Benidorm & FinestratThe Complete Buyer's Guide 2026

Absolutely. Benidorm has evolved far beyond its reputation as a tourist destination. The city offers excellent healthcare facilities, international schools, reliable infrastructure, and a genuine community of both locals and international residents. The climate is perfect for year-round living, and there's genuine entertainment and cultural options beyond nightlife. Finestrat is particularly popular for permanent residents seeking a quieter mountain lifestyle with panoramic views.

Benidorm is a vibrant beachfront city with high-rise modern architecture, world-class infrastructure, nightlife, and tourism. Finestrat is a traditional Valencian mountain village offering authentic charm, panoramic views, a slower pace of life, and a strong community atmosphere. Benidorm is about energy and activity; Finestrat is about tranquility and lifestyle. Many buyers choose both — a beach apartment in Benidorm for excitement and rental income, and a villa in Finestrat for peaceful living.

Yes, and this is one of Benidorm's strongest investment advantages. Year-round tourism generates reliable rental income from short-term tourist rentals, typically 5-8% annually. Many professional property management companies handle all bookings, maintenance, and guest communication. You maintain ownership while earning passive income. This model works exceptionally well for beachfront and well-located apartments. Finestrat properties are better for permanent residency than rental investment.

Benidorm apartments range from €120,000 (good value neighborhoods like Rincon de Loix) to €400,000 (beachfront sea-view locations). Penthouses command €300,000-€800,000. Finestrat apartments start at €200,000, villas from €350,000, with luxury Sierra Cortina properties reaching €700,000+. Prices vary significantly by location, sea view, property size, and amenities. Both areas offer excellent value compared to other Mediterranean destinations.

Benidorm is considered one of the safest destinations on the Costa Blanca. It has significant police presence, well-lit streets, good infrastructure, and modern security systems in residential areas and developments. The main tourist areas, residential neighborhoods, and established expat communities are particularly safe. Standard travel precautions apply, as with any popular tourist destination, but serious crime is rare.

Alicante-Elche Airport is just 45 minutes away by car and serves hundreds of international destinations. Valencia Airport is 90 minutes away with additional options. Madrid is 4.5 hours by car or high-speed train for worldwide connections. The area has excellent international connectivity making it ideal for those needing regular travel access.

EU/EEA citizens have unrestricted residence rights. Non-EU citizens can obtain residency through various visa programs including the Golden Visa (property investment), Digital Nomad Visa, student visas, and work visas. Retirement visas are available for those with sufficient passive income. We recommend consulting with an immigration specialist to explore options for your specific situation. Our team can provide referrals to qualified advisors.

Annual property tax (IBI) is modest, typically 0.4-0.7% of cadastral value. Community fees for apartments (if applicable) range €50-200 monthly depending on amenities. Utilities (electricity, water, gas) cost €80-150 monthly. No inheritance tax between spouses. You will pay purchase taxes (6-10% depending on property status) at acquisition. Overall ongoing costs are significantly lower than Northern European countries. We provide detailed cost estimates for specific properties.