A coastal gem for young Europeans
More compact and affordable than Valencia, Alicante is a fantastic base for an Erasmus+ experience — with beaches, culture and a tight-knit international community.
Stunning Beaches
El Postiguet beach is right in the city centre. San Juan, El Campello and Tabarca island are just minutes away. Crystal-clear Mediterranean waters all year.
Castle & History
Santa Bárbara Castle dominates the skyline. The Old Town (El Barrio) has Moorish and Roman heritage. The MARQ archaeological museum is world-class.
Very Affordable
One of the most affordable cities in Spain. Shared rooms from €250/month, meals from €7, cheap public transport. Your Erasmus+ grant goes much further here.
International Mix
Home to large British, German and Scandinavian communities as well as Erasmus students. English is widely spoken, making integration easy from day one.
Hogueras Festival
If you're here in June, experience the Hogueras — a spectacular fire festival similar to Valencia's Las Fallas. UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
Well Connected
High-speed train to Madrid (2h15), direct trains to Valencia (1h30). Alicante Airport has flights to 30+ European cities — easy to explore the continent.
Beaches and natural escapes
🏖️ El Postiguet
City beach · 5 minutes from centre
The most central beach, at the foot of Santa Bárbara Castle. Perfect for after-work swims, sunsets and spontaneous after-programme gatherings.
🌊 San Juan Beach
4 km of beach · 10 min by tram
One of the longest beaches on the Costa Blanca. Wide, clean and well-equipped. Favourite spot for students and young residents especially in summer.
🏝️ Tabarca Island
Marine reserve · 1h by boat
Spain's only inhabited island-town. A protected marine reserve perfect for snorkelling. Ferry from Alicante harbour — unmissable on a sunny day.
🌿 Sierra Helada
Natural park · 40 min by tram
Natural park with cliffs, coves and hiking trails between Benidorm and Altea. Spectacular views and isolated coves accessible only on foot.
Neighbourhoods & living
Alicante is compact and easy to navigate — most things are within walking distance or a short tram ride.
El Barrio (Old Town)
Lively narrow streets at the foot of the castle. Bars, restaurants, live music. Great for young people who want to be in the heart of the action.
Ensanche / Canalejas
Modern central district. Wider streets, good cafés, co-working spaces. The main commercial area. Well-priced shared flats available.
San Juan / UA Campus
Near the University of Alicante campus. Student-friendly, affordable rents, close to San Juan beach. Great for longer volunteering or internship placements.
Practical information
🏠 Accommodation
- • Shared flat: €250–380/month
- • Private room: €350–550/month
- • Student residence: €450–650/month
- • Platforms: Idealista, Fotocasa, SpainHouses
- • CLAVE helps with accommodation search
🚌 Getting Around
- • TRAM (tram + bus): covers city + coast
- • Monthly transport pass: ~€30
- • Airport bus: €2.80 (25 min to centre)
- • Bike lanes on promenade and main roads
- • City centre easily walkable
📋 Key Facts
- • Population: ~330,000
- • Language: Spanish + Valencian
- • Time zone: CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
- • Currency: Euro (€)
- • Average temp: 18°C (annual)
Start your Alicante adventure
CLAVE Youth 2 Can Act runs Erasmus+ programmes and European Solidarity Corps placements in Alicante. Get in touch to find out what's available this year.