Enjoy a classic Spanish lifestyle with sunny beaches, a welcoming culture, and an affordable cost of living for international students on the Costa Blanca.
Dreaming of learning Spanish where you can finish your class and be at the beach in minutes? Welcome to Alicante, the sun-drenched heart of Spain’s famous Costa Blanca.
For international students looking to study in Alicante, it offers a perfect combination of a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, a welcoming local culture, and an affordable cost of living.
This guide will give you a real, practical look at what it’s like to live and learn in this beautiful coastal city.
We’ll cover everything from the realistic cost of living and the best neighborhoods for students to the city’s unique attractions, helping you make an informed decision about whether you should study in Alicante.
This is our deep dive into Alicante. To see how it compares with other great Spanish cities, explore our main guide: How to Choose a City in Spain for Your Spanish Language Study.
(Last Updated: February 2026)
Main Key Takeaways
- With over 300 days of sunshine per year and beautiful city beaches, Alicante is an ideal destination for students who love the sun and sea.
- The cost of living in Alicante is significantly lower than in Spain’s larger metropolitan areas, making it a great value-for-money option for international students. You can budget around €800 per month.
- Alicante has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a manageable size, making it easy for new students to feel at home and explore on foot.
- From the stunning Santa Bárbara Castle overlooking the sea to the charming streets of the Old Town, Alicante is full of character.
- Alicante is perfectly situated for easy day trips to beautiful coastal towns and natural attractions.
Alicante at a Glance: An International Student’s Scorecard
| Feature | Description |
| Vibe | Sunny, relaxed, friendly beach city. |
| Best for | Students who want a quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle on a budget. |
| Average Monthly Cost | €800 – €900 |
| Key Highlights | Famous for its year-round sunshine (over 300 sunny days per year ) |
Is Alicante a Good City for International Students?
Yes, Alicante is an excellent choice for international students thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, affordability, and strong sense of community.
It’s a city where you can fully immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture while enjoying a comfortable, coastal lifestyle.
What makes Alicante a good place to study abroad?
Alicante stands out as a top study-abroad destination because it offers a high quality of life at an affordable cost.
With year-round sunshine and beautiful Mediterranean beaches, the city provides an inspiring backdrop for students pursuing their studies in Spain.
Beyond its affordability and coastal lifestyle, international students love how easy it is to navigate the city. Public transportation is reliable, the city center is compact, and most major spots are within walking distance.
Alicante also promotes an active, outdoor way of living. Its friendly, welcoming atmosphere makes it one of the best places in Spain for foreign students to practice their Spanish in everyday life.
What is the student life like in Alicante?
The student life in Alicante is relaxed and social. Much of daily life happens along the city’s beaches, its palm-lined esplanades, and the lively tapas bars in the Old Town.
Because Alicante hosts a large university community, including students from the University of Alicante, Miguel Hernández University, and many local language schools, the city has a vibrant, energetic energy.
There are always cultural festivals, concerts, language exchanges, and other low cost student activities happening around town.
Unlike some larger Spanish cities, student life in Alicante isn’t overwhelming or overly touristy.
It strikes the perfect balance, offering plenty of social activities while still maintaining a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to stay focused on your studies.
What is the Real Cost of Living in Alicante for International Students?
For students looking to study in Alicante, they will be pleased to know the city is very affordable, with an average monthly budget ranging from €800 to €900.
Choosing to study in Alicante is one of the best decisions you can make for your budget.A room in a shared flat is reasonably priced, and a monthly transport pass can be as low as €24.
Daily food expenses are also low, especially if you shop at the famous Mercado Central, where fresh produce and local products are budget friendly.
Alicante will allow you to enjoy a high quality of life without the financial stress.
For a full comparison with other cities, see our guide on the real cost of studying in Spain.
Where are the Best Places in Alicante for International Students to Live?
The best neighborhoods for students who study in Alicante are those that are central, lively, and offer easy access to both the city and the beach.
- El Barrio (Old Town): This is the historic heart of Alicante, known for its narrow, colorful streets and vibrant atmosphere. The neighborhood is perfect for students who enjoy a social lifestyle, as it is the center of the city’s nightlife, tapas bars, and cultural events.
- City Center: The city center, especially around Mercado Central, is ideal for students who want to be close to everything. You’ll have shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and cultural attractions just steps from your front door. This area is well connected by public transport, making it easy to get to the beach, class, and other parts of the city.
- Playa de San Juan: For students who want to live right by the beach, this modern area offers a more relaxed, resort-style atmosphere with a long, beautiful sandy beach. It’s the perfect spot to balance your studies with beach activities, like jogging on the coast or basking in the Mediterranean sun.
- San Vicente del Raspeig: For those attending the University of Alicante, living in San Vicente del Raspeig or nearby neighborhoods can be very convenient. This area is student friendly, quieter than the city center, and offers affordable housing options. It is also easily connected to the heart of Alicante via public transportation.
