Alicante, Spain7 Tips for Living in Alicante
Summary: Advice for people moving to Alicante or thinking about moving there.
This is a must read if you're moving to Alicante or thinking about moving there.
As an expat or digital nomad, living in Alicante can be an exciting adventure. This vibrant city on Spain's Costa Blanca offers a rich history, stunning architecture, and a lively food and drink scene. However, to make the most of your time in Alicante, it's important to understand the local culture, customs, and way of life. Here are seven key tips to help you navigate your new home.
1. Learn the Language
While many people in Alicante speak English, especially in the tourist areas, learning Spanish will greatly enhance your experience. Not only will it make everyday tasks like shopping and dining out easier, but it will also help you connect with locals and understand the culture better. Consider taking a language course or using a language learning app to get started.
2. Explore the Neighborhoods
Alicante is made up of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. The Old Town, or El Barrio, is the historic heart of the city, with narrow, winding streets, colorful houses, and stunning views from the Santa Bárbara Castle. The modern Ensanche Diputación area is known for its shopping and dining, while the traditional Pla del Bon Repós neighborhood offers a glimpse into local life. Spend time exploring each area to find your favorite.
3. Embrace the Siesta
In Spain, the afternoon siesta is a time-honored tradition. Many shops and businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon, and the streets become quiet as people retreat indoors for a rest. While it may seem strange at first, embracing the siesta can help you adjust to the local rhythm of life. Use this time to relax, catch up on work, or explore the city when it's less crowded.
4. Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Alicante is a food lover's paradise, with a wide range of restaurants serving everything from traditional Spanish tapas to international cuisine. Be sure to try the local specialty, paella, at restaurants like La Taberna del Gourmet or Restaurante Dársena on the marina. For fresh seafood, head to the Mercado Central, a bustling market in the heart of the city.
5. Get Active Outdoors
With its sunny climate and beautiful natural surroundings, Alicante is a great place for outdoor activities. Take a hike up to the Santa Bárbara Castle for stunning views of the city, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Explanada de España, a beautiful palm-lined promenade. The city's beaches, like Playa de San Juan and Playa del Postiguet, are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
6. Understand the Cost of Living
While Alicante is generally more affordable than other Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona, it's still important to understand the cost of living. Rent, groceries, dining out, and other expenses can add up quickly, especially if you're earning a foreign currency. Do your research, budget carefully, and consider getting a local bank account to avoid foreign transaction fees.
7. Get Involved in the Community
One of the best ways to feel at home in Alicante is to get involved in the local community. This could mean joining a local club or organization, attending community events, or simply making an effort to meet your neighbors. While it can be intimidating to put yourself out there, especially if you're new to the city and don't speak the language fluently, it's a great way to make new friends and feel more connected to your new home.
Living in Alicante as an expat or digital nomad can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By taking the time to understand the local culture, explore the city, and engage with the community, you can make the most of your time in this beautiful Spanish city.
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With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
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Balcells Group LawyersWith over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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