Playa de San Juan, Alicante: life by the long beach
Playa de San Juan, Alicante: a sandy beach, blocks with pools, the golf course and the tram to town. We scored three addresses.
Contents 10 sections
What the district is like
Playa de San Juan is the north-eastern district of Alicante, along the city's longest beach. The sand runs for several kilometres; behind it is the promenade, and behind that the blocks with pools and gardens.
Building started in the seventies and has not stopped. Many people from other countries have settled here, and it shows in the shops and schools.
On foot
The streets are wide, with palms and cycle lanes. There are supermarkets, restaurants, clinics and schools, but they are far apart and walking takes time.
The beach is within a walk of most front doors. The tram runs to the centre of Alicante, and the ride is not short. Next door is a golf course ringed by expensive houses.
What we measured
The addresses are Avenida Costa Blanca, Avenida de Niza and Avenida de las Naciones. The first runs through the interior of the district; the other two are nearer the sea.
| Address | Score | Groceries | Station or stop | School | Park | Noise and air |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avinguda de la Costa Blanca, Alicante | 66.6 | 9 min | 2 minCamino del Faro | 8 min | 5 min | −0.4 |
| Avinguda de Niça, Alicante | 70.1 | 7 min | 4 minCastilla | 12 min | 1 min | −0.4 |
| Avinguda de les Nacions, Alicante | 65.4 | 2 min | 3 minLa Marjal | 7 min | 2 min | −2.5 |
Map numbers match the table rows. Use the plus button to zoom in.
The beach next door lifts the leisure figure and the distances between shops pull it down. How that balances is on How the score works.
Who it suits
- Families with children.
- Expats.
- Retirees.
- Remote workers.
The trade-offs
In winter the district is half empty and in summer it overflows. The streets are laid out for drivers, and the centre is far. Residents like the beach; the swing between the seasons is what they grumble about.
The housing
Blocks of six floors and more with a pool, garden, court and garage. Flats with big terraces. By the golf course, terraced houses and villas. Most Playa de San Juan real estate is of this kind.
What to check
Come in January and ask how many neighbours stay in the building through the winter. Measure the walk to the tram and to the supermarket.
With children
The beach, a pool at home and international schools nearby. Children have plenty to do, and parents do a lot of driving.
Without a car
Near the tram it can be done, but it is awkward. A bike works inside the district.
Neighbours
Towards the centre, round the headland, is La Albufereta, a cove with tower blocks.