I am reviewing this article from 5 years ago, so I have now lived in the Alicante region of Spain for 27 years. I just wanted to update my experiences of living here with anyone who is thinking about moving to or living in Spain.
With the introduction of the Alicante tram, the small fishing town of El Campello now seems so much closer to Alicante itself, making it another good choice of places to find a home within easy commuting distance of Alicante.
10 reasons why you should live in Alicante
1) The sunshine and mild Winter climate probably heads the list, with a minimum temperature of 5º in Winter and real scorcher days in the Summer reaching up to 40º. In the Winter, if the sun is out you can go out, and it’s as simple as that and savings will be reflected on the heating bills. The best of the weather though is definitely in the Autumn and Spring, with an average temperature of 20 to 25º, even allowing you to spend time at the beach in the Playa San Juan, or enjoy a memorable day on the Alicante Golf course in perfect conditions.
2) Alicante Golf then as the name suggests is not only the nicest residential area of Alicante, but also beholds a fantastic par 72 golf course that was designed by Seve Ballesteros in the late 90s. The whole design of the Alicante Golf residential area has been perfectly executed to include open green areas and parks, a 5 star hotel, a modern complete sports centre, the European Bilingual school, modern quality housing, wide roads and pavements, as well as commercial shopping centres within easy driving distance.
3) Eating out is so much more affordable too and Alicante provides a great selection of both Spanish and International cuisine, and you will also find that children are welcome too, but I would point out that the Spanish in general don’t speak English very well, so always carry a phrase book with you, that’s unless you are in El Campello, where you will even find English style pubs.
4) If you run a business and are a bit worried about the new higher income tax rate, come to Spain. The whole tax system is so much more simplified here, and without a doubt you end up paying less, regardless of your gross income.
5) Rates, Poll tax, council tax or whatever it may be called today, here in Spain it’s called IBI and is calculated on the size of your property. It can be paid yearly or over 6 monthly payments.
6) Everything is still much cheaper here than in the UK, so you will have more money to spend to go out and enjoy the Alicante outdoor lifestyle. The night life can also be enjoyed by people of all ages, whether you just like to sit down by the beach and enjoy an ice cream or if you like to have a few beers and let your hair down there is a whole commercial arena dedicated to night pubs in Alicante Golf, otherwise Alicante itself is quite a magical experience down by the Port, with views over the sea.
7) You don’t really need a car here. Now many people probably just want a car anyway, but for those who don’t, then both El Campello and Alicante Golf are just perfect with everything you need within a 5 minute walk. If you need to go further afield, then the Tram will take you right into the heart of Alicante, or up the coast to Benidorm or beyond up to Denia.
8) A smokers paradise. I believe that smoking in Spain is a lot more acceptable than in the UK. Cigarettes are very cheap and you can smoke in certain bars under cover, especially in El Campello, oh and you won’t get fined in Spain for throwing your cigarette but on the pavement.. not yet anyway.
9) Fiestas or festivals are also very high on the agenda in Spain. and Alicante is famous here anyway for its Fiestas. The first is just after Easter, when people from Alicante and the surrounding areas begin their annual Pilgrimage to Santa Faz, a middle age monastery in San Juan, about 5 miles from Alicante, and like a shrine to the local people. The “Hogueras de San Juan” is the second festival, and run from mid to late June, with the official burnings on June 24th, with the burning of huge paper maché figures, some of which are found in the surrounding areas of Alicante Golf and Playa San Juan. Finally in August, each residential community have a party whereby all the neighbours spend an evening together drinking and dancing the night away, so it can get a bit noisy in August. There are alternative Fiestas too in El Campello with the Moors and Christians festival being on top of the agenda.
10) Living in Alicante is without a doubt a more relaxing way of life, the sunshine does seem to be a normality here, and you are definitely better off financially here, at least to afford a higher standard of living, so why shouldn’t you live in Alicante or El Campello, and make a positive change for your overall well being. You won’t get stressed in Spain, if you learn from the locals.