You're looking for a second home, or perhaps a whole new life in Spain. The sun is always there. The food is delicious. But where exactly should you be? Costa Blanca North or South? In this blog we'll help you choose. Not with slick sales talk, but with an honest, practical and inspiring comparison. Honestly, the Costa Blanca South appealed to us less. On the Costa Blanca North, Gé fell in love straight away and Lindy needed a little time to get used to it. She was mad about Italy above all. And Valencia, all that buzz. That suited her better. And yet… she fell for the Costa Blanca North too.
1. Climate: sunshine on both sides, but not the same
Both regions sit on the Mediterranean. On the map they look identical. It's all the Costa Blanca, but it doesn't feel the same:
- Costa Blanca North: a little milder thanks to the mountains. Cooler nights, more greenery. Ideal if you're not keen on extreme heat.
- Costa Blanca South: warm, dry and sunny almost all the time. Perfect for winter residents and beach lovers. Good for golf, too.
☀️ After cooler air and green countryside? North. Want as much sun as possible, all year round? South.
2. Landscape and nature: intimate coves or endless beaches
- North: a rugged coastline, mountains, hidden coves. Perfect for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. Honestly, it is beautiful here.
- South: flatter, wide sandy beaches, salt lakes with flamingos. More room for watersports and for families with young children. We did find it a touch arid at times ourselves. But that flatness has plenty of advantages too. Cycling is easier here.
🌳 The north has a bit of everything. Plenty of Dutch people live here permanently, too. The south feels like one endless holiday, though it does go very quiet in winter.
3. Who lives there? Differences in residents and buyers
- North: families, young couples, retired people who genuinely want to settle. People looking for peace and quiet, culture and quality of life.
- South: winter residents, investors, holidaymakers. More geared towards short stays, with an energetic vibe.
📍 Do you want to integrate and see your children grow up in Spain? Then the north often feels like a close-knit community.
4. Property: prices, types and growth potential
- North: more exclusive, higher prices per m² (roughly €3.600/m² to € 4.000,-/m² in Jávea and Moraira). Sometimes even more than € 7.000,- per m². That's getting close to Utrecht prices. You'll find unique villas and fincas here. Steady price growth (11–16% a year).
- South: more affordable (roughly €2.300/m² in Torrevieja), with lots of flats and new build. You'll see plenty of link-detached houses and small villas here. The region is very much on the rise and, thanks to all the new build, prices are climbing sharply. In Algorfa, for example, around 45% price growth. Strong growth in popularity (+14% a year).
Own use vs. investment
- North: ideal for your own use. Luxury houses with fantastic views, high rents in the high season.
- South: in all honesty, there's more return to be had here. Purchase prices are lower and the rents much the same. High demand, high occupancy, lots of golf resorts.
🏡 North = quality, luxury and character. South = new build, a lower purchase price and returns.
5. Amenities: schools, healthcare, getting there
- North: good international schools, modern hospitals (Dénia, for example, with Dutch doctors), easy to reach via Alicante and Valencia, and a ferry to Ibiza and Mallorca.
- South: shopping malls, supermarkets, plenty of English-language healthcare, and Murcia airport on top for extra accessibility.
✅ For families or for long stays, the north is often more practical and more peacefully arranged. It's a bit more idyllic here.
6. Food & culture: Michelin or the local market?
- North: a culinary high point (Dénia = UNESCO City of Gastronomy), lovely tapas bars, local markets, traditional fiestas and old village centres. Denia even has a 3-star restaurant. The quality of the bars and restaurants here is high.
- South: lots of international kitchens, cocktail bars and beach bars. There is culture, but it's more touristy and younger. Something else that struck us were the English restaurants, serving typically English dishes. The English aren't quite our sort of people, and certainly not our sort of food.
🍽️ North = experiencing and tasting. South = lively and enjoying.
| Feature | Costa Blanca North | Costa Blanca South |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Milder, greener | Warmer, drier |
| Nature | Mountains, coves, valleys | Flat, beaches, salt lakes |
| Residents | Permanent residents, families | Winter residents, tourists |
| Property on offer | Villas, fincas, flats and townhouses | Flats, link-detached houses, new build |
| Avg. property price | €3.600/m² (11–16% growth) | €2.300/m² (up to 14% growth) |
| Type of investment | Luxury, long term | Easy entry, rental |
| Food & culture | Local, authentic | International, lively |
| Amenities | High quality, quieter | Comprehensive, accessible |
In conclusion: what suits you?
Buying your first property in Spain is a big step. Maybe you're after peace and space for your family. Or you'd like a lovely holiday home that you can rent out as well. Whatever it is you want, choose a region that suits you.
We lost our hearts to the Costa Blanca North. Is it right for you too? Then we'll explore the region together with you. Would you rather buy new build on the Costa Blanca South? We can help you with that as well. At Gusto Casa Spanje we don't just help you look for a house, we work out together with you which region really fits your plans.
Would you like to know which spot really suits you? We're happy to think it through with you. With knowledge, honest advice and personal attention.
