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Alanya or Alicante: Your Sunny Lifestyle Awaits

Alanya or Alicante: Your Sunny Lifestyle Awaits

Created09.08.2025, 16.02

Updated12.08.2025, 11.56

Two different countries, one shared dream: a sunny, laid-back life by the sea. Alanya, nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean in southern Turkey, and Alicante, perched on Spain’s Costa Blanca, are two cities that, despite being in different nations, attract similar types of people. From expats and retirees to digital nomads and second-home seekers, both destinations offer that warm-weather lifestyle so many crave.

So why compare them? Alanya and Alicante offer a surprisingly similar blend of affordability, sea views, international vibes, and investment opportunities, but through completely different cultural lenses.

Who’s Moving to These Sunny Shores?

Both Alanya and Alicante appeal to a wide spectrum of people — from retirees seeking a peaceful place to settle, to young professionals craving flexibility and sunshine. Despite Alicante and Alanya appeal to people of all ages and lifestyles, from retirees to young professionals. being in different countries, these two Mediterranean cities offer something for every age and lifestyle.

Alanya, in particular, has been welcoming international residents for decades. Its foreign population has grown steadily over the years, creating a vibrant, multilingual expat scene and a well-adapted local infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the rise of remote work, especially after the pandemic, has reshaped the way many young adults view life and work. When a laptop and strong Wi-Fi are all you need to get through the day, location becomes a lifestyle choice. That’s why digital nomads are increasingly drawn to places like Alanya and Alicante, where the Mediterranean rhythm of life pairs beautifully with remote job flexibility.

Retirees often choose living in Alanya Turkey for its mild climate, relaxed pace, and access to quality yet affordable healthcare. Many also take advantage of the wide range of property for sale in Alanya, from modern apartments to sea-view villas.

On the other hand, second-home buyers are frequently drawn to holiday homes in Alicante Spain. Thanks to its vibrant social life, reliable infrastructure, and warm climate, Alicante is a favorite among Europeans looking for a sunny escape. There is also strong interest in homes for sale in Alicante Spain, especially in coastal and suburban areas. You can explore other popular destinations in our full Spain property investment blog.

Alanya vs Alicante: Which City Is More Affordable?

If you’re watching your budget, Alanya wins hands down. Living in Alanya Turkey is approximately 25–75% cheaper than Alicante, depending on what you spend your money on.

A meal out in Alanya costs around €7.50, while in Alicante it’s closer to €14.
Alanya food prices for groceries are significantly lower across the board milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and even beer.
Transport is cheaper, too: monthly public transport passes cost less than half of Alicante’s.

The cost of living in Alanya Turkey is ideal for those who want a relaxed lifestyle without draining their savings. On the flip side, average cost of living in Alicante Spain is higher, but salaries and purchasing power also tend to be better.

Alanya or Alicante: Where to Buy Property by the Sea

The property market in Alanya is known for affordability and growth. You can find a villa for sale in Alanya with a private pool for the same price as a small apartment in Alicante.

Alanya property for sale prices are still very accessible, especially for first-time international buyers.
There’s no shortage of options: from Alanya house for sale to holiday apartments, you’ll find something for every budget.

Meanwhile, homes for sale in Alicante Spain offer:

Strong EU market stability
Easier mortgage access (Spain’s average mortgage interest rate is just ~3.4%)
Higher long-term capital appreciation, especially in prime areas

Still, for many, the chance to buy property in Alanya outright—without needing a big loan—is what seals the deal.

Which City Offers Better Climate for Year-Round Outdoor Life?

Both cities enjoy a Mediterranean climate, but they feel a little different.Alanya has hotter summers, but mild winters with more greenery—think banana plantations and citrus groves. Perfect for those who want to be outdoors all year.

Alicante is drier and sunnier, ideal for sailing, hiking, and outdoor events. With fewer rainy days, it’s a playground for sun-lovers.If you want lush surroundings and long beach days, living in Alanya Turkey delivers. If dry heat and breezy evenings are more your thing, living in Alicante Spain might suit you better.

