The Costa Blanca Sur is part of Spain's beautiful coastline, stretching from Alicante in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south. The list of wonderful cities located here, just waiting for you to discover and fall in love with them forever, is quite long, so we will only mention a few: Torrevieja, San Pedro, Guardamar del Segura, Santa Pola, Orihuela, Elche, La Zenia, and Novelda.
Unlike the mountainous Costa Blanca Norte, the Costa Blanca Sur is characterized mainly by its flat terrain, and as a result, there is more land available for construction, meaning that land and property prices are significantly lower. However, don't worry: the quality of life here is still very high, and the developed infrastructure makes life easier and more enriching: from beaches that meet international standards and have been awarded the Blue Flag to impressive shopping centers, from prestigious international schools to first-class hospitals. Moreover, despite the rapid development in recent decades driven by the influx of tourists, the Costa Blanca Sur (even compared to its nearby neighbor, the Costa Blanca Norte) has largely retained the authentic "Spanish" spirit, color, and charm. Considering all this, it's no wonder that many expatriates choose to settle here. The Costa Blanca Sur is especially popular among Scandinavians, particularly the Swedes.
If you love playing golf, you won't have to give up your favorite hobby on the Costa Blanca Sur - the region is famous for its high-quality golf courses, the best of which are located around Orihuela and La Zenia (among the most outstanding and internationally recognized are Villamartín, Campoamor, and Las Ramblas). And of course, it is obvious that ideal conditions will be created on the coast for you to practice any type of water sport that you already enjoy or plan to discover for yourself. Diving, snorkeling, water skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, sailing - the possibilities are endless!
According to the World Health Organization, the climate of the Costa Blanca Sur is one of the most beneficial for health on the planet. This is largely due to the abundance of salt flats, which reduce air humidity and create conditions that help, for example, improve the well-being of those who suffer from rheumatism. But, of course, the local climate has a positive effect not only on health: the bright Spanish sun shines here no less than 320 days a year, and the more sun, the better the mood. The flora is dominated by palm trees, orange trees, and lemon trees.
The Costa Blanca Sur is a coastal region located in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, in southeastern Spain. This area spans from the city of Alicante to the south, reaching Pilar de la Horadada on the border with the Murcia region. The Costa Blanca Sur is renowned for its extensive white sandy beaches, its warm and sunny climate all year round, and its vibrant cultural and tourist life. The region offers a fascinating contrast between modernity and tradition, with coastal cities that perfectly combine tourist developments with picturesque towns with a rich historical heritage.
The Palm Grove of Elche is not only a World Heritage site of incredible beauty, but also the largest palm groves in all of Europe, stretching over more than 12,000 square meters. The cultivation of date palms here began long ago, in the time when the Iberians lived in the 5th century BC. The largest palm tree, which bears the elegant royal name of Sissi (in honor of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth), is 165 years old, but some trees have already surpassed 300 years. In addition to the palms, you can also enjoy the sight of oranges, pomegranates, and various types of cacti collected from different countries around the world.
The Natural Park of the La Mata and Torrevieja lagoons is the largest salt deposit in Europe, the so-called Valencian Dead Sea. The lagoons are already mentioned in chronicles from the 13th century, and to this day they serve as a place for the extraction of edible salt, which is actively exported to other European countries. But the main reason why this place should be a must-stop for any tourist (or expatriate eager to know all the treasures of their new home) is the incredibly beautiful and extraordinary pink color of the water in one of the lagoons. This wonderful effect is due to special bacteria and algae that are most active in August and September. Just imagine the magical sunsets you can find here! The only small downside: bathing here is prohibited to ensure the safety of tourists and the preservation of the environment.
The Natural Park El Hondo, located in the heart of the Costa Blanca Sur, near Elche and Crevillente, is one of the most important wetlands in the Valencian Community. This biodiversity oasis is a paradise for nature lovers and a vital sanctuary for migratory birds. El Hondo is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species, making it a place of great interest for both ecologists and bird watchers. With its vast ponds, canals, and cultivation areas, the park offers an ideal habitat for more than 170 bird species, including flamingos, ospreys, and black-winged stilts.
In addition to its rich biodiversity, El Hondo offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and guided tours, allowing everyone to explore and learn about this unique ecosystem. Strategically located bird observatories throughout the park allow visitors to get close to nature without disturbing it, providing an unforgettable experience of connection with the environment. The commitment to conservation and environmental education makes El Hondo Natural Park a standout example of how natural spaces can be preserved for the enjoyment and learning of future generations.
Tabarca Island, located off the coast of Alicante and near Santa Pola, is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community and has become a must-visit tourist destination for those visiting the Costa Blanca Sur. Originally a refuge for Berber pirates, Tabarca is now known for its crystal-clear waters, its small but charming village with picturesque houses, and its rich history marked by fortifications and a church dating back to the 18th century. The island was declared a Marine Reserve in 1986, which has contributed to the preservation of its natural environment and diverse marine life, making it a privileged spot for snorkeling and diving.
Costa Blanca Sur has become an ideal destination not only for tourists and expatriates seeking sun and beach, but also for families who value quality education with an international perspective. The presence of several international schools in the region is testament to an increasingly diverse and globalized community, where education plays a key role in preparing young people for a connected world. These institutions offer educational programs that not only meet international standards of excellence but also promote multilingualism and interculturality, preparing students for the demands of the 21st century.
International schools in Costa Blanca Sur are known for their commitment to holistic education, where learning extends beyond the classroom to include extracurricular activities, sports, and arts, fostering the full development of the student. With options ranging from the British system to the International Baccalaureate, families can choose the education that best suits their needs and expectations. Below is a list of some of the most outstanding international schools in the region, each with its own identity and educational offering.
