Looking beyond the Costa del Sol for lifestyle-driven buyers
Over the past few years, many buyers have started their property search on the Costa del Sol, attracted by its reputation, lifestyle and international profile. What often happens next is that prices in areas such as Marbella, Benahavís or Estepona quickly push beyond what feels comfortable.
What surprises many buyers is how often their search then shifts to Costa Blanca South.
Not because it is a cheaper alternative, but because it offers many of the same lifestyle qualities: security, golf, beachside living, modern homes and strong communities, often at more accessible price points.
Below we look at several Costa Blanca South areas that buyers regularly compare with the Costa del Sol, and why they are gaining so much attention.
Las Colinas Golf and Country Club
Comparable lifestyle to Benahavís and gated Marbella communities
Las Colinas has established itself as one of the most prestigious residential resorts on the Costa Blanca South. The entire resort is gated and benefits from 24-hour security, giving it a strong sense of privacy and exclusivity.
One of its biggest strengths is how carefully it has been developed. The resort is low density, extremely well maintained, and has a genuine community feel with a mix of nationalities living there year-round. It is also very well connected, with easy access to the motorway and Alicante airport.
Many properties enjoy elevated positions with views across the golf course, surrounding countryside and, in some cases, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
Facilities on the resort include restaurants, sports areas, a gym and spa, golf shop and a nature trail. As the resort continues to grow, further amenities are planned, adding to its long-term appeal.
There is still a good selection of new-build opportunities available, including:
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new-build apartments from just under €600,000 for three bedrooms
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new-build villas with private pools from approximately €755,000
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and several interesting plots for buyers looking to build a bespoke home
For buyers drawn to the security and prestige of Benahavís-style living but wanting newer homes and better value, Las Colinas often stands out immediately.
La Finca Golf, Algorfa
Comparable lifestyle to La Cala Golf or Mijas Golf
La Finca Golf is one of the most established golf resorts on the Costa Blanca and is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the region.
Set among orange groves, open countryside and mountain backdrops, the surroundings are a big part of its appeal. The resort feels mature and well settled, rather than overdeveloped.
La Finca offers a five-star hotel with spa facilities, a well-known clubhouse with beautiful views, and several excellent restaurants. The quality of the facilities is such that elite athletes have even used the resort for training.
The motorway connection makes it easy to reach Alicante airport, which is a key factor for international buyers.
Although much of the resort has already been developed, there are still some outstanding plots being built on, including one of the best plots on the entire course, for which exclusive pre-launch information is available.
Current price points remain very attractive:
For buyers who like the lifestyle offered by Costa del Sol golf resorts but want more space and value, La Finca is a strong alternative.
Orihuela Costa
Comparable lifestyle to Marbella East and Mijas Costa beachside areas
Parts of Orihuela Costa feel very different from the general perception many buyers have. In several beachside zones, quiet streets are lined with high-quality villas, creating an atmosphere similar to Marbella’s beachside neighbourhoods.
What is changing significantly is the apartment offering. The upcoming Las Vistas development, located between Playa Flamenca and Punta Prima, will introduce true luxury beachside apartments. Until now, this type of product has been very limited in Orihuela Costa, aside from a small number of developments such as Bioko in Cabo Roig.
The area benefits from excellent infrastructure, with La Zenia Boulevard acting as a central hub. There is also a growing selection of quality restaurants, wine bars and services, making it increasingly appealing for year-round living.
Campoamor
Campoamor deserves special mention. It has long been a favourite location for Spanish buyers, particularly second-home owners from Madrid. Many apartments here offer sea views, and the surrounding streets feature large villas set among mature trees, giving the area a more established and upmarket feel.
Torre de la Horadada
Comparable lifestyle to Estepona’s relaxed coastal atmosphere
Torre de la Horadada offers a more laid-back coastal lifestyle that many buyers compare to Estepona before its recent transformation.
The area has a good balance between international residents and Spanish families, which gives it an authentic, lived-in feel. It is walkable, close to the sea, and has a steadily growing choice of restaurants and local services.
Just a few minutes inland is Pilar de la Horadada town, which adds a proper Spanish town atmosphere with busy cafés, restaurants and year-round activity.
Nearby Lo Romero Golf further strengthens the area’s appeal. There is currently a wide range of new-build properties available there, making it an attractive option for buyers who want access to both the coast and a golf lifestyle.
Why this price gap exists
The difference between Costa Blanca South and the Costa del Sol is not about quality. It comes down to factors such as international branding, historical visibility, land availability and the timing of demand.
Buyers who focus on lifestyle rather than location labels often find that Costa Blanca South delivers everything they are looking for, just without the headline prices.
Costa Blanca South or Costa del Sol?
For many buyers, Costa Blanca South is no longer a compromise. It offers modern homes, strong communities, golf and beachside living, and good long-term value.
That said, some buyers simply have their heart set on the Costa del Sol, and that is perfectly valid.
We work across both Costa Blanca South and the Costa del Sol, so whether your search leads you north or south, we can help you compare locations honestly and find the option that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
