Costa Blanca is undoubtedly one of the best Spanish locations for both relaxation and living. Its beautiful, picturesque region has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the healthiest places in the world. Hence, it is extremely popular not only with tourists but also investors. It is also a dream home for families. Find out what are its biggest advantages and see what to look out for when searching for the perfect house or flat to live in with your loved ones.
If you're planning to move to Spain with your family and you're not sure which region to choose, here's a tip! Costa Blanca is a place just made for families - including those with children. The coast itself is extremely peaceful, full of sunshine, wonderful views, clean beaches and numerous attractions for the little ones. Find out why you should invest in a property in this part of Spain and what influences the quality of life here.
The Spanish health service is considered to be one of the best in the world. It is extensive and very well organised. In addition, it includes top-of-the-range life and health-saving equipment. There are as many as 800 hospitals and just under 3.000 medical facilities, or so-called Centro de Salud, throughout the country. Here is the list of persons entitled to free health care in Spain:
Meeting any of the above conditions entitles you to an N.I.E. number, through which you can obtain a temporary health card.
A personal SIP (Sistema de Informacion Poblacional) card entitles you to receive medical services. Children's medical care establishes special centres for minors up to the age of 14.
In every town in Spain there is an ‘’urgencias’’: the English equivalent of an ambulance service. In smaller towns and villages, contact with a doctor is enabled by clinics staffed with family doctors. Sometimes there is also one nurse working in the local health centre. In addition, usually a doctor visit does not require an appointment in advance. It is also worth mentioning that Spanish doctors are not obliged to speak English.
The property market on Costa Blanca is very diverse. It is full of both luxury villas and cheap flats in a good location. According to data from numbeo, the cost of living on Costa Blanca is significantly lower than in the most popular Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Monthly living costs include rent, utilities and expenses for basic shopping. You will pay less than €1 for eggs, milk, bread or potatoes. Local public transport tickets can be purchased for ca. €1.4 and a litre of petrol amounts to ca. €1.2
For those who don't like to cook at home, restaurants serve a variety of menus: local or typically Spanish ones. A take-away cappuccino costs ca. €1.5. A meal for 2 people in a mid-range restaurant on average costs €30-40, or €20 for a menu del dia.
Maintenance of the property itself depends, among other things, on its standard, location and nature. In Alicante and Murcia, you have to pay an average of €125/month for utilities in an 85 m2 flat. In Torrevieja it is around €90-100.
Education is an important part of every young person's life. When deciding to live abroad permanently, it is worthwhile to analyse individual towns in terms of their school system. Some of them provide free education for incoming children in international schools. However, the vast majority of such facilities is chargeable. In international schools, classes are taught in many languages. A child who speaks English should manage there without any problem.
Spanish public schools are referred to as escuelas and private, or semi-private schools are referred to as colegios. The school year here is divided into 3 terms - winter (September to December), spring (January to Easter) and summer (Easter to June).
If you want to enrol your child in a Spanish school, you need to prepare:
If the child's parents are divorced, a copy of the documents confirming the granting or withdrawal of parental rights is also required.
The Spanish teaching system also includes care for the youngest children. They can attend a private nursery (0-2 years old) or, after the age of 2, the child can be placed in a public school.
Those living on Costa Blanca certainly cannot be bored. All along the coast there are plenty of places that guarantee excellent entertainment. Children will especially love the water parks, amusement parks and zoos. It is a great opportunity to see dolphin shows and learn about various animal species from all over the world.
In addition, Costa Blanca provides access to clean beaches with numerous playgrounds. You can also visit the toy museum with wooden soldiers and rocking horses. The hydrofoil trip to the island of Tabarca will also be an interesting attraction for families and a real treat for lovers of sea stories. In turn, people with a sweet tooth will be delighted by the Valor Chocolate Museum. It is a place to learn about the history of chocolate's creation, but most of all the opportunity to taste it. In addition, for people enjoying active leisure, Costa Blanca has prepared numerous sports complexes. The coast can be explored not only on foot or by car, but also by boat or bicycle.
