Costa Blanca — 244 km of Mediterranean coastline in the province of Alicante. The most popular destination among foreign property buyers in Spain: 51.8% of transactions are by non-residents. 320+ sunny days per year, Alicante international airport, and AVE high-speed train to Madrid in 2 hours 20 minutes.
But Costa Blanca is not one place. The coastline divides into North and South, and each area has its own character, price level, and target audience. A €2,000,000 villa in Moraira and an €85,000 apartment in Torrevieja are both Costa Blanca, but entirely different worlds.
This guide provides a detailed review of 12 key areas: from premium northern towns to affordable southern locations. For each — prices, property types, rental yields, pros, and who it's best for.
Price data: based on Idealista, Registradores de España statistics, and BravosEstate's own data. Current as of early 2026.
Costa Blanca North vs South — Key Differences
Before examining each area, it's important to understand the fundamental difference between the two parts of the coast.
| Parameter | North | South |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Premium, quiet, green | Democratic, lively, affordable |
| Terrain | Mountains, coves, pine forests | Flat, salt lakes, long beaches |
| Typical property | Villas, townhouses, boutique apartments | Apartments, bungalows, townhouses |
| Average price/m² | €2,800–€5,000 | €1,800–€2,500 |
| Expat community | Scandinavians, British, Germans | British, Scandinavians, Russian speakers |
| Rental yield | 4–6% (seasonal, premium) | 6–8% (year-round) |
| Infrastructure | Intimate, boutique | Developed, mass-market |
| International schools | Laude Lady Elizabeth, Sierra Bernia | King's College, several private |
| To Alicante airport | 60–90 min | 15–40 min |
General rule: The North is for those seeking quality of life and a premium environment. The South is for those seeking profitable investment or affordable living with developed infrastructure.
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
1. Jávea (Xàbia)
Character: The jewel of Costa Blanca. Three distinct zones — a historic old town on a hill, the lively Arenal port area with restaurants and boutiques, and quiet residential urbanisations in the hills with sea views. Cabo de la Nao — the easternmost point of Costa Blanca, with panoramic views to Ibiza on clear days.
Who lives here: An established international community — British (30% of the population), Germans, Scandinavians, Dutch. Many entrepreneurs, remote workers, retirees with a high standard of living. Laude Lady Elizabeth International School — one of the best in the region.
- Villas with pool and sea views: €400,000–€2,000,000+
- Townhouses: €250,000–€500,000
- Apartments (port/Arenal): €200,000–€450,000
- Luxury villas (frontline, new): €1,500,000–€5,000,000
Price range: €300,000–€2,000,000+ (main segment)
Average price/m²: €3,000–€5,000
Rental yield: 4–6% (short-term, seasonal — high nightly rate but 6–8 month season)
- One of the best microclimates in Europe (WHO)
- Three zones — beach, port, mountain — to choose from
- Strong international community with active social life
- 25+ km of coastline with coves and rocky beaches
- Low building density — no high-rises
Best for: Buyers with a budget from €300,000 who value quality of life, nature, and an international environment. Families with children (schools), remote workers, affluent retirees.
2. Altea
Character: The "cultural capital" of Costa Blanca. A whitewashed old town on a hill crowned by a blue-tiled church dome — one of the most photogenic views on the coast. Galleries, artists' studios, jazz festivals. The town attracts creative people and lovers of authentic Spain.
Who lives here: Scandinavians (especially Norwegians — the largest Norwegian community in Spain is here), artists, musicians, retirees. The Faculty of Fine Arts of Miguel Hernández University is located in Altea.
- Villas with sea views: €350,000–€1,500,000
- Townhouses in urbanisations: €200,000–€450,000
- Apartments (centre/waterfront): €180,000–€400,000
- Restored houses in the old town: €250,000–€600,000
Price range: €250,000–€1,500,000
Average price/m²: €2,800–€4,200
Rental yield: 4–5% (seasonal rental with premium rates, growing demand thanks to cultural tourism)
- Unique atmosphere — art, culture, authenticity
- Waterfront promenade with restaurants
- Sierra Bernia International School nearby
- Close to Benidorm (10 min) without its hustle
- Growing market — prices 15–20% lower than Jávea
Best for: Art and culture lovers, Scandinavian buyers, couples without children and retirees with a budget from €250,000. Those who want an intimate atmosphere without mass tourism.
3. Moraira
Character: The most exclusive area on Costa Blanca. A former fishing village turned into a quiet premium resort. Strict height restrictions (maximum 2–3 floors), no mass tourism, well-maintained urbanisations among pines. Yacht club, Friday fish market, coves with crystal-clear water.
Who lives here: Wealthy retirees from Northern Europe, British entrepreneurs, families seeking a safe and peaceful environment. Population ~12,000, over 60% foreign.
