Discover the Best Places to Live on the Costa Blanca, Alicante

The Costa Blanca is one of the most desirable regions in Spain, famous for its pure Mediterranean lifestyle, year-round sunshine, and relaxed pace of life. Between its incredible beaches, charming whitewashed towns, and excellent infrastructure, it’s no surprise that thousands of expats, digital nomads, and retirees from across Europe — and beyond — have chosen to call this coast home.

At Hispania Property Buyers, we’ve helped dozens of foreign families purchase and relocate to this beautiful region. Here’s our personal guide to the best places to live on the Costa Blanca, based on real experiences.

1. Denia: Gastronomy Meets the Sea

Located midway between Valencia and Alicante, Dénia sits at the foot of the Montgó mountain and boasts around 20 km of shoreline comprising sandy beaches and rugged coves. The town has a rich historical heritage—through Iberian, Roman, Islamic and Christian eras—with the castle and archaeological museum offering tangible proof.

In living-terms, Dénia offers excellent connectivity to both airports (Valencia & Alicante) and a ferry link to the Balearics, adding to its appeal for international residents. With its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the local culinary scene thrives, making it a strong candidate for long-term living rather than just holiday stays.

2. Jávea (Xàbia): The Essence of the Mediterranean

Jávea (Valencian: Xàbia) is positioned between the headlands of Cap de Sant Antoni and Cap de la Nao, and lies shadowed by the Montgó massif. It features a combination of wide sandy beach (Arenal) with shops and nightlife, plus smaller coves and pristine natural enclaves—ideal for both lifestyle and investment.

As a residential option, Jávea has seen a growing year-round foreign community. It blends nature lovers (thanks to the natural park and coastline) with solid infrastructure and services. That said, property prices here rank among the highest on the Costa Blanca—so it’s a premium choice with good long-term upside.

3. Moraira: Peaceful and Exclusive

The town of Moraira (part of Teulada-Moraira) is a former fishing village, now an upscale resort with about 8 km of coastline, fine sandy beaches like Playa l’Ampolla and calm turquoise coves such as El Portet. The setting enjoys a micro-climate—average temperatures stay around 18 °C+ even in winter—and the development is strictly controlled (no high-rise apartment blocks) which supports long-term quality of life.

For someone seeking tranquillity and exclusivity, Moraira delivers: small population, less mass tourism, and high-end villa market options. Yet, the trade-off is slightly less connectivity compared to busier towns—worth considering depending on lifestyle priorities.

4. Altea: Art, Culture, and Whitewashed Beauty

Altea stands out for its white-washed houses, cobbled streets and hill-top old town with sweeping views over the Mediterranean. The artistic and bohemian vibe is real: galleries, craft shops and a creative atmosphere complement the sea-and-sun offer. The beaches/kayaks/marina component is there, but what sets Altea apart is the cultural character.

From an investment or living perspective, Altea presents an interesting value compared to the more expensive towns northwards. You can find villas in exclusive communities with somewhat more affordable pricing. The limitation might be that the beach/marina offer is less “flagship” than some other destinations—but that may suit someone seeking charm over scale.

5. Torrevieja: Affordable and Cosmopolitan

Moving to the southern part of the Costa Blanca, Torrevieja is a larger coastal city with a mix of urban amenities, international community infrastructure, and good value real-estate. It has long beaches, natural lagoons, and the scale to support hospitals, schools, and a range of services—all plus the joy of Mediterranean climate.

For buyers or residents looking for access and value (rather than boutique exclusivity), Torrevieja is solid. The property market offers new villas and apartments at lower cost than the northern towns. The trade-off: less exclusivity, higher density and more “urban coast” than tranquil village feel.

6. Santa Pola: Hidden Gem by the Sea

Lastly, the lesser-mentioned but highly attractive town of Santa Pola lies a few kilometres south of Alicante and offers about 11 km of coastline, fishing-town heritage, salt-flats and access to the small island of Tabarca. With a still-relaxed atmosphere, it avoids the mass-tourist label while providing solid amenities—a strong option for permanent living or retirement.

Its value proposition: quieter than top-tiers, yet connected to Alicante city/airport. If your budget or lifestyle prioritises understated seaside living, Santa Pola is worth serious consideration.

The Costa Blanca truly has something for everyone — from exclusive Mediterranean villas to affordable modern apartments, from tranquil coves to lively seaside towns.

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, a rich Mediterranean cuisine, and a growing international community, it’s one of the best regions in Europe to live, invest, or retire.