Living the Dream in Alicante

CLIMATE
Alicante has the sort of climate that most expats dream of, which is characterized by extremely long, hot summers; mild, pleasant winters; and with very little rainfall throughout the year! The average number of rainy days per year is just thirty- seven- perhaps the number of dry days that we are accustomed to receiving in the UK and Ireland! However, beware that when it rains, it REALLY

rains! With little warning, the weather can switch from fine sunshine to a torrential downpour, resulting in localized flooding and causing everything to grind to a halt in certain areas of the city! During the summer, temperatures can soar to a sticky 38°C (101.1°F), although average temperatures range from 21.2°C (70°F) to 30.8°C (87°F). During the winter, Alicante experiences lows of around 6°C (43°F), rising to17.0°C (63°F), with January usually being the coldest month.

TRAVELLING AROUND
Expatriates living in Alicante can use their foreign driving license in conjunction with an international driving permit for up to six months, at which point they must apply to exchange it for a Spanish one. As in all major cities, Alicante welcomes a high volume of traffic with commuters getting to work and visitors checking out the sights, as well as locals going about their business. However, it is only in the height of summer that you are likely to find major congestion, and parking in the centre is also a headache during high season. There are a number of designated parking areas, as well as places where parking is not permitted, such as across garages and reserved driveways, so be aware of the traffic signs to avoid hefty fines! If you are not keen on jumping behind the wheel, Alicante offers a selection of public transport options, from regular buses to a sophisticated electric tram system that runs throughout the city and surroundings, linking with the popular seaside resort, Benidorm. Alicante also benefits from extensive rail links, connecting it with Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid, and Murcia. In addition, a recently renovated international airport is situated just outside of the city, taking passengers to destinations around the world.

EDUCATION
Ensuring that your child continues to receive a quality education and secure future is a worry for most parents, and one of the biggest issues that expats face when considering relocating to Spain. …..
Will they be able to settle into a Spanish school? How will they cope with receiving lessons in a different language? Will they receive additional help if they are falling behind? Will they make friends easily? …..
These are all complex questions, but generally speaking, the younger they are the better they will adapt! Expats living in Alicante will be able to send their children to a public school without paying fees, provided that they register on the Empadronamiento or Padrón, which is similar to the census and maintained by every town hall in the country. For older children who may find it difficult to cope with complex subjects in a different language, a private international school may be a better option. There are several to choose from in Alicante that even follow the British curriculum, such as the International School in Alicante, the COBIS British School of Alicante, and the Kings College British School of Alicante. Alicante has one institute of higher education, the University of Alicante, which is located in San Vicente del Raspeig, and attracts students from countries across the globe.

HEALTHCARE
Whether or not you have free access to the public healthcare system whilst living in Alicante depends on your residency and employment status. The conditions of availability are changing frequently, and subject to alter again for British expats as the “Brexit” terms come into play. However, as things stand at the moment, expats are eligible to receive free health care provided that they are registered with their nearest social security office and have a valid SIP health card. Non-residents can apply to join the contributions scheme “convenio especial”, giving them public healthcare at a subsidized cost, which is far cheaper than private health policies. You will be pleased to know that the public healthcare system in Alicante is of excellent quality, with access to some of the highest standards of training and equipment in Europe. When registering at your local health centre, you will usually be offered an English speaking GP, and most leaflets and other health information are available in a variety of languages. Prescriptions can be obtained from any pharmacy located in the Valencia Community, which also sell a number of over the counter products at affordable prices.

BEACHES
Once all the serious stuff is out of the way, you will be eager to explore your new home, and there is no better way to start than a relaxing day at the beach. Alicante has no shortage of sun, sea and sand, with a selection of golden stretches lying right on the doorstep.

San Juan Beach (Playa de San Juan)
Playa de San Juan is one of Alicante’s most popular beaches, lying around 4.5 miles from the city centre. It has repeatedly been awarded the European Union’s “Blue Flag” standard for excellence, and is the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming, with a good selection of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and water sports on the beach.

Postiguet Beach (Playa del Postiguet)
Located at the foot of Alicante’s impressive castle, Castillo de Santa Barbara, the beautiful Playa del Postiguet is framed by palm trees, giving it a romantic, serene ambience. Its central location makes it a great tourist attraction, as they are easily lured by crystal clear waters and glistening golden sands.

Playa del Coco
This is a small, secluded beach, and rumoured to be the site where the local fishermen used to land their catch. It is bordered by a quaint harbour where you can admire the sea in total tranquility.

Saladares – Urbanova Beach
This is one of the longest stretches of sand on Alicante’s southern coastline, continuing over 16 000 metres and spanning 50 metres in width. It is situated in the residential area of the city, attracting mainly locals as opposed to tourists- which is great news during the summer! Nonetheless, it is still very well maintained to Blue Flag standard and has access to a variety of facilities such as beach patrol with lifeguards and watchtowers, toilets, foot showers and parking facilities.

FAMOUS SIGHTS & LANDMARKS
Whilst it has witnessed rapid expansion during the past decade, Alicante city has managed to retain much of its original character and heritage. It holds something of interest for people of all ages, from historical buildings and the grand architecture seen in its cathedral to the eerie tunnels of the Canelobre Caves.
Standing on the top of Mount Benacantil, the Castle of Santa Barbara overlooks the entire city and beyond, and is one of the biggest mediaeval fortresses of Spain. It is reported that when the castle is viewed from a certain point at El Postiguet beach, an odd projected part in the shape of a human face known as the “Moor’s Head” can be seen. The castle has its own museum, “The Museum of the City of Alicante” (MUSA), which gives visitors an insight into different periods of Spanish history, and houses some of the country’s most treasured archaeological materials, sculptures and busts of famous Spanish people.

Co-Cathedral of St Nicholas Bari
(Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari)
Situated in the old town, near the town hall, the Co-cathedral of Saint Nicolás of Bari was constructed throughout the 17th Century in renaissance and baroque styles. It is easily recognized for its striking blue dome, and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The building forms part of the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante, and was upgraded to the title of cathedral by Pope John XXIII in 1959.

SHOPPING
The Rambla de Méndez Núñez is simply a shopaholic’s heaven. With a pleasing mix of high street stores and exclusive boutiques, this is the place to come if you plan to shop ’til you drop, and there are a plethora of delightful cafes and eateries where you can refuel along the way. Why not take time out from the bustling high street, with a stroll along the seafront promenade and harbour area, where you will also find a variety of market stalls and souvenir shops. The Gran Via shopping Centre is located just outside of the city centre, and is home to all of your favourite stores, as well as an extensive food hall, cinema and bowling alley.

NIGHTLIFE & EATING OUT
With a thriving tourist industry and equally high number of permanent residents, not to mention the multicultural student community, it is no surprise that Alicante city is a great place to spend a night out! There are a plethora of trendy bars, and top restaurants serving international cuisine at very reasonable prices, whilst the selection of clubs will cater for most musical tastes and the majority remains open until the sun comes up!

A Word From the Locals….
Overall, Alicante has a great deal to offer to expats from all walks of life. But don’t take our word for it! We asked British resident, Cara Young how she has adapted to life in the city…