- Villas with pool: €450,000–€3,000,000+
- Townhouses: €300,000–€600,000
- Apartments: €250,000–€500,000
- Luxury villas (frontline): €2,000,000–€5,000,000+
Price range: €350,000–€3,000,000
Average price/m²: €3,200–€5,500
Rental yield: 3–5% (lower yield range but stable capital growth)
- Maximum exclusivity and safety
- Height restrictions — no visual pollution
- Natural coves and pristine water
- Stable price growth (7–10% annually over the last 5 years)
- Low crime rate
Best for: Buyers with a budget from €350,000 who prioritise peace, safety, and a premium environment. Retirees with capital, second-home owners, capital growth investors (not rental yield).
4. Calpe (Calp)
Character: The iconic silhouette of the Peñón de Ifach rock (332 m) — Costa Blanca's calling card. Calpe successfully combines resort infrastructure with accessible prices. Two long beaches (Arenal-Bol and La Fossa), a fishing port, a lively promenade. More "resort-like" and dynamic than neighbouring Jávea and Moraira.
Who lives here: A mix: Spaniards (second-home owners from Madrid and Valencia), British, Russian speakers, Scandinavians. Year-round population ~22,000, in summer 70,000+.
- Apartments with sea views: €150,000–€400,000
- New-build apartments: €200,000–€500,000
- Villas with pool: €300,000–€800,000
- Bungalows/townhouses: €180,000–€350,000
Price range: €150,000–€800,000
Average price/m²: €2,400–€3,500
Rental yield: 5–7% (good balance: resort demand + reasonable entry threshold)
- Best value for money in the North
- Fishing port and authentic gastronomy
- Peñón de Ifach Natural Park
- Active new-build programme
- 30–40% more affordable than Jávea/Moraira
Best for: Buyers with a budget of €150,000–€500,000 who want the North but aren't ready to pay the Jávea/Moraira premium. Rental investors (good yields), families, second-home owners.
5. Benidorm
Character: "Spain's Manhattan" — a city of skyscrapers on the coast. The largest resort on Costa Blanca with a population of ~70,000 and 10+ million tourists per year. Two wide beaches (Levante and Poniente), hundreds of restaurants, nightlife, shopping centres, theme parks (Terra Mítica, Aqualandia). Year-round tourist flow — Benidorm doesn't empty in winter.
Who lives here: The most diverse community: British retirees, Spanish families, Russian-speaking buyers, investors from around the world. In winter — the "capital" of European retirees (warm winters + low long-stay prices).
- Studios and 1-bed apartments: €80,000–€180,000
- 2–3 bed apartments: €120,000–€350,000
- New-build apartments: €200,000–€450,000
- Penthouses with views: €300,000–€700,000
Price range: €100,000–€400,000 (main segment)
Average price/m²: €2,500–€3,500
Rental yield: 6–8% (the leader across all of Spain — year-round tourist flow)
- Best rental yield on Costa Blanca (and one of the best in Spain)
- Year-round rental demand
- Developed infrastructure: from supermarkets to hospitals
- Excellent transport links (tram to Alicante, TRAM network)
- Low entry threshold for investment
Best for: Short-term rental investors, buyers with a budget of €100,000–€300,000, those who value urban infrastructure and don't mind high-rises. Wintering retirees.
6. Dénia
Character: A family-friendly port town at the very north of Costa Blanca. A castle on the hill, a marina with ferries to Ibiza and Mallorca, long sandy beaches (Las Marinas — 2 km). Designated a UNESCO "Creative City of Gastronomy." More Spanish in spirit than neighbouring Jávea and Moraira — more local residents here.
Who lives here: Spanish families, British, Germans, French. Population ~42,000. Good infrastructure for permanent living: several schools, a hospital, a port.
- Apartments in the centre/beach area: €150,000–€350,000
- Townhouses: €200,000–€400,000
- Villas with pool: €300,000–€700,000
- New builds (apartments): €200,000–€450,000
Price range: €150,000–€600,000
Average price/m²: €2,400–€3,200
Rental yield: 4–6% (seasonal, growing thanks to ferry connections to the Balearics)
- Ferry to Ibiza and Mallorca (2–3.5 hours)
- UNESCO Gastronomy status — attracts food tourists
- Family town with full living infrastructure
- Montgó Natural Park (764 m) — hiking routes
- 20–30% more affordable than Jávea with similar quality of life
Best for: Families with children, buyers seeking "real Spain" in the North at reasonable prices. Food lovers, sailing enthusiasts, ferry travellers.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
7. Torrevieja
Character: The most affordable town on Costa Blanca and one of the most affordable on Spain's coast. Two salt lakes (Laguna Rosa and Laguna de la Mata) creating a unique microclimate with therapeutic air. A huge international community — over 100 nationalities. Developed infrastructure: shopping centres (Habaneras, La Zenia Boulevard nearby), restaurants, clinics, sports facilities.
