Many of you have asked which region is the best for buying a second home—Costa Blanca (Alicante) or Costa del Sol (Málaga). The simple answer is: both are superb. It all depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and investment goals. To help you decide, we’ve put together a simple yet insightful comparison covering climate, landscape, and the typical profile of buyers in each region. Whether you’re looking for sun-soaked beaches, vibrant expat communities, or luxury coastal living, this guide will help you find your perfect fit.
Both Alicante and Málaga are popular coastal regions in Spain, known for their warm climates and beautiful beaches. However, they have distinct characteristics in terms of climate, terrain, and buyer profiles.
Climate & Weather
- Alicante (Costa Blanca):
- Drier and sunnier: More than 300 sunny days per year, with low rainfall.
- Lower humidity: Less humid compared to Málaga, making summers feel slightly more comfortable.
- Mild winters: Average winter temperatures around 10-16°C.
- Hot, dry summers: Summer temperatures can reach 30-35°C but feel cooler due to lower humidity.
- Málaga (Costa del Sol):
- More humid and slightly warmer winters: Higher humidity due to the proximity of the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains. Winter temperatures are around 12-18°C.
- More varied microclimates: Coastal areas are warm, but inland zones (like Ronda) can be cooler.
- More rain: While still a dry region, Málaga has more rainfall than Alicante, particularly in autumn and winter.
- Hot summers with high humidity: Can reach 30-35°C but feel hotter due to humidity.
Terrain & Nature
- Alicante (Costa Blanca)
- More arid and rocky landscape, with many areas resembling a semi-desert.
- Lower mountains compared to Málaga, but still has impressive inland scenery (e.g., Sierra de Aitana).
- White sandy beaches dominate the coastline.
- Less greenery, with more Mediterranean shrubland and palm trees.
- Málaga (Costa del Sol)
- More varied landscapes: Mountains, forests, and lush green valleys inland.
- More diverse beaches, ranging from golden sandy beaches to pebbly and rocky coves.
- The influence of Sierra de las Nieves and other mountain ranges creates spectacular scenery.
- More tropical vegetation, with palm trees, avocado, and citrus groves.
Buyer Profile for Second Homes
- Alicante (Costa Blanca)
- More budget-friendly: Popular among middle-class buyers, especially retirees.
- More Northern Europeans: Large communities of British, Dutch, Belgian, and Scandinavian retirees.
- A mix of holidaymakers and permanent residents: Many people move to Alicante full-time due to the lower cost of living.
- More expat-focused: Some areas, like Torrevieja, have high numbers of foreign residents, with English widely spoken.
- Málaga (Costa del Sol)
- Higher-end buyers: While there are mid-range options, Málaga, especially areas like Marbella, attracts luxury buyers.
- More diverse nationalities: Northern Europeans (British, Dutch, Germans, Swedes), but also Middle Eastern, Russian, and American investors.
- More investment-driven: Buyers often look for high-end properties with rental yield potential.
- More interest in lifestyle and prestige: Many buyers choose Málaga for its combination of luxury living, cultural attractions, and exclusivity.
Conclusion
- Alicante is more affordable, drier, and attracts retirees looking for budget-friendly homes in an international community.
- Málaga is more humid, greener, and attracts a wealthier, more diverse clientele, including investors and luxury buyers.
