The Costa Blanca South region forms part of the province of Alicante. It runs from the City of Alicante itself all the way down to Pilar de la Horadada at the southern end covering 65km’s of stunning coastline.

This magnificent coast has something for everyone. From larger towns with vibrant atmospheres to traditional quaint fishing villages. Inland, you can enjoy a calmer way of life while enjoying the stunning scenery on offer.

The Southern Costa Blanca has become increasingly popular with expats including those buying a holiday home in Spain or moving permanently. It is also a popular tourist destination. In the southern area of the Costa Blanca the beautiful mountains are further from the shore exposing large expanses of flat land. This means it is the perfect area for building to take place. There is no shortage of property options on the Costa Blanca South, making it a top destination for those in search of places to buy in Spain.

Climate

One of the most attractive features of the Southern Costa Blanca is its Mediterranean climate. With an astonishing 320 days of sunshine every year, it offers one of the most appealing climates in Europe. For many people the most important thing when looking for places to buy in Spain is that they will be welcomed with sun and you can guarantee that this will be the case on the Costa Blanca South. Look forward to lazy beach days, barbeques, walks surrounded by stunning scenery and of course a refreshing dip in the pool.

Beaches

The 65 kilometres of coastline along the Southern Costa Blanca truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to a bustling beach resort, a charming fishing village, or a peaceful hidden cove, you’ll find a stretch of coastline that suits your lifestyle and preferences. The diversity of coastal environments makes this region ideal for both full-time living and holiday escapes.

One of the most sought-after areas is the Orihuela Costa, known for its string of stunning sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and well-developed promenade areas. Running south from the vibrant city of Torrevieja, the Orihuela Costa is home to some of the finest beaches on the coast — many of which proudly fly the Blue Flag, awarded for their cleanliness, safety, water quality, and available facilities.

Popular beaches include:

La Zenia Beach – perfect for families with golden sands, a children’s play area, and nearby bars and restaurants.
Cabo Roig – offers a lively atmosphere with a marina, beach bars, and coastal walking paths.
Playa Flamenca – known for its calm waters and weekly beachfront markets.
Punta Prima – a favourite among locals, with great beachside dining and crystal-clear waters.

In addition to sunbathing and swimming, the area is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, snorkelling, and kayaking are widely available at designated points along the coast, making the most of the warm, calm waters. The nearby Mar Menor — Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon — is especially ideal for beginners due to its shallow, gentle waters and mild conditions year-round.

If you’re considering buying a property in Spain, and proximity to the sea is a priority, the Southern Costa Blanca should be at the top of your list. The region offers a wide range of beachfront and coastal properties — from modern apartments with sea views to luxury villas just steps from the sand. With its blend of natural beauty, vibrant beach life, and excellent amenities, the Southern Costa Blanca continues to be one of the most attractive places to live, retire, or invest in a holiday home in Spain.

Nature

The area has much to offer and is not only home to some beautiful sandy beaches but the area also boasts some of the biggest salt flats in Europe, which are bursting with nature. These two lagoons; Laguna de la Mata and Salina de San Miguel are pink and blue in colour and are now officially nature reserves. They are home to an impressive 250 species of birds alone including their famous pink flamingos.

As well as these spectacular lagoons you will find so much more on the Southern Costa Blanca. Elche, a town close to the city of Alicante is often referred to as Spain’s ‘palm tree city’. You will of course find an abundance of sandy beaches many of which are popular for snorkelling. Inland you will find large areas of beautiful orange and lemon groves and large green areas.

Health

Yes…health. This may seem like an odd one. However, not only do the Torrevieja salt lakes offer a stunning nature reserve to enjoy but the iodine emitted into the atmosphere by the salt lakes along with the microclimate here has huge health benefits. In fact, the World Health Organisation has declared the area as one of the healthiest to live in the world!

The health benefits offered attract visitors from all over the world. Many medical conditions such as heart problems, skin problems, arthritis and even bronchial conditions and illnesses are said to benefit.

This can be a big attraction to those looking at different places to buy in Spain, particularly those looking to retire to Spain.

As well as being the healthiest place to live, the Spanish healthcare system is also rated one of the best in the world. For more information check out our article ‘A Guide to Healthcare in Spain for Expats‘.

Airports

Travelling to and from your property in Spain is an easy and stress free experience from the Costa Blanca South with two brilliant airports to choose from. Alicante Airport is to the north and Murcia International Airport is to the south. Both offer excellent parking facilities meaning there really is nothing to worry about.

Both airports have budget airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair operating, offering cheap and convenient flights to the UK as well as other European countries. Flight times to the UK are between two and three hours depending on where you are travelling to.

This means it is possible to make short trips whether you are buying a holiday home in Spain or a permanent home. It also means your family and friends can join you in the sun with ease.

Golf

The Costa Blanca South and the surrounding area has become a very popular destination for those wanting to purchase a property in Spain as a base to play golf as well as for golfing holidays. This is due to the huge amount of golf courses on offer here including old and new, small and large. You will even find world famous championship golf courses.

Some of the Southern Costa Blanca courses available include Campoamor, La Finca, Las Ramblas, Los Colinas, Vistabella and Villamartin to name a few. Villamartin Golf Course has become one of the most recognised golf courses on the Costa Blanca.

When looking at places to buy in Spain on the Costa Blanca South, wherever you are you will always have several options within a short distance to choose from.

Culture

The culture on the Costa Blanca South is rather varied. You will of course find very traditional Spanish towns filled with traditional Spanish culture with beautiful plazas to enjoy. For example, Benijofar is said to be ‘The Pearl’ of the Costa Blanca and offers a lovely traditional and authentic feel. You will also find towns which are said to have a more westernised or ‘English’ feel such as La Zenia. This is something to consider when looking at different places to buy in Spain.

