Emigration & Expats

There are many reasons why so many expats are drawn to Alicante. For me, it was a combination of things: the mild climate, the relaxed atmosphere, the sea always nearby, and the friendly people. But also the fact that Alicante has everything you need— without the hustle and bustle of a big city.
And let's be honest: with children, that's so nice. Life here is safe, quiet, and child-friendly. Everything revolves around being outside, eating together, and slowing down a bit.

Where to start in Alicante? Start here

The big question: where to start in Alicante if you are considering moving there? Here is my advice:

Come and explore first: Book a few weeks in an Airbnb or short stay in a central neighborhood such as Centro or Playa de San Juan. This will give you a quick feel for the city and its neighborhoods. Apply for a NIE number: You will need this identity number for everything: renting a house, finding work, opening a bank account, or enrolling your child in school.

Check which neighborhood suits your family: Do you want to be close to school and the beach? Consider Playa de San Juan. Prefer to be in the city, close to everything? Then go for the center. Looking for peace and quiet? Cabo de las Huertas or Mutxamel are interesting options.

Join expat groups: On Facebook or via Meetup, you will find all kinds of groups where you can quickly meet other expats in Alicante. Super handy for tips, contacts, and networking.

Living in Alicante: How to choose your dream location

Wonen in Alicante betekent keuze hebben: van moderne appartementen tot villa’s met zeezicht of gezellige stadswoningen in oude wijken.

Our recommendations for families::

• Playa de San Juan: lots of space, good schools, close to the beach.
• Cabo de las Huertas: a bit more upscale and quieter, with sea views.
• Centro (city center): bustling, everything within walking distance.
• El Campello, Busot, Mutxamel: up-and-coming villages with affordable rents.

Please note: the housing market is tight. So work with a local real estate agent and be sure to act quickly. If you are not yet fluent in Spanish, it is a good idea to find a reliable, expat-friendly real estate agent who speaks your language.

Finding work in Alicante: What are the opportunities?

Finding work in Alicante depends greatly on your sector and your flexibility. These are the most popular options among expats:

• Tourism & hospitality: Think hotels, tours, customer service, or guiding. Mostly seasonal, but a great starting point.
• Remote work/freelance: Alicante is a hotspot for digital nomads and freelancers. Think copywriting, web design, marketing, or coaching.
• Education: International schools and language institutes often seek English-speaking teachers or assistants.
• Healthcare & welfare: If you speak Spanish, there are opportunities in elderly care and private clinics.
• Start-ups & tech: Alicante is on the rise, especially in the digital sector. The business campus near the university is growing rapidly.

👉 Tip: Many expats also start their own businesses or work as autónomos (self-employed). Examples include yoga instructors, coaches, and online entrepreneurs.

Living with your family in Alicante: How it really feels

Life with your family in Alicante revolves around being outdoors, eating together, discovering local festivals, and new rituals. Mornings often start with coffee on a sunny terrace, the children play in the park after school, and on weekends you go to the beach or a nearby mountain village. Or we eat paella with friends on a sunny terrace.

What makes life here so special:

• Children still play outside
• Families are important in Spanish culture – children are welcome everywhere
• Healthy Mediterranean diet
• Plenty of room for personal growth and relaxation

Once you speak the language a little and participate in local life, you no longer feel like an expat – but a true local.

Convenient co-working spaces in Alicante

If, like me, you occasionally want to work outside the office, these are great places to do so:

ULab Ideas Meeting Point

📍 Calle Italia 22

Popular spot with good Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, events, and many international entrepreneurs.

🌐 ulab.es

Wao Coworking

📍 Avenida Maisonnave 28

Popular spot with good Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, events, and many Spanish entrepreneurs.

🌐waocoworking.es

Ready to take the plunge?

Whether you're still unsure or already packing your bags, good preparation makes all the difference. Take your time to look around, ask questions, talk to other expats in Alicante, and give yourself time. Nobody gets everything right the first time around. Even after 20 years, I still encounter challenges as a Dutch person.

In summary

✅ Alicante is perfect for expats looking for a fresh start with their family

✅ Living in Alicante means choosing between a bustling city or a quiet coast

✅ Finding work in Alicante is possible, especially if you are flexible or work remotely.

✅ Where to start in Alicante? Explore, network, and take care of your paperwork.

✅ Family life here is warm, extraordinary, and relaxed.

Want to know more?