Alicante city

Buy apartments and houses in Alicante city, the capital of Alicante province

When you decide to buy an apartment or house in the Alicante province, the first thing you do is decide whether you want to live in the center or somewhere more remote. As always, the homes are more expensive the more central you want to live and the closer to the sea you want to buy a home.

Alicante city is not only the largest city in the province with approx. 340,000 permanent residents, but Alicante is also a port city with nice beaches located right in the center of the city and in addition the city has "its own" seaside resort - San Juan a little north of the center of Alicante. This means that the price level is higher than in most other places in the Alicante province. Alicante is currently the 11th largest city in Spain, but one of the fastest growing cities. Alicante is an old city and was founded in 324 BC. The city has been ruled by both Romans and Moors, so there is a lot of history and culture in this city. A growing city in Spain which is located by the sea and has the best climate in both Spain and then Europe ( Solar days, temperature and climate ) naturally has a great potential to have rising house prices. An investment in real estate in the city of Alicante should therefore be a fairly safe investment, and the rental opportunities are large in such a city. Now even Americans have begun to take an interest in this exciting city close to the Mediterranean. Many of us have once again thought; why didn't I buy a home or cottage there 10-15 years ago, when they can see the increase in value afterwards? We believe that people will think the same in a few years about an apartment or house in Alicante city when you see the starting point Alicante has.

Brief history of Alicante

The area around today's Alicante has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with traces of Iberians and Phoenicians. During the Roman Empire, the city was known as "Lucentum." The Romans contributed to the city's development, and Roman ruins are still visible today, including the archaeological site of Tossal de Manises. After the fall of the Romans, the area was conquered by the Moorish forces in the seventh century. During this period, the city flourished under Arab rule, and it was also when the castle of Santa Bárbara was built. The Moorish influence is still visible in the architecture and culture of Alicante. In the 13th century, Alicante was reconquered from the Moorish rulers by Alfonso X of Castile. This marked the beginning of the Christian re-entry (Reconquista) of the Iberian Peninsula. In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Alicante became an important port city and trading center. The city also experienced attacks from pirates, including Berber pirates. In the 18th century, Alicante became part of the Bourbon monarchy after the War of the Spanish Succession. During the 19th century, Alicante was affected by industrial growth, particularly related to the port and trade. In the 20th century, the city underwent significant development and modernization. Alicante also became an important tourist destination, especially in the 1960s and onwards. After the end of the Franco dictatorship in 1975, Spain entered a period of democratic reconstruction. Alicante has since flourished as a modern city with economic growth, tourism and cultural development. Alicante has preserved many historic buildings and monuments, including the Castle of Santa Bárbara, the Cathedral de San Nicolás, and the central square Plaza de Luceros. The city has also hosted international events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and has a thriving cultural life. Alicante's rich history has helped shape its character, from its ancient Roman ruins to its Moorish heritage and the modern, vibrant city it is today.

Beach life and sports activities in Alicante

Beach life and sports activities in Alicante city are strongly influenced by the city's coastal location and the pleasant Mediterranean climate. Alicante has several great beaches, including Playa del Postiguet, which is located near the city center. Popular with locals and tourists alike, these beaches offer a relaxing place to enjoy the sun and the Mediterranean Sea. But some also have outdoor training opportunities with exercise equipment. Many beaches have facilities such as sunbeds, parasols and beach bars. In addition, the "beach town" of San Juan is located just a little north of the center of Alicante. The Mediterranean provides a great environment for various water sports activities. You can try your hand at windsurfing, sailing, kayaking or paddleboarding. There are also opportunities for diving and snorkelling, especially at local dive sites. Alicante has a modern marina where you can see many luxury yachts and sailboats. There are opportunities to rent boats or join organized sailing trips. The city has also hosted the Volvo Ocean Race, a prestigious ocean race that attracts boating enthusiasts from all over the world. One can enjoy a relaxed stroll along Alicante's beautiful seafronts. This not only provides great views of the sea, but also access to a selection of beachside restaurants and cafes. Many beaches also have areas for beach volleyball and beach soccer. Local events and tournaments can be held and it's a great way to get involved in sports while enjoying the sun. The city also has several parks and green areas that provide opportunities for running and cycling. Particularly popular is the Explanada de España coastal path, which is a favorite spot for runners and walkers. For those who like golf, there are several golf courses near Alicante. These courses offer fantastic views and opportunities to enjoy this popular sport. Overall, Alicante offers a rich selection of sports activities, especially related to the sea. Whether you're interested in relaxing on the beach, trying out water sports, or taking part in organized events, Alicante has something to offer for everyone.

Alicante has a rich cultural life

Alicante city has a rich and varied cultural life that appeals to both locals and visitors. Alicante has several theaters that host a diverse range of performances, including plays, musicals, dance shows and concerts. The Teatro Principal is one of the city's most famous theaters, and it hosts a wide range of performances. The city has a vibrant music scene with concerts and music festivals covering various genres. Many bars and clubs offer live music, and there are also outdoor concerts and festivals organized throughout the year. Alicante houses several museums and art galleries that provide insight into the region's culture and history. The Museo Arqueológico de Alicante (MARQ) focuses on archaeology, while the Museo de Bellas Artes Gravina showcases works of art from different periods. Alicante hosts film festivals and has several cinemas showing a wide variety of films, including both local and international productions. There are also theaters that stage plays and performances. The city hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Hogueras de San Juan, a celebration in June with huge bonfires, fireworks and street parties, is one of the most famous. There is also the carnival in February, which brings colorful parades and festivities to the streets. Alicante has literary events such as book fairs and author presentations. Libraries and literary organizations are also active in promoting literature and the joy of reading. The city's streets are often adorned with beautiful graffiti and street art, giving it a unique atmosphere. Artists from Alicante and elsewhere have helped create a vibrant outdoor art environment. Alicante has a rich cultural life that celebrates diversity in art, music, theater and literature. Local and international talent thrives, and visitors have many opportunities to immerse themselves in the city's creative atmosphere.