If you enjoy a day out to take in the local culture then you will not be short of something to do. Torrevieja itself has an interesting history. Torrevieja translates to ‘Torre Vieja’ which means ‘Old Tower’. Torrevieja was once a tiny fishing village. Remains of the historical Roman docks are situated alongside the old watch tower of La Mata. This tower along with the other ancient watch tower, El Moro, was used as lookouts for pirates in the middle ages.

The Southern Costa Blanca is also home to the town Elche which is home to La Calahorra, a 7th century fortress. Elche is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Costa Blanca South is also only a short drive away from both the Cities of Murcia and Cartagena. Cartagena has many monuments, museums and architectural treasures from bygone days and in a stunning location. This town was a strategic fortified Mediterranean port for more than two thousand years. Murcia too is full of beautiful architecture and another fantastic cultural day out.

Shopping

In terms of shopping you will find everything you need nearby on the Southern Costa Blanca. Whether this is within walking or driving distance of course depends on where you decide to buy your new property in Spain.

Most towns will have at least a selection of small privately owned shops and most also hold a weekly market selling most necessities such as fresh produce, clothing and so on. You are also never far from a Mercadona which is the Spanish equivalent of larger supermarkets such as Tesco or Morrisons.

If you want a larger shopping centre then the Costa Blanca South is home to the famous La Zenia Boulevard boasting over 150 shops covering 161,000m2 including local Spanish brands and global brands. You will also find shopping centres such as Torre Marina Mall and Habaneras Shopping Centre on offer in Torrevieja along with any other shops you may need.

Bars and Restaurants

You will find bars and restaurants within walking distance of most towns and property developments on the Southern Costa Blanca, and countless more just a short drive away. Whether you’re in a small inland village or a coastal urbanisation, dining out is a central part of life in the region.

Whether you prefer a five-star meal overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a lively Irish bar, a beachfront chiringuito (beach bar), a Chinese buffet, or an authentic Spanish tapas bar tucked away in a quiet square, there is no shortage of choice. The region caters to all tastes and budgets, from gourmet cuisine to casual family-friendly dining.

The Costa Blanca South is home to a wide variety of international cuisines, including Indian, Italian, Thai, Japanese, American-style diners, Dutch, Scandinavian, and of course, traditional Mediterranean fare. Fresh seafood is a particular highlight — daily fish markets in towns like Santa Pola and Torrevieja ensure that restaurants serve up the freshest catch, including grilled sardines, prawns, calamari, and the famous paella.

Many establishments also offer set menus or “menus del día”, which are popular with locals and provide excellent value for money, often including three courses with wine or beer for under €15.

If you enjoy nightlife, Torrevieja offers more than just restaurants and cafés. Its vibrant night scene includes lively cocktail bars, beach clubs, music venues, and nightclubs that stay open into the early hours. Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig Strip, and La Zenia also offer energetic nighttime atmospheres, particularly during the summer months, with live music, karaoke, and themed party nights.

Whether you’re after a relaxing dinner with sea views, a night of dancing, or just a quiet glass of wine in a village square, the Southern Costa Blanca delivers an unbeatable mix of quality, atmosphere, and variety — all under the glow of year-round sunshine.

Amenities

As with shopping, the amenities available within walking distance will naturally depend on the specific location where you choose to purchase your property in Spain. In many urbanisations and small towns, you’ll typically find the essentials—such as local supermarkets, pharmacies, cafes, and perhaps a medical centre or post office—conveniently close by.

However, one of the advantages of living on the Southern Costa Blanca is the proximity and connectivity between towns. Even if your chosen location is smaller or more tranquil, neighbouring towns often provide the services or facilities you may not find locally—whether that’s a larger supermarket, additional restaurants, schools, or healthcare services. The regional road network, including the AP-7 and N-332, makes getting around easy and stress-free.

And if you ever need more comprehensive amenities—such as hospitals, large retail centres, government offices, or international schools—then you’re never far from major hubs like Torrevieja, Orihuela, or Elche. These larger towns and cities offer a full range of services and conveniences, ensuring that everything you could possibly need is always within easy reach, no matter where on the Costa Blanca South you choose to call home.

Property

In terms of property as we have mentioned above, the Southern Costa Blanca offers large expanses of flat land perfect for building to take place. Since the recovery following the global economic crisis, the property market on the Southern Costa Blanca has seen steady growth, with consistent demand for both holiday homes and permanent residences.

You will find different types of properties including villas, townhouses and apartments. If you were to look up ‘apartments for sale in Spain’ or ‘villas for sale in Spain’ you will come across hundreds of properties available on the Costa Blanca South. You will also find that there is something available here for all budgets. At Movehappy we have new build properties available starting from less than €200,000 right up to over €3,000,000.

You may also have heard about repossessed property in Spain. Although less common now than in the years immediately following the financial crisis, some repossessed properties still come to market, offering potential value depending on condition and location. Read our guide, Repossessed Property in Spain – Is it Really That Good?, where we discuss the pros and cons of both repossessed properties and new build properties in Spain.

We hope our guide to the Costa Blanca South has been helpful. If you have any other questions please let us know. We specialise in new build properties on the Costa Blanca South and Costa Calida and all of our properties come complete with our Movehappy package saving you up to €18,000. With a complete after sales service there is simply no easier way to purchase your new dream home in Spain.

If you have any questions about the Southern Costa Blanca or anything else at all please do not hesitate to contact us here at Movehappy.

Please also see the news section of our website which is full of handy guides and useful information about buying property in Spain.