northern part is more traditionally Spanish, with mixed local and international influences. Towns like Altea and Javea have charming old city part. The North is less developed than the South, focusing on preserving natural landscapes and maintaining more laid-back vibes. The northern part can experience slightly cooler temperatures due to surrounding mountains.
Tourism and Community: While famous, the north has lower large-scale tourist developments, and attracts house hunters looking for quieter experiences. The strong presence of local heritage, sees many traditional festivals. The northern part is accessible via Alicante Airport and Valencia Airport, with good road connections but potentially longer travel times from Alicante compared to the southern areas.
Towns of Costa Blanca North
Denia, a coastal town, boasts of excellent seafood gastronomy and local wines. With Montgó Natural Park, Javea offers traditional culture and modern amenities. Moraira, an affluent city with a harbour, town centre, and quality restaurants, is popular with expats.
Home to the iconic Ifach Rock (Peñón de Ifach), Calpe offers coastal views, a lovely beach, and a bustling town centre with a lively promenade. With narrow, winding streets, white-washed houses, and the beautiful church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, Altea is a hub with art galleries and craft shops.
With a colourful old town, Villajoyosa’s rich history and famous chocolate industry sit alongside quaint streets. Benidorm, a significant tourist destination, is renowned for its high-rise skyline and vibrant nightlife.
Benissa has unique historic architecture, a medieval old town, and a rugged coastline. Located inland from Benidorm, La Nucía focuses on sports facilities and cultural events. Lastly, Alfaz del Pi, near Albir Beach, offers cultural diversity.
Southern Costa Blanca
Landscape: The south Costa has a more flat, open landscape and less rugged terrain than the north. Generally, more developed, and urbanised, well-developed resort areas like Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa exist. The beaches are wide and often equipped with extensive tourist facilities. The southern part tends to be warmer and drier, with very mild winters and sweltering, dry summers. It is also generally more sheltered.
Character: The southern part focuses more on tourism and expatriate communities, with larger resorts and a greater emphasis on amenities. Towns like Benidorm and Torrevieja have bustling atmospheres, and expatriate populations creates more international vibes.
Tourism: With numerous high-rise hotels, large resorts, and extensive entertainment options, this region is more urbanised and has a higher concentration of modern developments, including shopping centres, amusement parks, and extensive beachfront promenades.
Transport: This area is well-served by Alicante Airport, which is relatively close and provides easy access to popular towns and resorts. The southern region benefits from a well-developed transportation network.
Coastal Resorts of Costa Blanca south
While technically more central, Alicante is often included in discussions. Torrevieja, with salt lagoons and lively nightlife, offers shops, restaurants, and a bustling marina. Orihuela Costa has numerous residential developments and communities, such as Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, and Cabo Roig.
Guardamar del Segura is famous for the Dunes of Guardamar. La Mata, a suburb of Torrevieja with a large beach and natural park areas, is more laid-back. San Miguel de Salinas, an inland town with Spanish character, is near various golf resorts.
With a conventional, less touristy feel, Rojales wins fans with the local market, traditional architecture, and nearby La Marquesa Golf Club. Benijófar town, with a traditional atmosphere, is near Rojales and offers more residential experiences.
Ciudad Quesada is a sizeable residential area with golf resorts and an expat community. Elche (Elx) is a larger city with a rich history. Pilar de la Horadada, a town near the border with Murcia, has a traditional atmosphere and is quieter than larger tourist resorts.
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With impeccable local knowledge, our international team can answer your questions and show properties in your desired area. See our properties for sale here, or contact us today to speak with an agent who can help you find the perfect property. Our team is experts at assisting foreign buyers in tapping into the most significant advantages and numerous days of sunshine.
Also, About Spain
Costa Del Sol: The Costa Del Sol is another sunshine alternative, along with coastal and golf resorts. Many British buyers have flocked to buy a Mediterranean villa to live here all year round or a fantastic holiday apartment. The Spanish towns are also worth exploring for cheap and expensive properties.
Where Do Brits go in Spain? So, it is coming up to that time of year when the popular question of where do Brits go in Spain is often asked. From sun-kissed beaches to vibrant streets, Spain has long attracted British tourists seeking sun, sea, and sangria. With enticing destinations, Spain is the Brits’ top holiday hotspot year after year and also a popular expat destination.
Costa Brava Guide: Welcome to the Costa Brava of Spain, a popular holiday destination and place on the Iberian Peninsula where tourists visit and foreigners buy holiday homes and also live all year round. The Costa Brava, a glorious coastal region in the northeast and southern part of Spain stretches from Blanes, 60 kilometres northeast of Barcelona, to the French border.