Food culture is also culture

The food culture of Alicante is rich and varied, and the city offers a delicious mix of seafood, local cuisine and influences from the wider Mediterranean cuisine. As in the rest of the region of Valencia, rice is an important ingredient in Alicante. Paella, the famous rice dish, comes in different varieties, including paella de mariscos (seafood paella), paella de verduras (vegetarian paella), and paella mixta (mixed paella with meat and seafood). In addition to paella, you can try other rice dishes such as arroz a banda and fideuà. With its location on the Mediterranean, Alicante has access to fresh seafood and fish. You can enjoy delicious grilled fish, squid, prawns and other seafood dishes. Seafood markets and fishing harbors are great places to explore the local selection. Alicante offers specialties such as "caldero," a traditional fish soup made with different types of fish, potatoes, paprika and saffron. It is often served with "all i oli," a garlic mayonnaise that accompanies fresh bread. Alicante is also famous for the production of turron, a traditional Spanish sweet made from almonds, honey and eggs. Turron is especially popular during the Christmas season, but you can find it all year round in the city's patisseries. Local drinks include wines from the Alicante region, known for their high quality. Try the local DOP Alicante wine, especially the sweet muscatel. Horchata, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, is also a popular local favourite. Alicante has a vibrant tapas scene. Many bars and restaurants serve a selection of small dishes, known as "montaditos" or "tapa." This gives you the opportunity to taste different flavors in a single dining experience. Visit the markets such as Mercado Central to experience local ingredients and products. You'll find fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, meat and seafood, and it's an excellent way to explore the local cuisine. The food culture in Alicante reflects both the city's coastal location and the rich gastronomic heritage of the region of Valencia. Explore the local restaurants, tapas bars and markets to get a taste of authentic Alicante cuisine.

Restaurants in Alicante city

With a city that has such a rich food culture, of course there are many wonderful restaurants. Restaurant life is of course important for someone who intends to buy a home to settle down or holiday in the city. We have therefore listed 10 restaurants that we believe are a good example of the quality of the restaurants in Alicante city. There are many good restaurants in Alicante city. It is often the case that when you return to a restaurant that you have liked, the experience can be different the next time. But we will be surprised if you don't have a good experience at any of these restaurants. At several of these restaurants, you must/should book a table in advance, preferably some time in advance as well. If we were to personally say where we have had the best dining experience, it would be at restaurant Steki and Nou Manolin.

Dársena: A restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and shellfish. Dársena offers a fantastic view of the marina and Alicante bay. Price level: Moderate. Location: Paseo de Gomiz. https://darsena.com/

Nou Manolín: Known for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. Specialties include fish and shellfish dishes as well as traditional Spanish dishes. Price level: Medium to high. Location: downtown, near Plaza de los Luceros. https://grupogastronou.com/en/nou-manolin/

La Ereta: A restaurant with a fantastic location on the mountain of Benacantil, close to the castle of Santa Barbara. La Ereta focuses on creative cooking and innovative dishes with local ingredients. Price level: High. Location: Mount Benacantil. https://laereta.es/en/

El Portal: A modern restaurant serving fusion cuisine with influences from Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. This is also a popular venue in the city, often with its own DJ in the background. Price level: Moderate to high. Location: Near the center of the city by Soho bar. https://www.elportaltaberna.es/

Monastrell: A renowned restaurant with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine. Monastrell offers a gourmet experience with carefully selected ingredients and tasty dishes. Price level: High. Location: Near the port of Alicante. https://monastrell.com/

La Taberna del Gourmet: A tapas bar and restaurant known for its high quality food. They serve a wide selection of tapas and small dishes with fresh ingredients. It may seem at once that they are located in a dark alley, even though it is close to the city center. The first time we thought we had come wrong. Price level: Varies. https://latabernadelgourmet.com/

Piripi: A modern restaurant with stylish decor and an extensive menu combining traditional and innovative dishes. Price level: Moderate to high. Location: Near Plaza de Toros in Alicante. https://grupogastronou.com/en/piripi/

Terre restaurant: Terre is a restaurant that focuses on modern and sustainable Spanish cuisine. They offer innovative dishes using local ingredients. Price level: Varies. The location is central on the Explanada. They have both outdoor and indoor dining. But the atmosphere inside makes many people prefer it. https://restauranteterre.com/

Steki Restaurant: The name Steki can be translated as meeting place. This is a Greek/Mexican restaurant. The restaurant is quite simple, but the dining experience is incredible. Steki is located slightly inside the old town and can be a bit difficult to find without GPS. The food is based on the best you can get from Greek and Mexican food culture. We have rarely been so surprised by the taste experience. Feel free to order today's special. https://stekirestaurante.es/en/

Valencia Once: The restaurant is a bit out of the way for the "tourist center" of Alicante. The food comes from the Mediterranean area and especially Spanish cuisine. Seafood is their specialty, but they also maintain a high quality of meat. They change dishes often, so it's a place you can come back to try new things. This is a great restaurant with very good food. https://valenciaonce.com

As you can understand, the city of Alicante has almost everything you could want from a small big city, and the city is still growing. Another thing that people really appreciate is the short train ride to the big cities of Madrid (about 2 hours) and Valencia (about 1.5 hours). The train station is located in the middle of the city and is very easy and clear to use. The airport is only 15 minutes away, so it's a short drive into the city. Many also use the airport for trips to other places in Europe.

Further down the pages you will see homes for sale in Alicante.