Alicante
Alicante is Costa Blanca's largest city with 337,000 inhabitants and over 320 days of sunshine a year, making it an obvious choice for those seeking urban energy and beach in one place. Modern flats from €150,000 are combined with excellent transport links and a genuine Spanish atmosphere that draws families and retirees alike.
Quick facts Alicante
Population
358 608
2024
Source: INE
Foreign residents
15%
Source: Local Estimate
Estimated Swedes
1 500
Utspridda i city/playan
Distance to airport
20 min
Alicante (ALC)
Price per m²
2 435 €
Source: Idealista
Sunshine hours per year
3200
Average temperature
19.3°C
Average temperature
Lifestyle in Alicante
Life in Alicante is shaped by a relaxed Mediterranean mentality: morning coffee in Barrio Santa Cruz, a stroll along the palm-lined Explanada de España and evening tapas in the old town. The city suits international families and retirees looking for comfortable urban and coastal living alike.
Why Swedes love Alicante
- ✓Direct flights – Arlanda/Landvetter to Alicante in 3.5h, then 15 min taxi to the city.
- ✓The combination of authentic Spanish city buzz and beach life (Postiguet/San Juan).
- ✓The price level – you get far more for your money here than in Malaga or Barcelona.
- ✓The fantastic climate with milder winters than inland areas.
🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?
- •Those seeking total silence (it is a large city).
- •Those who want to live in a "Swedish village" (you live among Spaniards here).
- •People who want walking distance to the golf course (courses are on the outskirts).
- •Those wanting a large garden in the city centre (a villa on the outskirts is needed).
Districts in Alicante
Playa San Juan
Modern, exclusive and close to the beach. Like a city within a city.
Pros
- +Fantastic 7km beach
- +Modern apartments with pool
- +Tram to city centre
Cons
- −More expensive than the centre
- −Can feel a bit "empty" in winter
Alicante Centrum (Centro/Mercado)
City buzz, market hall, shopping and culture.
Pros
- +Walking distance to everything
- +Wide range of restaurants
- +Close to Postiguet beach
Cons
- −Car traffic and noise
- −Older properties (often without a lift)
Cabo de las Huertas
The city's most exclusive area. Villas and cliff swimming.
Pros
- +Fantastic views
- +Quiet and private
- +Close to nature
Cons
- −High price
- −Usually requires a car
Vistahermosa
Nice residential area with villas and spacious apartments.
Pros
- +Good schools nearby
- +Spacious
- +Close to shopping centres
Cons
- −Further from the city centre
- −Not close to the beach
Climate in Alicante vs Stockholm
2800
Sunshine hours/year
50
Rainy days/year
28°C
July avg
25°C
Sea temp July
| Month | Alicante | Stockholm | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | -2°C | +19°C | |
| Apr | 20°C | 5°C | +15°C | |
| Jul | 30°C | 18°C | +12°C | 26°C |
| Okt | 24°C | 8°C | +16°C |
Property market in Alicante
Price trend (5 years)
+16.4%
Steadily increasing trend since 2020
Estimated Rental Yield
6.3%
Gross yield for long-term rental
Tourist license
Possible
Generally possible to obtain a short-term rental license.
What does a property cost?
Average price ranges for standard properties in good condition.
* Prices are estimated averages and may vary depending on location, condition and view.
Attractions & experiences in Alicante
Discover the majestic Santa Bárbara castle with its panoramic views, wander through the colourful Barrio Santa Cruz, relax on Playa del Postiguet or explore the MARQ museum. Golf enthusiasts will find several courses within a 30-minute drive.
Transport & getting around in Alicante
Alicante-Elche airport is just 15 minutes away with direct flights to Stockholm, Gothenburg and other European cities. Excellent rail network with high-speed trains to Madrid and Barcelona. Local tram service runs along the coast.
The best of Alicante
Flygplats 15 min
Direktflyg till Skandinavien
320 soldagar/år
Perfekt medelhavsklimat
Prisvärt
Lägre priser än turistorterna
Stadsliv
Alla bekvämligheter nära
Practical for Swedes
Travel from Sweden
SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair
Flera dagligen
Ryanair, Norwegian
Dagligen
SAS, Norwegian
Dagligen
Transfer to the area:
Taxi 20 min (approx. €25). Airport bus C6 runs around the clock every 20 minutes (approx. €4).
Healthcare & Health
Hospital General is the main public hospital. Vithas Perpetuo Socorro is a good private alternative.
NIE number & Legal
Apply at the Policia Nacional on Calle Campo de Mirra. Appointment required (cita previa).
Swedish services on-site
Compare with nearby areas
💡Tips for buying in Alicante
Buy in central Alicante for convenience and rental potential, or in the San Juan area for families. Avoid overpriced tourist zones. Always verify that the property has the correct building permits and registration.
Watch out for
"Those seeking total silence (it is a large city)., Those who want to live in a "Swedish village" (you live among Spaniards here)., People who want walking distance to the golf course (courses are on the outskirts)., Those wanting a large garden in the city centre (a villa on the outskirts is needed)."
Common questions about Alicante
No, it has become a destination in its own right with fantastic restaurants, culture and beaches.
City for buzz, culture and history. Playa San Juan for modern apartments, pool and beach life.
Excellent! It takes you from the city along the entire coast up to Benidorm and Denia. Cheap and convenient.
Yes, Alicante is a very safe city, but as in any city, watch out for pickpockets in tourist areas.
Step-by-step guide:
Preparation (1-2 weeks)
- •Apply for NIE number (tax number)
- •Open a Spanish bank account
- •Hire a Swedish-speaking estate agent
Find a property (2-8 weeks)
- •Visit properties
- •Compare prices and areas
- •Get a survey (recommended)
Preliminary contract (1 week)
- •Sign the preliminary contract (contrato de arras)
- •Pay deposit (10% of the purchase price)
Final contract (4-8 weeks)
- •Notary appointment
- •Pay remaining amount + costs
- •Get the keys!
Total time: 2-4 months from start to finish.
In addition to the purchase price, the following costs apply:
Mandatory costs
- •Transfer tax (ITP): 8-10% of the purchase price
- •Notary fees: €600-1,200
- •Registration: €400-800
- •Legal advice: €1,000-2,000
Total: Allow for 10-13% of the purchase price in additional costs.
Example: Apartment for €150,000 = €15,000-19,500 in additional costs.
At purchase
- •Transfer tax (ITP): 8-10% (existing property)
- •VAT (IVA): 10% (new build)
Annual taxes
- •Property tax (IBI): €200-600/year (depending on rateable value)
- •Waste tax: €50-150/year
- •Income tax (if renting): 19-24% on rental income
- •Wealth tax (IRNR): 19-24% on estimated rental value (even if not renting out)
Community fees (apartments)
- •€300-1,200/year (depending on facilities)
Total per year: €800-2,500 for an average apartment.
Yes, a NIE number is MANDATORY to buy property in Spain.
What is a NIE? - Número de Identificación de Extranjero - Spanish tax number for foreigners - Required for all financial transactions
How to get a NIE
1. Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in Sweden 2. Fill in the application (EX-15) 3. Pay the fee (~€10) 4. Wait 2-4 weeks
Or: Apply directly in Spain (faster, 1-2 days)
Explore nearby areas
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