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Why ALICANTE
"Mediterránean Life, Business quality"
Alicante is the ideal destination for investment and growth.
Alicante is an innovation hub in a strategic enclave for investment and business growth. Its combination of innovation, talent, connectivity and quality of life makes it a city with unique opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs.
Discover why Alicante is the perfect choice for your business.
Mediterranean Innovation Hub
Alicante is the heart of the Mediterranean and boasts a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
Exceptional quality of life
Alicante offers unique wellness conditions thanks to its climate, character, culture and gastronomy.
Diverse talent at the ready
Qualified talent and its first-class international education system make Alicante a benchmark in today’s knowledge economy.
Competitive business sector
Alicante is the benchmark for consolidated and emerging sectors due to its long tradition and commercial spirit.
Global Connectivity
Alicante’s privileged location and its excellent transport and technology infrastructure make Alicante an international and globally connected city.
Institutional commitment
Alicante stands out for its institutional commitment to economic development and the development of its business and entrepreneurial fabric.
MEDITERRANEAN INNOVATION HUB
Alicante has established itself as a benchmark for innovation and technology in the Mediterranean, combining its entrepreneurial ecosystem with a strategic environment that encourages investment and business growth. Its transformation into an innovation hub is the result of a unique combination of talent, connectivity and collaboration between institutions, universities and companies.
The city has a solid network of research centres, science parks and technology hubs, such as the Alicante Science Park – University of Alicante and the Quorum Foundation – UMH Science and Business Park, which facilitate knowledge transfer and the development of disruptive projects.
In addition, initiatives such as Alicante Futura, the City Council’s strategy to position the city as a technological benchmark, reinforce this ecosystem and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
Alicante has also become a key point for attracting digital talent and innovation in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, the blue economy, health, biotechnology, GovTech and the tourism and creative industries. Renowned technology companies, emerging startups and development centres have chosen Alicante for its ability to combine quality of life with a highly competitive and connected environment.
The city hosts national and international technology events and innovation forums, consolidating its reputation as a place where creativity and technology converge. In addition, its privileged location and excellent connectivity with Europe and Latin America make it an ideal bridge for companies looking to expand into global markets.
Alicante Futura advocates an enrichment and diversification of the productive model, stimulating the emergence and arrival of new innovative projects in the city and guiding its traditional sectors on an essential path towards progress.
In addition, the city of Alicante is a test bed for innovation, attracting numerous new industry players and the innovative development of traditional sectors.
EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY OF LIFE
Alicante has all the elements to offer the best quality of life, and it does so by being aware of its Mediterranean essence, its tradition and its history, but without renouncing progress and innovation.
In this sense, it has various institutional plans aimed at turning the city into a “Smart City” of reference, with the aim of improving the quality of life for its citizens, the main recipients of its services, and achieving excellence in its environments (homes, businesses, mobility, tourism and assistance).
Earmarked Actions
In this sense, there are several actions aimed at making the city a spearhead in terms of so-called “smart technologies”, increasing efficiency, savings and environmental sustainability and offering better services to citizens:
- Enabling the management of procedures and payment of fees through the electronic headquarters of the City Council.
- Information about the city, traffic, commercial establishments or beaches via the web or mobile devices.
- Production of thematic videos and 360º virtual tours.
- Integrated business system or resource bank for entrepreneurs.
- Creation of a sustainable urban mobility plan.
- Digitalisation of the procedure for processing economic, technical and professional benefits in the area of Social Action.
- Web application to manage the maintenance of green areas.
- Energy saving plan for public lighting and adaptation to the regulation on energy efficiency in outdoor lighting.
Housing and accommodation
Alicante is one of the most affordable cities in Europe to live in, with an estimated cost of living of approximately 700 to 1000 euros per month (taking into account renting a house, basic expenses, food and transport).
The city offers a wide range of quality real estate, both first and second homes. All this with a distribution by districts that make it a city of about 200 square kilometres, with an urban centre integrated with the beach of El Postiguet and the marina.