Calm bays are great places for water sports. You don't need to have your own equipment to learn to sail, dive or ride jet skis. You can also try flyboarding, kitesurfing, parasailing and kayaking there. There are numerous rental companies offering safe equipment and courses with instructors. The year-round sunny weather, good climate, wide beaches with warm sand and unlimited access to the sea are great for any physical activity and outdoor family recreation. There are also superb cycling routes for both mountain bikers and recreational cyclists. Great service will keep your equipment in good shape, and numerous rehabilitation facilities will help you in case of injury.
Costa Blanca, also known as the White Coast, has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are Blue Flags located on many of them (Bandera Azul), which are awarded solely to the world's highest class, cleanest beaches. They are filled with sunshine for around 320 days a year. Therefore, they are the best place for a weekend break or an afternoon of relaxation.
A sandy coastline with a unique Mediterranean climate, beautiful promenades and a peaceful atmosphere are definite advantages of this part of Spain. The beaches, which stretch for 200 km, provide breathtaking views and clear, warm sea water. Generally the beaches are located near towns, where you can easily buy all the necessary products. In addition, local restaurateurs offer regional dishes and good wine.
Costa Blanca consists of many beautiful beaches that lead to charming towns with a unique atmosphere. When deciding on a family move to this part of Spain, it's worth getting to know those towns that are child-friendly. Here's a list of the best locations on the Costa Blanca that are perfect for permanent residence with loved ones.
In Torrevieja, located by the sea, you can find peace far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Stunning views with rocky coves and quality beaches guarantee a proper rest. Additionally Torrevieja's most famous bay, Cala Ferris, is located south of the town centre. It is surrounded by numerous palm trees and provides great recreation among the greenery. Family spending time outdoors is even more pleasant thanks to its unique microclimate. In fact, it is what makes the town listed as one of the healthiest places in the world.
The longest beach, Playa del La Mata amounts to ca. 2.3 km in length. It is devoid of stones and includes a modern promenade located along its entire length. You can find there many restaurants and pubs serving delicious Spanish food. It is also worth mentioning the nearby Water Mill Park: a local nature park with a unique dune system and unusual woodland greenery. The place is equipped with numerous benches that allow you to rest during long walks.
Despite the fact that the town is located right by the sea, property prices are really attractive. One of the most attractive areas in Torrevieja is the setting of Playa del Cura. One square metre of property here costs around €1201 (data from the Idealist website as of November 2020). Prices of cheaper properties in Torrevieja range between €50-80.000.
In Torrevieja you don't have to worry about medical care and education. Modern equipment, high-class medical service and buildings adapted to all standards are only three of its many advantages. Care and education for children with more serious illnesses is provided here by an international public school, which is tailored to the needs of the youngest. Healthy children who can speak Spanish can enter public or private schools.
Murcia is one of the most popular investment regions in this part of Spain. It is located in a valley on the Segura River and provides relatively low prices for the purchase of apartments, houses and flats. In Campo de Murcia, 1 m2 of property costs ca. €1001. The city's cheapest neighbourhoods provide even lower prices, at €884 (eastern neighbourhoods), €948 (western neighbourhoods). The low cost of living and the quiet character of the city make it a popular destination for families with children and retirees. You can find various property offers for sale on our website – Properties in Murcia.
This modern, well-connected city enables you to move around quickly and the well-organised shopping centres allow you to do buy everything you need in one place. It is also worth mentioning that lovers of fine wines will be delighted by the numerous vineyards located here. Due to the huge citrus plantations in the Murcia area, it is referred to by many as the Orchard of Europe.
Murcia has over 20 parks and gardens within its boundaries. The oldest of these, El Jardín de Floridablanca, is especially worth a visit. It includes, among other things, giant fig trees that have been growing for over 100 years and a variety of plants from all over the world.
The most famous tourist attraction in Murcia is Terra Natura: a zoo with many species of exotic animals. It is adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities and organises regular school visits and runs summer schools for the little ones. The second facility of this complex, Aqua Natura, provides excellent water fun for the whole family. It has numerous entertainment zones including Splash Park, Fan Cube and a slow river. The youngest children (under 3 years of age) can use the shallow pool.