Who lives here: The largest Russian-speaking community in Spain, large Scandinavian and British communities. Many retirees. Year-round population ~80,000, over 50% foreign.
- Studios and 1-bed apartments: €65,000–€130,000
- 2-bed apartments: €80,000–€200,000
- Bungalows (townhouses): €100,000–€220,000
- Villas with pool: €200,000–€500,000
- New builds: €150,000–€350,000
Price range: €80,000–€300,000 (main segment)
Average price/m²: €1,800–€2,500
Rental yield: 6–7% (year-round demand, high occupancy, low entry threshold)
- Lowest entry threshold on Costa Blanca
- Therapeutic microclimate (salt lakes)
- Huge selection of properties across all price brackets
- Developed expat infrastructure (shops, clinics, restaurants in all languages)
- Torrevieja Hospital — one of the best in the region
- Excellent rental yield
Best for: Investors with a budget from €80,000, retirees on fixed income, first-time buyers in Spain, Russian-speaking buyers (comfortable language environment).
8. Orihuela Costa
Character: The coastal part of the municipality of Orihuela — a continuous chain of urbanisations, golf resorts, and shopping centres. La Zenia, Punta Prima, Cabo Roig, Campoamor, Las Colinas — each district with its own character. La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre (150+ shops) — the main shopping destination on southern Costa Blanca. Several golf courses: Villamartín, Las Ramblas, Campoamor, Las Colinas.
Who lives here: British and Scandinavian retirees, golfers, families. An almost entirely international community — Spaniards are the minority.
- Apartments in urbanisations: €100,000–€250,000
- Bungalows/townhouses: €120,000–€300,000
- Villas with pool: €250,000–€600,000
- New-build apartments: €180,000–€400,000
- Luxury villas (Las Colinas): €500,000–€1,200,000
Price range: €100,000–€400,000 (main segment)
Average price/m²: €2,000–€2,800
Rental yield: 5–7% (stable, thanks to golf tourism and proximity to the airport)
- Wide choice of urbanisations for any budget
- World-class golf courses
- La Zenia Boulevard — shopping and entertainment
- Close to Alicante airport (30 min) and Murcia airport (25 min)
- Las Colinas Golf — premium segment at southern prices
Best for: Golfers, retirees, rental investors for golf tourists, families with a budget of €100,000–€400,000. Those who want "urbanisation life" with pools and gardens.
9. Alicante City
Character: The provincial capital and the only true city on Costa Blanca. Santa Bárbara Castle on the hill, the Explanada boulevard with its marble mosaic, a historic centre with narrow streets, a modern port with restaurants. Airport 15 minutes away, AVE to Madrid in 2h 20min, university, hospitals, business infrastructure. A city for living, not just holidaying.
Who lives here: Spaniards (majority), students, expat professionals, digital nomads, investors. A growing international community, especially in the centre and near San Juan beach.
- Apartments in the centre: €120,000–€300,000
- Apartments near San Juan beach: €180,000–€400,000
- Penthouses with sea views: €300,000–€600,000
- New builds: €200,000–€500,000
- Villas (suburbs): €300,000–€700,000
Price range: €120,000–€500,000
Average price/m²: €2,200–€3,000
Rental yield: 5–6.5% (a combination of tourist and long-term rental, stable demand from students and professionals)
- Full urban infrastructure (the only one on the coast)
- Airport 15 min away, AVE to Madrid
- San Juan beach — 3 km of white sand
- Long-term rental market (university, business)
- Above-average price growth potential (city economy)
Best for: Digital nomads, long-term rental investors, buyers who need city life + sea. Families who value full infrastructure. Budget from €120,000.
10. Santa Pola
Character: A quiet fishing town 20 minutes from Alicante. Salt lakes with flamingos, Tabarca Island (the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community) — a 25-minute ferry ride. A fishing port, fish auction (lonja), long beaches. More "Spanish" and authentic than most resort towns.
Who lives here: Spanish families (majority), Scandinavians, British. Year-round population ~35,000, significantly more in summer.
- 1–2 bed apartments: €90,000–€220,000
- Beachfront apartments: €130,000–€300,000
- Bungalows/townhouses: €120,000–€280,000
- Villas: €250,000–€500,000
- New builds: €170,000–€350,000
Price range: €100,000–€350,000
Average price/m²: €2,000–€2,700
Rental yield: 5–6% (strong summer season, quieter in winter)
- Close to Alicante (15 min) and the airport (20 min)
- Authentic atmosphere: fishing port, lonja, Tabarca Island
- Nature reserve with flamingos
- Prices 20% lower than Alicante
- A calm alternative to city living
Best for: Buyers seeking "real Spain" close to the airport, families, retirees. Budget €100,000–€300,000.