Health and well-being
As a Mediterranean city, Alicante enjoys the benefits of being bathed by the sea. This geographical location allows it to offer its inhabitants an average annual temperature of 20º C and more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, making it the Spanish city with the longest period of natural light.
‘With 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it is the city in Spain with the longest period of natural light’
In terms of health, Alicante offers its inhabitants the advantages of the welfare state, with a public health system reinforced by a large number of public health centres (spread throughout the different districts), two hospitals and a wide range of private centres. All this, together, makes the city a safe, reliable and accessible destination.
Private hospitals
Culture, leisure and fiestas
Alicante feels its history and traditions, as reflected in festivities such as Easter Week, of National Tourist Interest, or the pilgrimage to Santa Faz, although the main festivities are the Bonfires of San Juan, in which every June hundreds of allegorical monuments of the present, made from cardboard, paper and wood, occupy the streets of the city, until they burn as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. These celebrations conclude with several nightly firework displays on the Postiguet beach.
On a cultural level, there are numerous spaces dedicated to art and creativity, with a diverse offer of national theatrical premieres, as well as shows, exhibitions, exhibitions, cycles or festivals aimed at showing the avant-garde, novelties and the latest trends in all artistic disciplines.
Museums and heritage
All these areas and many more can be found in the wide range of museums in the city, with special interest in the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) or the Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante MACA. The secrets of art, sport, history, festivals and traditions await to be visited in each and every one of these collections, whether permanent or travelling.
Alicante is also very rich in terms of heritage, with a unique and exclusive feature: the presence of two castles that stand in the heart of the city: the Castle of Santa Bárbara and the Castle of San Fernando. It also has an enviable catalogue of civil and religious buildings, such as the Basilica of Santa María, and an old quarter that showcase Alicante’s history, tradition and art.
MARQ · Museo Arqueológico de Alicante
MACA · Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante
MUBAG · Centro de Bellas Artes Gravina
MUSA · Museo de la Ciudad de Alicante
MUA · Museo de la Universidad de Alicante
Museo de Fogueres de Alicante
Museo de la Volvo Ocean Race
Museo de Nueva Tabarca
Museo de Aguas de Alicante
Museo de Belenes
Sport, nature and environment
Among its many attractions, the city has the advantage of offering its inhabitants the best of the sea and the mountains, being bathed by the Mediterranean Sea along 15 kilometres of beach; and flanked by mountains and natural sites such as the Serra Grossa, the Benacantil mountain or the Cabecó d’Or. In this sense, the province is one of the most mountainous in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula.
This wealth of environmental landscapes makes the town a point of interest for outdoor sports and activities, especially nautical sports, diving, rowing, climbing and paragliding.
Within this incomparable offer, only 22 kilometres off the coast of Alicante is Tabarca, the smallest inhabited island in the Mediterranean, only 1800 metres long and 400 metres wide. It is one of the most valuable natural enclaves in this sea, whose seabed was catalogued in 1986 as a marine reserve, the first in Spain, although it also offers a valuable natural and heritage site.
Gastronomy and Mediterranean Diet
Mediterranean diet: philosophy
Alicante’s cuisine stands out for the quality of its raw materials, which, in the hands of expert chefs of recognised international prestige, make the city and the province a world gastronomic destination, with several Michelin Stars.
Rice
D.O.P. Wine
Olive oil
Mediterranean life
The climate, the contrast between the sea and the mountains and, especially, the Mediterranean character of its people, make it a place with a great daily and nightlife atmosphere in its streets, promoted by its bars, restaurants and shops, with a historic centre characterised by its pedestrian areas, squares and narrow streets with great charm.
PREPARED DIVERSE TALENT
Alicante is a hub for talent, research and technology, with access to more than 20 public and private universities, as well as a dynamic ecosystem of key players offering high-level specialised training. Its educational and innovation network drives the development of highly qualified professionals, fostering knowledge transfer and the growth of strategic sectors.
