Region in Valencian Community, Spain
Costa Blanca
Alicante's sunny coast of long beaches, expat towns and mild winters, cheaper than Costa del Sol. Benidorm and Torrevieja are huge resort and retiree zones; summer is hot and crowded.
At a glance
- Monthly budget$1,910–2,700Comfortable, one person · €1,700–2,400Details
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 34°CDetails
- Air quality10 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2013) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet263 MbpsFixed broadband, Spain medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe, but hard and sometimes salty near the coast.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–113Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCabifyWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones are accepted nearly everywhere, even for a coffee.Details
Where to stay in Costa Blanca
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Alicante Centro and El Barrio | Historic centre: tapas, nightlife, port and walkable base |
| Playa de San Juan | Long beach, apartments and quieter long stays near the tram |
| Benidorm | High-rise resort town with beaches, nightlife and cheap hotels |
| Torrevieja and the south | Retiree and expat apartments; car helpful |
Apps that work in Costa Blanca
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Renfe: High-speed and regional train tickets
- ALSA: Long-distance bus tickets
- Taxis: Metered taxis are reliable; ranks at the airport and stations. Agree the fare for longer trips to Torrevieja or Benidorm.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Spain.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones are accepted nearly everywhere, even for a coffee. Markets, chiringuitos and some tapas bars still prefer cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many Spanish ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros per withdrawal; Euronet machines cost more. Always decline the conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Round up at bars and leave 5–10% for good restaurant service; check whether service is already included.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere. Bizum, used to split bills, needs a Spanish bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 091 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Phone shops and airport kiosks sell prepaid SIMs (Orange, Vodafone, Digi, Lebara); about €10–25 for 30–100 GB. Passport required to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Spain
Going to Costa Blanca solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Costa Blanca meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Aena: Alicante-Elche Airport
- TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante
- Visit Costa Blanca
- Alicante Diario: Bolt launches in Alicante (Feb 2026)
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.