For more tips on finding the perfect student housing, read our comprehensive guide to finding student accommodation in Spain.
Schools in Alicante For International Students
Alicante is a welcoming city for international students, offering a fantastic environment for full immersion in the Spanish language and Mediterranean culture.
Top-Rated Spanish Language Schools in Alicante
At Go! Go! España, we are proud to partner with some of Alicante’s top Spanish language schools to provide high-quality programs tailored to international students.
Alicante’s clear Spanish accent and vibrant atmosphere make it an excellent place to improve your language skills while fully experiencing life in Spain.
One of our leading partner schools is Proyecto Español Alicante, known for its experienced teachers, small class sizes, and immersive approach to language learning.
Students can take part in intensive courses, cultural excursions, and language exchange activities that make studying in Alicante both effective and fun.
Partnered with Go! Go! España, Proyecto Español ensures a smooth registration process, guidance on accommodation, and support throughout your stay in Alicante, making it easy to focus on learning Spanish while enjoying the city’s vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle.
Other Notable Schools
Alicante is home to a variety of respected Spanish-language schools that focus on conversation, cultural immersion, and practicing Spanish with locals.
Students have plenty of options to find a program that fits their goals and learning style.
Learn more at Go! Go! España’s guide to language schools in Alicante.
What are the Best Things to Do in Alicante (On a Student Budget)?
Hike up to Santa Bárbara Castle
This impressive hilltop castle offers the best panoramic views of the city, the port, and the entire coastline. The hike up is free and provides a great way to enjoy the outdoors while exploring a piece of the city’s history.
Stroll the Explanada de España
Walk along one of Spain’s most beautiful promenades, a palm-lined walkway paved with 6.5 million marble tiles in a wave pattern. It’s perfect for people-watching, taking photos, or enjoying a leisurely evening stroll without spending a euro.
Relax on the Beach
Enjoy the sun on the city’s main beach, Playa del Postiguet, or take a short tram ride to the much larger and more popular Playa de San Juan.
Explore the Barrio de Santa Cruz
Get lost in the charming, narrow streets of the old quarter, with its colorful, flower-decked houses.
Visit the Mercado Central
Immerse yourself in local life at the bustling central market, a perfect place to practice your Spanish and try local specialties, like jamón ibérico or horchata.
Alicante offers plenty of ways to explore, learn, and have fun without spending a fortune, making it perfect for international students on a budget.
What are the Best Weekend Getaways from Alicante?
Alicante’s prime location on the Costa Blanca makes it a perfect starting point for exploring beautiful islands, charming towns, and unique local attractions.
Tabarca Island
Take a short boat trip from the Alicante port to this beautiful and tiny inhabited island. It’s a protected marine reserve, making it a perfect spot for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
Villajoyosa
Known as the “chocolate city” of Spain, this nearby town is famous for its colorful, painted houses lining the seafront. You can visit the Valor chocolate museum and enjoy a relaxing day on its quiet beaches.
Altea
A charming, whitewashed hilltop town that has long been a haven for artists. Get lost in its cobblestone streets, browse the artisan shops, and take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean from the plaza in front of its iconic blue-domed church.
Guadalest
For something different, visit the mountain village of Guadalest, about an hour from Alicante. Famous for its castle perched high on a cliff, this historic town offers breathtaking views, tiny museums, and a traditional Spanish village feel. It’s perfect for photography lovers and history enthusiasts.
From islands and beaches to historic towns and mountain villages, Alicante offers a variety of weekend getaways perfect for students seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.
FAQ About Living and Studying in Alicante
1. Is Alicante a big city?
Alicante is a medium-sized city, which makes it very easy to navigate. The city center is very walkable, and it has an excellent tram and bus system that connects to the beaches and surrounding towns.
2. What is the weather like in Alicante?
Alicante is famous for its fantastic weather. It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers and very mild winters, boasting over 300 days of sunshine per year.
3. Is Alicante very touristy?
While it is a popular destination, especially in the summer, it has a more relaxed and authentic Spanish feel than many other coastal resort towns.
4. Is it a good city for practicing Spanish?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice. While you will find English spoken in the tourist areas, daily life in the city’s neighborhoods is conducted in Spanish, providing endless opportunities for immersion.
5. Is Alicante well-connected for travel?
Yes, Alicante has a major international airport and good train and bus connections, making it a great base for exploring the Costa Blanca and other parts of Spain.
Conclusion: Is Alicante Your Perfect Match?
Studying in Alicante offers the ideal blend of an affordable, relaxed beach lifestyle and the energy of a vibrant Spanish city.
With its sunny weather, welcoming atmosphere, and easygoing pace of life, the city makes it simple for international students to feel at home.
For anyone seeking quality education, cultural immersion, and a budget-friendly coastal experience, Alicante is truly an exceptional choice.
Ready to enjoy the sunshine and sea of the Costa Blanca?
Explore our partner language school in Alicante and get free application support!