In addition, it has a number of international schools offering formal education in English, French, German and Spanish.
Education and Universities
Alicante is a cradle of talent, research and technology, thanks to the universities of Alicante (UA) and Miguel Hernández (UMH), which are located in its surroundings, which also provide human capital and knowledge to society and companies through the Alicante Science Park – University of Alicante, and the Quorum Foundation – UMH Science and Business Park.
In addition, there are more than a dozen universities, both public and private, within a 2-hour drive.
In addition to university education, the city offers families a full range of educational opportunities for their children, with a special focus on bilingualism for foreign students.
UA · Universidad de Alicante
UMH · Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche
UNED · Universidad de Educación a distancia
UPV · Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
UV · Universidad de Valencia
UIMP · Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo
UM · Universidad de Murcia
UPCT · Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena
CEU · Universidad Cardenal Herrera
UCV · Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir
CEF · Centro de Estudios Financieros
ESIC · Escuela Superior de Gestión Comercial y Marketing
FU · Florida Centro de Formación
UCAM · Universidad Católica de San Antonio de Murcia
UE – Universidad Europea
FBS – Fundesem Business School
BRITISH SCHOOL OF ALICANTE (Español / Inglés)
COSTA BLANCA (Español / Inglés)
EL VALLE (Español / Inglés)
ESCUELA EUROPEA (Español / Inglés / Francés / Alemán)
LICEO FRANCÉS (Español / Inglés / Francés / Alemán)
NEWTON COLLEGE (Español / Inglés)
KING’S COLLEGE (Inglés / Castellano)
THE ENGLISH SCHOOL (Inglés / Castellano)
COMPETITIVE BUSINESS SECTOR
Alicante is positioned as one of the most dynamic economic epicentres in Spain, standing out for its solid business fabric and its capacity to attract investment.
It is the fifth province with the highest GDP in Spain and the city of Alicante ranks tenth in Spain in terms of the number of companies.
Its sustained growth and sectoral diversity make it a key territory in the Mediterranean.
The service sector leads the economy of Alicante, with a prominent presence in trade, transport and hospitality, followed by professional, scientific and technical activities, consolidating its commitment to innovation and knowledge. Other strategic sectors include health, real estate, construction and education, reflecting a diversified and growing economy.
These data consolidate Alicante as a Mediterranean innovation hub connected to other ecosystems and international business hubs.
As a whole, these data allow us to contextualise Alicante’s position within the Spanish economic system, consolidating it as the fifth province with the highest GDP.
GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY
Alicante is a strategic enclave with exceptional connectivity that facilitates the mobility of people and business at national and international level. Its transport infrastructure, which includes a first-class international airport, a high-speed rail network and a port with key connections, makes it an ideal logistics hub for companies and investors. In addition, its advanced telecommunications network and its commitment to digitalisation reinforce its integration into the global economy, ensuring that Alicante is always connected to the world.
In addition, Alicante has a vibrant international ecosystem and connections, including international chambers of commerce and a dynamic business sector.
ALMOST
20 M.
passengers per year
1,1 M.
Annual AVE Alicante-Madrid users
3,2 M.
Of tonnes of goods
100
Tourist cruises per year
INFRASTRUCTURES
By land, sea and air, Alicante is the epicentre of the Mediterranean Arc, taking advantage of its geostrategic position to become the gateway to Europe and Africa. A value reinforced by its powerful and extensive network of infrastructures, which allows the city, and the companies based there, to have a global connection with any part of the world.
global connection with any part of the world.
Network of roads, dual carriageways and motorways
The city of Alicante is connected by road to almost the entire Spanish mainland and to Europe, thanks to a comprehensive network of motorways and dual carriageways. The AP7 and the A7, which share the same route at certain points, connect France with Algeciras and Gibraltar.
