Alicante, Spain : Everything You Need To Know In 2025

Alicante offers a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle with all the modern conveniences an expat could want. The city boasts an excellent public transport system—buses are modern, air-conditioned, and cost just 1.50 euros. They integrate seamlessly with the tram system, which has five lines, 71 stations, and stretches 78 miles, reaching even outlying areas like Benidorm. At 3.75 euros one way (6 euros round-trip), the tram is an affordable and scenic way to explore the region. With transportation this convenient, owning a car really isn’t necessary.

Alicante is home to a small but solid expat community, and the city feels larger than it is—perhaps due to the sheer number of restaurants. One expat claims there are 631 eateries within the city. Whether or not that’s true, the dining scene is vibrant and consistent in quality. Poor restaurants don’t last long here. In fact, many expats choose to live in the downtown area, el centro, where you can find nearly everything you need, including two multi-story Corte Inglés department stores.

Daily life in Alicante follows a relaxed rhythm. Locals avoid the midday heat by closing shops from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. After reopening, businesses stay open until 8 p.m. Dinner usually begins around 10 p.m.—late by North American standards—but once you adjust, you’ll likely find yourself loving the slower pace.

Evenings often include leisurely strolls along the palm-lined Explanada de España, where locals and visitors alike stop at bars and cafés for a drink or two. A beloved local custom is the complimentary tapa—a small snack served free with your drink.

Expat John Clites, who lives full-time in Alicante, says, “There’s a lot to like here, but the food tops my list. I never tire of paella, which comes in so many varieties. And there’s shrimp, squid, and octopus. If you aren’t a fan of seafood, try the olla churra, a hearty meat-and-veggie stew. ¡Una cerveza más, por favor!”