Culture and Lifestyle in Alanya and Alicante: Authentic or European?
Alanya is a great place to experience Turkish culture in daily life. You can visit lively local bazaars, try traditional Turkish food, and enjoy a slower pace, especially outside the busy summer season. Over the years, many foreigners have made Alanya their home. The city has strong expat communities, especially from Russia, Germany, and Scandinavia, which makes it easier to settle in without losing the local charm.

Alicante, on the other hand, offers a more familiar lifestyle for many Europeans. It has a mix of Spanish tradition and modern city life. People enjoy festivals, tapas nights, and the busy café culture. Because of the international crowd and English-friendly environment, it’s often easier for newcomers to adapt and feel at home.

The pros and cons of living in Alicante Spain often depend on what you’re looking for. Alicante is more modern and easy-going, while Alanya offers a more traditional and cultural lifestyle. Both have their own charm—it’s all about which vibe suits you best.

Health and Safety in Alanya and Alicante: What Can You Expect?

Both Alanya and Alicante are considered safe places to live. Streets are generally calm, and locals are welcoming. However, Alicante ranks slightly higher in global safety indexes and offers more structured public services.

When it comes to healthcare, Spain has a strong public system. If you are a resident in Alicante, you can benefit from low-cost or even free healthcare services. In Alanya, many foreigners use private hospitals and clinics. The costs are affordable, and services are fast and professional. Many doctors and nurses also speak English or other foreign languages, which helps a lot for international residents.

So, is it safer to live in Alanya or Alicante? Both cities offer a good quality of life, but Alicante may have a small advantage in terms of public safety and healthcare standards. Still, living in Alanya Turkey is very comfortable and safe for most expats.

Which City Offers Better Transport Links: Alanya or Alicante?

Alicante is well-connected with the rest of Europe. The city’s international airport offers direct flights to many major cities, which is a big plus for people who travel often or want to visit family and friends abroad. Public transport inside the city is also easy to use, with buses, trams, and trains running regularly.

Alanya has two nearby airports: Gazipaşa Airport, which serves domestic and some international flights, and Antalya International Airport, which is larger and has more global connections. While it may take a little longer to reach certain destinations, many expats still find it convenient enough, especially if they don’t need to travel very often.

If easy and frequent travel is important to you, living in Alicante Spain might be a better fit. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed lifestyle with occasional travel, Alanya offers good regional access without the crowds of a big city.

Where to Invest: Alanya vs Alicante Real Estate

If you’re looking for affordable real estate, Alanya offers great value. You can find property for sale in Alanya, from modern apartments to sea-view villas, at much lower prices than in most of Europe. Many buyers choose cheap property for sale in Alanya Turkey for personal use or rental income, and the market continues to grow steadily. For more inspiration, check out our guide on the best Turkish beach towns for expats.

Alicante, in contrast, is more expensive but offers stronger long-term investment potential. The city is part of a stable EU market, with low mortgage rates and high demand for holiday homes in Alicante Spain, especially near the coast.

In short, buy property in Alanya if you want more space for less money. Choose Alicante if you're aiming for long-term value and easy financing in a Western European setting.

FAQs

Q: Which coastal city is better for retirees: Alanya or Alicante?
A: Both cities are great for retirees. Alanya offers lower living costs and a slower pace of life, while Alicante provides easier access to EU healthcare and a more familiar cultural environment for many Europeans.

Q: Is it safer to live in Alanya or Alicante?
A: Both Alanya and Alicante are considered safe cities. Alicante ranks slightly higher in safety indexes and has more structured public services, but Alanya also offers a peaceful, community-oriented atmosphere.

Q: How do Alanya and Alicante compare for digital nomads?
A: Alicante has stronger infrastructure and more coworking options, while Alanya stands out with its affordable lifestyle and warm community vibe. Both cities offer strong internet and a relaxed work-life balance.

Q: What are the pros and cons of living in Alanya vs Alicante?
A: Alanya is more budget-friendly and culturally immersive, but not part of the EU. Alicante has modern systems, easier integration for EU citizens, but higher costs. Your choice depends on whether cost or convenience matters more.

Q: Are there good property options in both cities?
A: Yes! You’ll find a wide variety of property for sale in Alanya, including apartments and villas with sea views. In Spain, there are many houses for sale in Alicante Spain, especially popular for second-home buyers and investors.