I am revising this article from 5 years ago, so now I have lived in the region of Alicante, Spain, for 27 years. I just wanted to update my experiences of living here with anyone thinking of moving to or living in Spain.
With the introduction of the Alicante tram, the small fishing village of El Campello now seems to be much closer to Alicante, making it another good choice for places to find a home within walking distance of Alicante.
10 reasons why you should live in Alicante
1) Sunshine and mild winter weather probably top the list, with a low of 5º in winter and truly scorching days in summer reaching as high as 40º. In winter, if the sun is out, you can go out, and it’s as simple as that and the savings will be reflected in your heating bills. However, the best of the weather is definitely in autumn and spring, with an average temperature of 20 to 25º, which allows you to even spend time on the beach at Playa San Juan, or enjoy a memorable day in the Alicante countryside. Golf in perfect condition. terms.
2) Alicante Golf because, as its name suggests, it is not only the best residential area in Alicante, but it also includes a fantastic par 72 golf course that was designed by Seve Ballesteros in the late 1990s. The entire design of the Alicante Golf urbanization It has been perfectly executed to include green areas and open parks, a 5-star hotel, a modern and complete sports center, the European bilingual school, quality modern housing, wide streets and sidewalks, as well as commercial areas. shopping centers within a short drive.
3) Eating out is also much more affordable and Alicante offers a great selection of 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 much English. well, always carry a phrase book with you, unless you’re in El Campello, where you’ll even find English-style pubs.
4) If you have a business and are a bit worried about the new higher income tax rate, come to Spain. The entire tax system is much more simplified here, and you will undoubtedly end up paying less, regardless of your gross income.
5) Fees, poll tax, municipal tax or whatever it is called today, here in Spain it is called IBI and is calculated on the size of your property. It can be paid annually or in 6 monthly installments.
6) Everything is still much cheaper here than in the UK, so you’ll have more money to spend to get out and enjoy Alicante’s outdoor lifestyle. The nightlife can also be enjoyed by people of all ages, whether you just like to sit on the beach and enjoy an ice cream or if you like to have a few beers and relax, there is a whole commercial arena dedicated to night pubs in Alicante Golf Otherwise, Alicante itself is a magical experience by the harbour, overlooking the sea.
7) You really don’t need a car here. Now many people probably just want a car anyway, but for those who don’t, both El Campello and Alicante Golf are perfect with everything you need within a 5 minute walk. If you need to go further afield, the tram will take you straight into the heart of Alicante, or along the coast to Benidorm or further afield to Denia.
8) A paradise for smokers. I think that smoking in Spain is much more acceptable than in the UK. Cigarettes are very cheap and you can smoke in certain indoor bars, 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 also occupy a very high place 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 area begin their annual Pilgrimage to Santa Faz, a medieval monastery in San Juan, some 5 miles from Alicante, and a sanctuary for the local people. Tea “San Juan’s bonfires” is the second festival, and it takes place from the middle to the end of June, with the official burnings on June 24, with the burning of huge papier-mâché figures, some of which are found around Alicante Golf and Playa San Juan Finally in August every residential community has a party where all the neighbors spend an afternoon together drinking and dancing the night away, so it can be a bit noisy in August. of Moors and Christians at the top of the agenda
10) Living in Alicante is certainly a more relaxing way of life, the sun seems to be a normal here, and you are definitely better off here financially, at least to afford a higher standard of living, so why not? you live in Alicante or El Campello, and you make a positive change for your general well-being. You won’t get stressed in Spain if you learn from the locals.