Murcia also offers thermal waters. The Termalium Space complex guarantees water relaxation thanks to being divided into several resting zones. Large thermal pools with a temperature of approx. 32°C help you get rid of stress and provide relaxing baths in the nature. Moreover, there are many areas designated especially for children. The youngest visitors can enjoy the warm thermal waters in sectors equipped with toys and slides.
Alicante is one of the largest and most popular resorts on the Costa Blanca. And even though it's quite a popular region, with some of the best beaches in the world, you can find some really attractive investment opportunities here.
If you want to move to Spain with your family, it is worth looking for properties away from the centre. They provide an idyllic atmosphere and regeneration after a day spent at work and school. This is an excellent option for those who enjoy contact with nature.
When it comes to properties in Alicante, the average price for 1 square metre (as of November 2020) amounts to ca. €1.502. Lower prices can be found, for example, in the district of Campoamor-Carolinas-Altozano (€972/m2) and Los Ángeles-Tómbola-San Nicolás (€990/m2). However, when deciding on a cheaper option, it is worth checking whether the location is child-friendly enough.
Children's education is guaranteed by the local International School which recognises the British education system. In addition, it provides education for children as young as two years old. It places particular emphasis on language education. Even the smallest children are situated in bilingual classes (English-Spanish), and from the age of 11 an additional foreign language is introduced.
After work or school, among other things, you can visit the St. Barbara’s Castle, which turns into a beautifully illuminated fortress at dusk. If you climb to the very top of the mountain on which it is located, you can admire the entire panorama of the city.
The street with colourful mushrooms will certainly appeal to the youngest. Alicante also boasts a beautiful sandy coastline. The beaches here are among some of the most visited on the entire coast. You can also take your pet for a rest at the seaside for instance to Playa de Agua Amarga.
Benidorm will certainly appeal to those who prefer the metropolitan jungle to an idyllic atmosphere. It is an extremely contrasting city, which combines monstrous skyscrapers with wide, sandy coastlines (5 km in total), allowing for almost year-round beachcombing. This is where you will learn paddle surfing and try your hand at motorboat sports. There will also be something for the little ones. In a small town of less than 70.000 inhabitants there are as many as 5 amusement parks - thanks to Terra Mítica you will be transported to the ancient world, and in Mundomar and Aqualandia you will taste water entertainment and see dolphin shows.
While in Benidorm, it is also worth visiting the Cena-Espectáculo Desafío Medieval, which depicts history in an unusual way. It shows events from the past, involving actors and the audience.
Just head deep into Benidorm for easy access to the nearby mountains. On the way to the Sierra de Bernia y Ferrer you will come across the ruins of the castle of Fuerte de Bernia, built in the 16th century by order of King Philip II.
There is a private international school in the city, suitable for children from different countries. It provides education in multiple languages and allows students who have not yet learned Spanish to catch up. A good teaching system, small classes and well-educated teachers are definite advantages of education in this city.
For properties in Benidorm in the city centre, we will pay an average of €1595 per m2. It is definitely more expensive near the most frequented beaches and in the harbour. Here, the price per square metre does not go below €2.000. Slightly cheaper properties can be purchased in Rincón de Loix, but the average price per metre is still around €2.000.
Orhuela Costa is considered by many as one of the best regions on the Costa Blanca coast. It is a great base for water sports with excellent beaches, considered as the best in the world. They stretch over 15 kilometres and have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certificate. Numerous equipment rental services make it possible to sunbathe and learn various water sports almost all year round. Those who prefer less extreme activities can use the numerous Orihuela Costa golf courses.
Families can enjoy food from all over the world in many restaurants and pubs. Home cooks will certainly enjoy the local produce market, open once a week on Playa Flamenca. It is popular among the locals and the tourists alike.
The Alicante airport is located just 55 km from the the city, so it can be accessed quickly and comfortably. The district has good public communications, numerous commercial facilities, as well as well-maintained roads and motorways. The Orihuela municipality (located approx. 20 km from the coast) has a public primary school. There is also an international British school (British School of Alicante) accredited by the NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain). The students are foreign children (aged 3–18) living in nearby cities and municipalities, such as Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja.