11. Villamartín
Character: A classic golf urbanisation in southern Costa Blanca, part of the Orihuela Costa municipality. Villamartín Golf is the centre of social life: an 18-hole course, a clubhouse with restaurants and bars, concerts, markets. A gated-community atmosphere where everyone knows each other. Ideal for retirees seeking an active social life.
Who lives here: Predominantly British and Irish retirees. One of the most established expat communities on the coast.
- Apartments: €75,000–€160,000
- Top/bottom floor bungalows: €80,000–€180,000
- Townhouses: €120,000–€220,000
- Villas: €200,000–€400,000
Price range: €80,000–€250,000
Average price/m²: €1,700–€2,200
Rental yield: 5–7% (stable demand from golfers, especially in winter)
- Most affordable prices in southern Costa Blanca
- Active social life at the golf club
- Near La Zenia Boulevard (5 min)
- Plenty of cafés, bars, shops within walking distance
- Ideal for wintering (warm community, warm winter)
Best for: Retirees with a budget from €80,000, golfers, wintering expats. Those who value community and social life.
12. Guardamar del Segura
Character: "The city in the dunes" — a unique town surrounded by 800 hectares of pine forest, planted in the early 20th century to halt advancing dunes. Long, wide beaches (over 11 km), clean air with the scent of pines and sea. Calm, green, no high-rise development. Market square, promenade, seafood restaurants.
Who lives here: Scandinavians, British, Spaniards. Population ~16,000. A quiet, relaxed community.
- 1–2 bed apartments: €80,000–€180,000
- Beachfront apartments: €120,000–€250,000
- Bungalows/townhouses: €100,000–€230,000
- Villas: €200,000–€450,000
- New builds: €150,000–€300,000
Price range: €90,000–€300,000
Average price/m²: €1,800–€2,400
Rental yield: 5–6% (strong summer season, attracts families with children)
- Unique nature — dunes and pine forest by the sea
- 11 km of beaches — some of the best in southern Costa Blanca
- Cleanest air (pines + sea)
- A calm alternative to Torrevieja (15 min away)
- Prices 10–15% lower than frontline Torrevieja
Best for: Nature lovers, retirees, families with children. Those seeking peace near Torrevieja's infrastructure. Budget from €90,000.
Comparison Table — All Areas
| Area | Part | Price/m² | Price range | Yield | Buyer type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jávea | North | €3,000–€5,000 | €300K–€2M+ | 4–6% | Premium, families, remote workers |
| Altea | North | €2,800–€4,200 | €250K–€1.5M | 4–5% | Art lovers, Scandinavians |
| Moraira | North | €3,200–€5,500 | €350K–€3M | 3–5% | Exclusive, wealthy retirees |
| Calpe | North | €2,400–€3,500 | €150K–€800K | 5–7% | Value for money balance |
| Benidorm | North | €2,500–€3,500 | €100K–€400K | 6–8% | Investors, wintering retirees |
| Dénia | North | €2,400–€3,200 | €150K–€600K | 4–6% | Families, gastronomy |
| Torrevieja | South | €1,800–€2,500 | €80K–€300K | 6–7% | Budget buyers, investors |
| Orihuela Costa | South | €2,000–€2,800 | €100K–€400K | 5–7% | Golfers, retirees |
| Alicante | South | €2,200–€3,000 | €120K–€500K | 5–6.5% | Digital nomads, city life |
| Santa Pola | South | €2,000–€2,700 | €100K–€350K | 5–6% | Families, authenticity |
| Villamartín | South | €1,700–€2,200 | €80K–€250K | 5–7% | Retirees, golfers |
| Guardamar | South | €1,800–€2,400 | €90K–€300K | 5–6% | Nature, peace, families |
Recommendations by Buyer Type
- Benidorm — 6–8%, year-round demand
- Torrevieja — 6–7%, lowest entry threshold
- Calpe — 5–7%, good northern balance
- Dénia — schools, port, gastronomy
- Jávea — Laude Lady Elizabeth, international community
- Alicante — full urban infrastructure
- Torrevieja — affordable, therapeutic climate, community
- Villamartín — golf, social life
- Guardamar — peace, nature, beaches
- Alicante — coworking spaces, airport, city life
- Jávea — nature + international community
- Altea — creative environment, close to Benidorm
- Moraira — exclusive, quiet, capital growth
- Altea — culture, old town, waterfront
- Calpe — resort atmosphere at a reasonable price
