Places & lifestyle · 8 min read
Retiring in Spain: climate, costs, healthcare and life on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca brings together Mediterranean beaches, established international communities and direct international flights. A good move starts with checking the practical details as carefully as the setting.
- Best for
- Planning a move to Spain
- Location
- Costa Blanca, Alicante
- Also read
- Coast or city?
Moving to Spain after 60 can mean more time outdoors, a different pace of life and a fresh circle of friends. The Costa Blanca near Alicante combines the Mediterranean with long-established international communities. Before deciding, look at how the place works for you throughout the year.
- 300+days of sunshine a year on the Costa Blanca
- 60+independent living at Solera Village
- 2027planned opening for homes and village amenities
The Costa Blanca at a glance
| What matters | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Setting | Mediterranean beaches, mountains and hill villages |
| Getting there | Alicante–Elche airport and direct international flights |
| Everyday life | Local markets, cafés and established international communities |
| Healthcare | Check local public and private services and your eligibility |
| Homes | Compare buying, renting and a prepaid right of use |
Climate and the sea
The Costa Blanca sits on the Mediterranean. Winters are generally mild, while summers can be hot. Visit outside the holiday season and check shade, cooling, heating and how easily you can walk to daily essentials.
Everyday costs
Housing is often the biggest difference between a coastal town and a major city. Markets, cafés and local restaurants can offer good value, but popular areas and imported goods can be expensive. Our cost calculator compares everyday spending with your home city, item by item.
“Choose a place for the life you want every day, not only for the view on a holiday.”
Healthcare
Around Alicante there are public health services and private hospitals and clinics used to treating international patients. Confirm how you will access care, what your insurance covers and whether your preferred doctors speak your language before moving.
Residency and tax
EU citizens and non-EU nationals follow different residence procedures. British citizens planning a permanent move should check the appropriate visa route before travelling. Our residency guide introduces the main considerations and our specialist partner, Orience.
Tax treatment depends on your personal circumstances. Take individual advice on pensions, savings, inheritance and tax residency before committing.
Plan a useful viewing trip
- Visit in winter as well as in the warmer months.
- Check the journey to the airport and your nearest hospital.
- Walk to cafés, shops and a pharmacy rather than judging distances on a map.
- Compare the full housing costs and what happens if your plans change.
Where Solera Village fits
Solera Village is planned on the Costa Blanca near Alicante, with homes and village amenities available from opening in 2027. You have a private home of your own, a community of like-minded neighbours and a team on site, without the upkeep of owning a property abroad.
See the numbers for yourself
Compare everyday costs in your home city with Solera, and buying or renting with Solera over 10 to 25 years.
Open the cost calculatorGeneral information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; please take personal advice before you move. Ask us a question.