The British community in Alicante: areas, events and services

The British community on the Costa Blanca is, by far, Spain's largest and most organised expat group. Over 70 000 registered Britons in Alicante province — and probably tens of thousands more unregistered — have built a parallel infrastructure that includes supermarkets, pubs, social clubs, Anglican churches, newspapers, radio stations, lawyers, doctors and even cricket grounds. If you are British and moving here, the transition can be almost frictionless. If you are not, understanding this community gives you a map of the anglophone side of the Costa Blanca.

Where they concentrate

Torrevieja and Vega Baja

The British epicentre. Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Rojales, Ciudad Quesada, San Fulgencio, San Miguel de Salinas and surrounding urbanisations (Los Balcones, Los Altos, La Marina, Punta Prima) house Spain's greatest British concentration. In some urbanisations, over 50 % of residents are British.

Jávea

The more 'premium' version. Jávea attracts a higher-spending profile: early retirees, digital nomads, families at international schools. Active but more discreet community.

Benidorm

Mix of tourism and residence. The British community ranges from long-stay pensioners wintering here to permanent residents. Rincón de Loix and Levante beach have the highest concentration.

Calpe, Moraira, Altea

Smaller but established British communities with active social clubs.

El Campello, San Juan, Alicante city

Growing British presence, especially younger professionals and digital nomads preferring urban life.

Services in English

Supermarkets and shops

British-product supermarkets (Marmite, PG Tips, Baked Beans, HP Sauce) scattered along the coast. Iceland stores in several locations. Many Mercadona and Consum in high-British-population areas stock Anglo-Saxon products.

Pubs and restaurants

The English pub is ubiquitous in the southern Costa Blanca. From Torrevieja to Orihuela Costa: draught British beers, Sunday roast, quiz nights, Premier League screenings and karaoke. In the north (Jávea, Calpe): gastropubs, wine bars and restaurants with English menus.

Social clubs

• Royal British Legion: present in Torrevieja, Jávea, Calpe and others. Remembrance Day ceremonies, charity events, dinners.
• U3A (University of the Third Age): groups in Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Benidorm, Jávea. Free courses in Spanish, art, history, computing, yoga, bridge — taught by volunteers.
• Cricket, bowls, golf clubs: Torrevieja CC, Jávea CC, San Luis Bowls Club, dozens of golf courses.

Churches

The Anglican Church has chaplaincies in Alicante, Torrevieja, Jávea, Calpe, Benidorm and Dénia. English services, communion, baptisms and weddings. Also community hubs for support groups, volunteering and social events.

Media

• Costa Blanca News: weekly English newspaper, a reference for decades.
• Euro Weekly News / The Leader: weekly English publications.
• Bay Radio / Sunshine Radio: English-language stations with local programming.
• Massive Facebook groups: 'Expats in Alicante', 'Brits in Spain' — thousands of active members sharing information and support.

Professional services

English-speaking lawyers (conveyancing, inheritance, tax, post-Brexit residence), doctors and dentists, bilingual gestorías (tax returns, self-employment, TIE, driving licence), and British estate agents — a consolidated sector.

Events and social life

The British community has a packed social calendar: Remembrance Day ceremonies (November), Christmas fairs and pantomimes, charity runs and dinners, weekly quiz nights at pubs, and active participation in Spanish fiestas (Hogueras, Moros y Cristianos).

The Brexit effect

Brexit (effective January 2021) has had a real but not catastrophic impact:

• Those who stayed: Britons with residence before 31 December 2020 retain rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. Most stayed.
• Those who left: some who had not regularised their situation opted to return or seek alternatives.
• New arrivals: moving post-Brexit is more complex (visa required, 90-day rule), but the community still receives new members — especially retirees on non-lucrative visas and digital nomads.
• Healthcare: retirees with S1 retain SNS access. Those without need private insurance.
• Driving: licence exchange remains direct thanks to the bilateral agreement.

The British community has survived Brexit without collapse. Associations remain active, pubs stay open, and British housing demand remains significant.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Spanish in a British area?

For daily life (shopping, eating, socialising), no. In Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa or Jávea, you can function entirely in English. For official procedures (town hall, DGT, Social Security) and emergencies, Spanish is needed or you need someone to translate. Long-term, learning Spanish enriches the experience enormously.

Is the British community welcoming to non-British expats?

Yes, generally. Social clubs, Anglican churches and events are usually open to all anglophones. Irish, South African, Australian, Canadian and American expats regularly participate.

Where do I find work as a post-Brexit Briton?

You need a work visa (if a Spanish company hires you) or a digital nomad visa (if you work remotely for a non-Spanish company). Tourism, real estate and expat services are the most accessible sectors.

Is there a British Consul on the Costa Blanca?

The British Consulate in Alicante offers consular services: emergencies, passports, birth and death registration, support in case of arrest or accident. It does not offer legal or tax advice — for that you need private professionals.

Is the British community ageing or renewing?

Both. The traditional profile (60+ retiree) remains the majority, especially in the Vega Baja. But a growing segment of younger professionals (35-50), many on digital nomad visas, is arriving in Alicante city, El Campello and Jávea. The community is not disappearing — it is evolving.

If you are thinking of joining the British community on the Costa Blanca, explore our available properties or contact us for a personalised consultation.