Costa Blanca South – sun, beaches and lifestyle from Alicante to Mil Palmeras

The stretch from Alicante south to Mil Palmeras is one of Spain's most popular areas for anyone wanting to enjoy the sun, great weather and an easy lifestyle — whether on holiday or living here full time.

Alicante

Alicante gives you a lively city with everything you need — a beautiful seafront, charming old neighbourhoods, restaurants, shops and excellent transport links. The city has long been the heart of the region, and the airport is only around 10 minutes away.

Santa Pola

A little further south is Santa Pola, a traditional Spanish fishing town with a relaxed atmosphere, popular with those who want a quieter life by the sea. From here you can hop across to Tabarca island by water taxi in about 15 minutes and spend the day snorkelling and enjoying good food — great fun for the whole family.

Torrevieja

One of the best-known cities here is Torrevieja, well known to Icelanders and a long-standing favourite of many. It offers a wide choice of apartments, good year-round services and a lively atmosphere, along with attractive seafront promenades and salt lakes that give the area its distinctive character. The city has enjoyed a real revival, with major redevelopment around the harbour and other areas.

Orihuela Costa

Around Orihuela Costa you'll find some of the area's most popular neighbourhoods, such as Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig and Lomas de Cabo Roig. The area has a mix of modern and older properties, lovely beaches and an excellent choice of restaurants and entertainment. It's also home to La Zenia Boulevard, a large shopping centre with most major international brands, including Primark.

Pilar de la Horadada

Further south lies Pilar de la Horadada — a quieter, more traditional Spanish town that has nonetheless grown quickly in recent years. Here things tend to be more spacious, with plenty of new builds and family-friendly neighbourhoods.