Let Out Property in Alicante

Let out property in Alicante — the letting market

Looking to let out property in Alicante? Alicante on the Costa Blanca has solid demand for holiday accommodation year round. Letting out property in Alicante provides an ongoing return and covers maintenance and property tax during the periods you are not using it yourself.

Alicante's enormous tourist influx provides solid letting opportunities. The Valencia region's tourist licence rules differ from those in Andalusia — check local requirements.

Tourist licence and rules in Alicante

To let your property in Alicante on a short-term basis (under roughly 2-3 months per tenant) you need a valid tourist licence. In Valencia region this is issued by the Generalitat Valenciana, and you must register the property with a specific licence number that must appear in all listings.

The rules are actively enforced, and fines for illegal letting can run into several thousand euros. It is therefore essential to have the licence sorted before you start advertising the property on Airbnb, Booking.com or similar platforms.

Expected rental income in Alicante

In high season, a property in Alicante can typically be let for 700-1,800 EUR per week in high season for an apartment or smaller villa. Over a full year, with a realistic occupancy rate of 50-70% in the most popular areas, this can provide a solid ongoing return — particularly if the property is also used privately outside the season.

Remember that rental income must be taxed in Spain (typically 19% for EU citizens on net income) and may also need to be declared in your home country — but double taxation treaties typically prevent you from paying full tax twice on the same income.

How to get started letting in Alicante

Start by applying for a tourist licence from the Generalitat Valenciana, and make sure the property meets the requirements for safety, fire equipment and signage. Next, you should invest in professional photos — in a market like Alicante, where castillo de santa bárbara — an iconic castle is a big part of the appeal, good photos make a real difference to your booking rate.

Consider whether you want to manage the letting yourself, or use a local property management company that handles key handover, cleaning and guest communication — particularly relevant if you do not live in Spain full time.

Long-term letting as an alternative in Alicante

If you prefer a more stable, less administration-heavy solution, long-term letting (over a year) to locals or expats can be a good alternative to seasonal short-term letting. It does not require the same tourist licence, but is instead governed by the general tenancy law (LAU), which gives the tenant stronger rights.

Life and culture in Alicante

Alicante celebrates Hogueras de San Juan in June — one of Spain's most spectacular bonfire festivals, where huge artistic figures (hogueras) are burned at midsummer in a tradition similar to Valencia's famous Fallas. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, the impressive Moorish-Christian castle on Mount Benacantil, dominates the city skyline and can be reached by lift directly from the beach.

The Explanada de España, the city's famous mosaic promenade along the harbour, is a favourite meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. Nightlife clusters especially around Barrio (the old town) with its many bars and tapas spots, as well as the lively harbour area — Alicante has a genuine Spanish city life rather than a tourist-resort feel.

Location and infrastructure

Alicante-Elche airport is one of Spain's busiest, with direct flights from Copenhagen, Billund and Aarhus. The airport is just a 10-minute drive from the centre.

There is a TRAM light rail line connecting the centre to the beaches north of the city, as well as regular Renfe train connections south towards Murcia. Taxis and Uber/Cabify are both available in the city, an advantage compared with several smaller Costa Blanca towns.

Tourism & leisure

Alicante has good sandy beaches, both in the city itself (Playa del Postiguet) and a little to the north (San Juan beach, one of the region's best). There are a few golf courses in the surrounding area, but golf is not a defining part of the city's identity the way it is on the Costa del Sol.

The centre and harbour area can be noisy in the evenings, especially in the Barrio district, while the northern beach neighbourhoods are quieter. The climate is slightly drier than the Costa del Sol with less rainfall, and temperatures are typically on par with or a touch below Málaga's — mild winters around 12-17°C and warm summers around 26-30°C.

Everyday costs & what to know before you let out in Alicante

Alicante has one of the more affordable levels for eating out among the larger coastal cities, with a genuine Spanish tapas and restaurant scene rather than tourist pricing. Rent is generally affordable compared with the Costa del Sol's well-known destinations.

Before you buy: the Valencia region's tourist licence rules differ from Andalusia's — research the local requirements carefully if you're planning short-term letting. Alicante has a larger share of Spanish buyers than the more internationalised destinations, which can affect price dynamics.