Both roads form part of the E15 European Route, which extends to the city of Inverness in the United Kingdom. In turn, the A-31 road also runs from Alicante province to Madrid.
Alicante - Elche Airport
Alicante International Airport ranks 6th in Spain in terms of passenger traffic and cargo volume, with annual figures of almost 20 million passengers.
ALMOST
20 M.
passengers per year
Thanks to its geographical location (only 8 kilometres southwest of the city) and the tourist potential of Alicante province, around 80 percent of travellers come from destinations such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Holland, with the main destinations within Spain being connections to Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. Likewise, among the 118 destinations served by the 36 companies based at the aerodrome (between direct and indirect flights) are the main European capitals and cities, as well as links with the rest of the continents.
Port of Alicante
A strategic Logistics Platform in the Mediterranean
The Port of Alicante is positioned as the main logistics platform of the province and a key node within the Spanish port system. Its location in the heart of the western Mediterranean, together with a highly connected intermodal network, makes it an agile, efficient and competitive option for foreign trade and national distribution.
With a hinterland that includes areas of high productive capacity such as Elche, Murcia, Albacete and the Community of Madrid, the Port of Alicante annually handles more than 3.2 M tonnes of goods and welcomes more than 100 tourist cruise calls.
In addition, the Port of Alicante has 2 goods terminals: a multi-purpose public terminal for general use (containers, passengers and bulk) and another dedicated to private operators, both with direct rail access, which allows a fluid intermodal connection with the main logistics corridors in Spain and Europe.
1 bulk terminal and also specialised docks adapted for solid, liquid and RO-RO bulk, as well as modern and versatile infrastructure for the handling of general cargo and the development of industrial projects.
Less than 1 km from the city centre is the cruise terminal, which combines accessibility and tourist attraction.
In addition, the port has a Logistics Activities Zone (ZAL) strategically located next to the port area, with direct access to the motorway network, facilitating efficient distribution at national and European level.
3,2 M.
Of tonnes of goods
100
Tourist cruises per year
Road transport is linked via the Mare Nostrum motorway, and the Madrid-Albacete and Mediterranean motorways, with direct links to the whole of Andalusia. In terms of rail transport, it is also connected to the dense Spanish and European rail networks.
The container terminal has direct access to the railway terminal, which allows fast and fluid rail transport.
Advantages for investors and logistics operators
- Direct rail access at the container terminal, allowing for agile and efficient intermodal transport.
- Excellent road, rail and air connections.
- Strategically located logistics activities zone with great connectivity.
- Modern and flexible infrastructure, ready to accommodate logistics, industrial or commercial expansion projects.
- Dynamic business environment, with the presence of support organisations, international chambers of commerce and sectoral networks.
The port of Alicante is consolidating itself as a logistics enclave with great projection and growth potential, a close and flexible port, open to new opportunities and committed to the sustainable development of its environment.
High Speed Train - AVE
Mediterranean Corridor Project
The High Speed line – AVE Alicante -Madrid started its activity in 2013, currently reaching 1.1 million passengers per year, with an average of 7,000 users per day.
1,1 M.
Annual AVE Alicante-Madrid users
The Mediterranean Corridor is an infrastructure project to be developed soon, which aims to improve the communication of the Spanish east coast with the south of France:
- Increased flow of goods to Europe.
- Connection with all the major cities of the Mediterranean Arc.
- Reduction of transport times for people and goods.
More than 40% of the Spanish population lives on the railway axis that runs from Murcia to Barcelona, 40% of the country’s exports are generated and 70% of port traffic.
The TRAM is the name given to the Alicante tramway, a means of transport with six lines that cover the centre of the capital of Alicante and connect with nearby towns such as San Vicente del Raspeig (where the University of Alicante is located), Benidorm or Dénia (in the north of the province).
