The Costa Blanca was among the first of the Spanish Costas to take off during the tourism boom of the 1950s and since then its hasn't looked back. Once sleepy little fishing villages, the Costa Blanca is now a booming holiday and expat magnet with something for everyone.

As a holiday or expat homeowner looking for a life in the sun, Alicante and the coast around it is ideal for all lifestyles and ages. There is a modern, well-serviced airport, located just 9km from the centre of Alicante, with low-cost flights arriving daily from large and small European local airports. The expat communities in and around Alicante have been there for many years, with bi-lingual schools the norm and easy access to your favourite products from home. British, Dutch and German communities are the easiest to find here so there's always someone on hand for the day-to-day procedures you may have to deal with.

Alicante itself is ideal for a day out from your holiday home in Dénia, Jávea or Benidorm. We recommend a visit to the San Nicolas Cathedral, a famous landmark built in a Baroque style which has been restored in recent years as part of a wider city project to promote Valencian art and heritage. Santa Barbara Castle is located on Mount Benacantil at a height of 166m and offers great views of the city. It has its own museum with exhibitions that change regularly. Another fantastic museum is the MARQ, a museum dedicated to the archaeology of Alicante where you can find out about local history through a series of exhibitions and audio-visual learning tools.

Take a walk on the famous Explanada de España. Designed by architect José Guardiola Picó, the esplanade's pattern reflects the waves of the Mediterranean Sea and includes an art market, cafés and bars. 6,000,000 tri-colour tiles were used for the design of the esplanade which runs parallel to the city's marina.

To celebrate and party like a local, head to Alicante on the evening of the 23rd June when the bonfires of San Juan take place. Fantastic frework displays, music and colour fill the city as it officially celebrates San Juan and the coming of summer.

Please have a further look on this informative, easy to use website immoVario.com which gives details of available properties for sale in Alicante!