Why alicante is the best city for short-stay rental investment
Alicante is more than just a sunny escape on the costa blanca — it’s fast becoming one of Spain’s most attractive cities for short-stay rental investors. With a combination of year-round tourism, a major international airport, affordable real estate, and growing demand for flexible accommodation, alicante stands out as a top performer in the short-term rental market.
Whether you’re investing in a holiday apartment, a modern city flat, or a seaside family rental, the alicante short-stay investment landscape offers strong returns and long-term growth potential.
In this guide, we’ll break down why alicante is the best location on the costa blanca for Airbnb-style rentals, which areas deliver the best yield, and how you can set up your property for maximum success.
Consistent tourism keeps occupancy rates high
Unlike more seasonal coastal towns, alicante enjoys steady visitor traffic throughout the entire year. Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, thriving local economy, and strong connectivity, the city attracts a wide variety of travelers beyond just summer tourists.
In 2023, alicante-elche airport welcomed over 15 million passengers (AENA), with regular flights connecting the region to major European cities. This easy access is a major advantage for property owners looking to attract consistent short-stay bookings.
Alicante’s reliable tourism is fueled by a mix of guest types, including:
- beach tourists seeking sun, sand, and a relaxed lifestyle
- business travelers attending conferences and corporate events
- digital nomads and remote workers drawn by co-working spaces and affordable living
- international students enrolled in universities and language schools
This diverse demand base supports stable occupancy across all seasons, making alicante one of the most resilient markets for short-term rental investment on the costa blanca. Whether you’re targeting weekend visitors or longer-stay professionals, alicante provides the guest volume and variety to keep your calendar booked.
Affordable property prices and strong return potential
Compared to other major Spanish cities like Barcelona or Malaga, property in alicante remains highly affordable, making it an attractive entry point for short-stay rental investors. According to Idealista, the average price per square meter in alicante is around €1,750, which is significantly lower than in Spain’s more saturated markets.
This affordability gives investors several key advantages:
- the ability to generate stronger cash flow from day one
- a faster path to recoup initial investment (ROI)
- the opportunity to build a portfolio of properties rather than just one
Whether you’re buying your first investment property or expanding an existing portfolio, alicante offers solid value and growth potential.
Need help managing your short-stay rental? Explore Blanca Stay’s rental management services for a fully hands-off solution.ent services.
Top neighborhoods in alicante for short-stay rentals
Location is one of the most important factors in determining your success as a short-term rental host. In alicante, some neighborhoods consistently outperform others in terms of guest demand, nightly rates, and occupancy levels. Whether you’re targeting tourists, families, or remote workers, choosing the right area can significantly increase your return on investment.
Here are the top neighborhoods for short-stay rental investment in alicante:
– El centro histórico
The historic city center offers a perfect mix of culture, nightlife, shopping, and proximity to the beach. Guests love the old-town charm, cobbled streets, and easy access to top attractions like Santa Bárbara Castle and the marina. With high year-round demand, this area suits smaller apartments and boutique-style rentals.
– San juan playa
This upscale beachfront neighborhood is one of alicante’s most desirable areas for both locals and visitors. It attracts families, beachgoers, and summer tourists who are willing to pay premium prices for larger apartments with terraces or sea views. Properties here tend to perform especially well in the high season, with excellent guest satisfaction.
– Cabo de las huertas and albufereta
For those targeting mid-term stays, digital nomads, or winter guests, these quieter, more residential zones offer great opportunities. They’re close to the coast, well connected by public transport, and provide a more peaceful alternative to the city center. These areas are perfect for investors looking to balance steady bookings with lower turnover.
Each neighborhood offers different advantages depending on your strategy, guest type, and budget. If you’re unsure where to start, contact Blanca Stay for expert advice on where to invest in alicante and how to position your rental for success.
Short-term rental yields and strategy in alicante
Airbnb investment in alicante can yield gross returns of 6–9% annually, depending on property size, location, and management.
To optimize your performance:
- implement dynamic pricing tools
- offer flexible check-in/out and fast Wi-Fi
- market across multiple platforms, like Airbnb and Booking.com
- consider professional management services for full optimization
Looking for passive income? Our guaranteed rental income model offers fixed monthly payments without the hassle.
Regulations for short-stay rentals in alicante
Short-term rentals in alicante are legal but require compliance with Valencian regional regulations. To operate Short-term rentals in alicante are legal, but they must comply with Valencian regional regulations. Property owners are required to:
- register the property with the regional tourism authority and obtain a license
- meet housing and safety standards, including smoke detectors and guest information
- declare rental income to the Spanish tax office, even if you’re a non-resident
Additional rules may apply depending on the building or neighborhood.
Navigating these legal steps can be challenging, especially for foreign investors. Blanca Stay helps property owners secure all licenses and stay fully compliant so you can rent with confidence.
Contact us to learn how we simplify the process.
Ready to invest in a high-performing short-stay property in alicante?
Alicante offers one of the most stable and profitable environments for short-stay property investment in Spain. From affordable pricing and consistent guest demand to high-performing neighborhoods, the city is perfectly positioned for investors looking to enter or expand in the Costa Blanca rental market.
Talk to Blanca Stay to explore short-term investment opportunities and full-service management in alicante. We handle everything from guest communication to maintenance, licensing, and pricing — so you don’t have to.