The region is famous for its high standard of the property market. This is why properties in this part of Costa Blanca are not among the cheapest. In return for the slightly higher price, the available properties are of high quality, with expensive furnishings and equipment. Of course, the higher standard is reflected in slightly higher maintenance costs. On average, a square meter of useful area for a property in Orihuela Costa costs approx. € 1,885. You can find not only luxury villas, but also flats of ordinary standard. A medium-sized apartment for a small family, located in the city centre, can be bought for approx. € 80,000-100,000.
Calpe is the type of place that you fall in love with on the first sight. It is a place of peace and relaxation. The lovely old town, located on a hill, has beautiful alleys, creating an amazing atmosphere. The local restaurants offer local wine and snacks characteristic for the region. It would be a challenge to eat unhealthy here: The restaurants serve mainly a healthy Mediterranean diet. It is based on fish, vegetables, fruits and olive oil.
The town will certainly appeal to those families who like to spend time actively. After all, Calpe is considered the Mecca of European cycling. The cycling trails are perfect for day trips, and the more difficult climbs allow professionals to test themselves. Of course, you can also enjoy water sports here. Apart from the usual activities, such as diving, kayaking, water skiing, sailing or windsurfing, this part of the coast also offers stand-up paddle boarding. Year-round outdoor activities are favoured by a comfortable air temperature, which in winter oscillates between 11-15oC.
Right in the centre of the town, there is an unusual salt lake (Las Salinas), which once served as a salt extraction point for locals. Today, it is home to many types of birds, mainly the beautiful flamingo.
The biggest attraction of Calpe is definitely the pointy Peñón de Ifach rock. It’s 332 meters high and is visible from many spots in the town. From its top (which you can climb), you can see the whole town and the beautiful beaches that surround it. If the weather is right, you can also see the coast of Ibiza. Peñón de Ifach is a real nature reserve: it is the house of wonderful, often very rare specimens of fauna and flora.
Calpe is a great place to live, also when it comes to living and maintenance costs. You can enjoy yourself even if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. The property market is also very attractive. 1 m2 of useful area in November 2020 cost approx. € 2135. The most expensive properties in Calpe are located next to the port and popular beaches. The prices are around 2530 euro per m2 (port) – 3038 euro per m2 (Arenal-Bol beach). The prices are much lower in the districts: Calpe Puelbo (1656 euro per m2), Gargasindi (1865 euro per m2) and Maryvilla (1891 euro per m2).
Moraira is a place with a unique sea climate. It’s a small town on the northern Costa Blanca, surrounded by beautiful cliffs. It offers excellent views, a gentle climate and intimate beaches. The latter are great not only for sports, but also for outdoor family time. The town has numerous leisure points and complexes. Here you can go horse riding, play football, tennis, golf, squash, or compete in a go-cart race. Of course, you can also enjoy water sports here.
The Playa del Portet beach located here is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful on the Costa Blanca. The charming cove with its golden sand and clear water will appeal to those who appreciate peace and undisturbed relaxation. With its many restaurants and cafés, it’s a great destination for family trips. The beach has amenities for the disabled, as well as showers and comfortable parking spaces.
The proximity to the beach, the well-developed sports infrastructure, the gastronomy (8 local restaurants have Michelin recommendations) and the high-standard real estate make the town really luxurious. For this reason, the average price per square meter for properties in Moraira is relatively high – approx. € 2865 (data from November 2020). The most expensive properties are located in the Pla del Mar and El Portet regions. The prices there reach 3445 euro per m2.
The town itself is located approx. 90 km from Valencia and Alicante, so you can quickly and comfortably get to the airports there. Moraira offers a very high living standard. It has numerous shops where all the necessary products can be found. Once a week, a regional produce market is organised in the town.
Do you want to buy a perfect property for your family on Costa Blanca? Contact us! We provide expert advice and help you complete the transaction. Guided by your individual needs and financial capabilities, we will help you choose the best place for your Spanish investment. We will be happy to advise you on the perfect location for you and your loved ones.
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