About Alicante Like A Local
In 2006, my graduation project brought me to Alicante for the first time. I arrived in the dark, but in the morning light I knew instantly: this is where I want to stay.
💬 About Monique
Get to know Monique
I’m Monique — born in the Achterhoek, married to Thomas, and mum to two wonderful girls who are growing up bilingual under the Spanish sun.
I came to Alicante in 2006 for my graduation thesis. I’d never been to the city before and arrived late at night.
The next morning I opened the curtains and knew instantly: I’m not leaving.
What started as a few months of adventure became home.
I’ve watched Alicante grow from a quiet coastal town into a vibrant, safe, and welcoming place full of opportunity.
The warmth of the people, the light, the sea — it all felt natural. By now, I truly feel like a local.
🌿 How “Alicante Like a Local” began
In 2014 I decided to do something with all the questions I kept getting from family and friends:
Where should we eat? What are the best beaches? Which places feel truly authentic?
I bundled my answers into an e-book: Alicante Like a Local .
What started as a handy document for people I knew grew into a full platform with local tips, guides, real experiences, and collaborations with entrepreneurs in the region.
Since then a second e-book has been added — especially for family holidays — and there’s a free app for travelers with practical info and personal recommendations. I also organize inspiration days, friends’ weekends, and corporate events — all with the same goal:
Letting people experience Alicante the way we locals do — consciously, authentically, and with attention.
☀️ My mission
My mission is simple: to show that Alicante is so much more than sun, sea, and sand. The best moments often happen in places tourists rarely visit — in small restaurants, at local markets, or out on a hike in the mountains.
That’s why I only share what I’ve experienced myself and truly stand behind.
Everything I recommend, I’ve personally tried and approved.
💪 About me
I’m someone who wants to get the most out of life. Before focusing fully on Alicante Like a Local, I was active in sports:
I became a two-time Tang Soo Do world champion (black belt, 1st Dan) and later the fastest woman over 100 meters in the Valencian region (2019).
That mindset — perseverance, discipline, and passion — runs through everything I do.
I believe that if you’ve never done something before, you can learn it.
Alongside my work for Alicante Like a Local, I guide Dutch couples through their IVF journey in Spain.
That work is incredibly fulfilling: it shows how meaningful it is to support people during a phase of life centered on hope, trust, and humanity.
And after all these years, the sea still makes me smile. I love walking along the beach, paddleboarding, or discovering new places with my family.
That feeling of freedom — that’s exactly what I wish for everyone who visits Alicante.
Some more fun facts about me
The Power of Discipline
The Speed of Success
After my karate career, I dedicated myself to athletics and became the fastest woman in the 100-meter sprint of the Valencian region in 2019. That same drive took me to the World Masters in Poland — and today, with Alicante Like a Local, I still strive for nothing but the best.
Guidance with Purpose
Home by the Sea
Even after all these years in Spain, the sight of the sea still makes me happy. That feeling never fades. I love paddleboarding and walking along the beach — my favorite way to recharge.
Info & Collaboration
Wil je jouw bedrijf, B&B, verhuurappartement of activiteit extra in de picture zetten? Alicante Like a Local heeft inmiddels een behoorlijk publiek opgebouwd op onder andere social media. Mijn website wordt duizenden keren per maand bezocht door mensen die op zoek zijn naar de leukste tips. Zo is adverteren op de website of op social media bijvoorbeeld een optie.