The most popular areas people choose to live on the Costa Blanca are Alicante, Torrevieja, and Benidorm, but are these areas the epitome of the lifestyle? Will they suit your lifestyle requirements?
Everybody’s definition of ‘best’ is different. ‘Best’ depends on personal preferences, family, and economic commitments. For example: 1) Are you Retired or do you need to work? 2) Do you need to consider schooling options or are you child-free? 3) Are you mobile with your own transport or do you need to be central and near to professional services?
What you consider to be ‘best’ can drastically change according to your personal requirements. Here we will examine what we consider all the best location options for Retirees, Singles, Couples, and Families.

Morbi vitae purus dictum, ultrices tellus in, gravida lectus.

1. Retirees

The Costa Blanca is your oyster. If you are fit and fairly mobile then your main requirement might be the areas where there is a concentration of other expats. This is important as being part of a community in Spain has a lot of benefits. It will be a lot easier to make friends and share your hobbies and interests. These friends and acquaintances will also be a good source of information, and you will be able to help others in times of need, as they will be able to help you.
See our article on what it’s like to live in Costa Blanca. We examine the Cost of living, Lifestyle, Healthcare, Services, Convenience, Climate, etc.

Top places to live in the Costa Blanca for Retirees who enjoy a more active lifestyle.
Our recommendations (from south to north):

a)
Torrevieja City and the gorgeous coastal suburbs of Orihuela Costa just south of Torrevieja (Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, and Cabo Roig).

b)
If you enjoy golf and outdoor activities then can consider the areas in and around the beautiful country clubs (with many other activities) of Villamartin, Las Colinas golf, and Las Ramblas golf.

c)
Los Montesinos and the beautiful areas around La Finca Golf and Vistabella Golf.

d)
Playa San Juan, just north of Alicante city, and in particular the golf course areas. Playa San Juan offers a complete range of modern amenities and is conveniently close to Alicante city.

e)
Benidorm. I recommend the quieter Poniente side, west of the centre.

f)
Albir, Alfaz del Pi, and La Nucia offer a beautiful coast, fantastic activities, and entertainment options, and a good community for retirees.

g)
The stunning village of Altea also has a strong local community and a large percentage of expats from throughout Europe.

h)
Moraira, Javea and Denia are all beautiful coastal towns and they are at the top of our list of the best place to stay for retired expats.

Retirees on a tighter budget:
Torrevieja City, and its suburb of La Mata just to the north.
Santa Pola is a beautiful coastal town and port just north of Torrevieja with a large expat community.
Ciudad Quesada, Rojales, and Guardamar del Segura all offer a more budget-friendly cost of living, while still being very near to the coast.
Calpe and Denia are stunning coastal towns with a wealth of amenities and professional services.

2) Families with working parents

There are four main concentrations of private schools on the Costa Blanca that cater to expats and foreigners. On the Orihuela Costa just South of Torrevieja, around Alicante City, in the areas of Benidorm La Nucia and Altea, and around Javea.
Consider the availability of jobs in your field. Will you need to start your own business to achieve a similar standard of salary and benefits? Do you have enough savings to tide you over until you are squarely on your feet?
See our article about starting a business on the Coast of Spain.

Other considerations:
Does your chosen area have easy access to good healthcare, professional services, and amenities? How easy or convenient is it for friends and family who live outside of Spain to come visit you? If you have pre-teens you will want to search the availability of daycare centers, after-school programs, and other childcare options in the area.

Top places to live in the Costa Blanca for families:

a) The coastal suburbs of Orihuela Costa are close to Torrevieja for work opportunities, and there is a range of private and public schooling options.

b) Los Balcones, a residential suburb with larger freestanding homes, offers more space and the convenience of being close to Torrevieja City.

c) Gran Alacant is an interesting option as it’s near the Airport, Alicante City, and in a stunning location between Santa pola and Arenales del Sol.

d) Playa San Juan offers an impressive range of professional services and amenities, one of the best beaches and paseos in all of Spain, and is conveniently close to the city.

e) The areas of Albir, La Nucia and Altea are perfect for families as they offer a range of public and International schools, and are close to the economic hub of Benidorm, or even Alicante city.

f) The coastal areas of Moraira, Javea, and Denia are my top choices as they offer the largest selection of schooling, and an excellent range of professional services. The economy of the Northern Costa Blanca is also stronger than many other areas, and you are conveniently placed half way between the international airports of Valencia and Alicante.

3) Singles and young couples

For singles and couples, the availability of social opportunities is an important consideration. You may want a more vibrant year-round social life, and this is usually only found in the more urban areas of the Costa Blanca. These urban centres can also be a better source of job opportunities with improved infrastructure for transport.
The cost of living can also vary greatly so where the cost is slightly higher than in other areas we have made sure to mention this.

Top places to live in the Costa Blanca for singles and couples:


a)
Torrevieja city and in particular the areas near the port and the beaches.


b)
Alicante City and in particular the areas near or in the historical centre. If you can do without a car then consider Alicante’s hillside area of Santa Creu. It has the rare combination of being beautiful and central, yet also affordable and peaceful. It is situated on the slopes of the Santa Barbara castle and with nature right on your doorstep. Also consider the other areas around the castle, the Castillo Santa Barbara areas, like Raval Roig and San Antón. These areas are all near the beautiful playa del Postiguet beach, the historical centre and the port. The city is also well connected with high-speed trains to both Madrid and Barcelona for easy weekend breaks.


c)
There is plenty happening in the vibrant Playa San Juan area just north of Alicante, and it offers a handy modern tram system that takes you quickly into the centre of Alicante. The area offers all modern conveniences and professional services, one of the best beaches in all of Spain (no exaggeration), and a vibrant fun community. Albeit, a bit more expensive than other areas of the Costa Blanca, this is definitely a case of you getting what you pay for. Highly recommended.


d)
Benidorm.


e)
Denia is a large coastal town with a strong Spanish community. If you are looking to embrace Spanish culture and truly looking at Spain as your future then Denia, Alicante City, and Playa San Juan are my top recommendations for singles and younger couples. Denia offers a fantastic coastal lifestyle, with a variety of activities, entertainment, and nightlife options. The historical centre is busy throughout the year, with exciting food and entertainment options, there is a great choice of sandy beaches near the city, and in your time off you can hop on a ferry (literally on your doorstep) to Ibiza, Formentera, and Mallorca.


f)
For retired couples and middle-aged working couples, you should also consider the beautiful coastal towns of Moraira, Javea, and Calpe.

The advantage of Northern Costa Blanca for retirees, singles, couples, and families is the abundance of choice. Albir, Alfaz, La Nucia, Altea, Calpe, Moraira, Jalón valley, Javea, and Denia, are all conveniently near to each other. They all offer something very unique and it’s easy to explore the different options.
It’s fun, and relatively quick, via the free Highway, to move between these places.

It is always recommended to work with a knowledgeable local real estate agent who can provide you with advantageous insight and information.
At ImmoSage we work with the Top local real estate agents in the various areas of the Costa Blanca. It’s a free introduction service with no extra costs.