With more than 110 kilometres of network, passenger demand reaches more than 10 million people. With regard to its fleet, it has a series of vehicles with maximum speeds of between 70 and 100 kilometres/hour and capacities of up to 315 passengers (depending on the model).
Lines
Business and Coworking Centres
Alicante has more than 6.7 million square metres of industrial land, with dozens of business areas and spaces, as well as the technology parks of the universities of Alicante and Miguel Hernández de Elche (UMH), in addition to other sites for business development and economic growth.
Alicante is home to both the most traditional and consolidated industrial sectors, as well as the emerging and most promising for the future. In this sense, the city is firmly committed to coworking spaces and networking-oriented spaces, with a digital and technological philosophy, in which business and lifestyle are perfectly combined.
INSTITUTIONAL COMMITMENT
Alicante has a solid institutional backing that facilitates the attraction of investment and business development. The city not only offers a dynamic business environment, but also has programmes and policies designed to drive innovation, digitalisation and economic transformation.
The Honorable Alicante City Council, through Impulsa Alicante, the Local Economic and Social Development Agency, leads strategic initiatives to strengthen the business ecosystem and generate new growth opportunities.
Impulsa Alicante is responsible for promoting policies for the city’s economic development, and its activities are aimed at the general public, promoting training and employment, and encouraging the creation and implementation of companies that boost the city’s productive fabric. Among the investment support services, the processing of priority projects with a high impact on the city stands out, facilitating the establishment of new companies and the development of existing ones.
In this context, Alicante Futura plays a key role as a major institutional commitment to transforming the city into a technology and innovation hub in the Mediterranean. This strategy promotes entrepreneurship, talent acquisition, and the modernization of key sectors such as artificial intelligence, the blue economy, biotechnology, and the creative industry.
Furthermore, collaboration between the public and private sectors has led to a wide network of development programs for self-employed individuals and businesses, tax incentives, and support services for national and international companies seeking to establish themselves in Alicante.
From advice on the investment process to access to cutting-edge infrastructure, local institutions are actively working to ensure that each project has the optimal conditions for success.
ALIA, the Alicante Investment Attraction Agency, is an initiative promoted by the Local Development Agency of the Alicante City Council. Alicante City Council with a clear purpose: to position the city as a strategic destination for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and to drive economic growth.
At ALIA, we offer comprehensive support to national and international companies throughout all phases of the investment process: from initial exploration to consolidation and expansion. Our team, with an international vision and in-depth knowledge of the region, facilitates access to key services, business spaces, local talent, and collaboration networks.
We work closely with Impulsalicante, Alicante Futura, universities, science parks, public administrations, business associations, and private entities, generating synergies and supporting projects with high added value.
The institutional commitment represented by ALIA translates into a stable, proactive, and collaborative environment, where each company has the necessary support to grow successfully in Alicante.
Governance and INSTITUTIONS
Generalitat Valenciana
Presence in Alicante with 2 institutions
- Consellería de Innovación, Industria, Comercio y Turismo
The Regional Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade, and Tourism is the body of the Generalitat Valenciana (Catalan Government) responsible for promoting innovation, industrial development, trade support, and tourism promotion in the Valencian Community. Its responsibilities include areas such as promoting research and technological development, strengthening the business community, commercial regulation, and boosting the tourism sector, among others.
- Valencian Community Digital District
The Valencian Community Digital District is an initiative of the Generalitat Valenciana (Catalan Government) aimed at consolidating an ecosystem of technological innovation and digital transformation. Its responsibilities include attracting companies and specialized talent, promoting innovative entrepreneurship, promoting technology-based projects, and strengthening the economic competitiveness of the Valencian Community.
Provincial Council of Alicante
Your Honor Alicante City Council
The Honorable Alicante City Council is the institution responsible for the government, administration, and provision of services in the city. Among its functions, it regulates areas such as Economy and Finance, Consumer Affairs, Health, Employment and Development, New Technologies, and Urban Planning, among others, at the municipal level.
EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office)
