After living in Alicante for nearly two years, friends often ask me about the safety situation here. Today I’ll share my real experience. Overall, Alicante’s safety ranks above average in Spain, though there are significant differences between areas.
Safety Comparison by Area
The old town city center has heavy foot traffic during the day and is relatively safe, but extra caution is needed after 10 PM. The Explanada promenade and Postiguet Beach area are quite safe throughout the day, with many tourists and frequent police patrols. The San Juan beach area has good security and is suitable for families. Note that the train station surroundings and certain old neighborhoods are best avoided when walking alone at night.
Common Safety Issues
The most common problem here is petty theft, especially in crowded markets and tourist attractions. Always wear your backpack in front and don’t keep your phone in your back pocket. A neighbor of mine had their wallet stolen at the Mercadona supermarket entrance, so stay alert when shopping, as discussed in this Alicante safety guide. Burglaries are more common on ground floors, so installing security doors and windows is recommended.
| Area | Safety Rating | Main Issues |
|---|
| City Center | 7/10 | Pickpockets, nighttime noise |
| Beachfront | 8/10 | More pickpockets in tourist season |
| San Juan | 9/10 | Few problems |
| Train Station Area | 5/10 | Homeless, thieves |
Practical Safety Tips
When going out, I pay attention to these points: Don’t display wealth in public, especially avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Travel with others at night when possible and avoid isolated alleys. Be cautious of strangers approaching you, particularly those who are overly friendly. Download the local police app on your phone and call 091 or 112 in emergencies.
Residential choice is also important. My current apartment has an access control system and ground-floor surveillance, which gives me much more peace of mind. Good neighborly relationships help as people look out for each other. Additionally, purchasing home insurance is necessary—at least you’ll have coverage if something happens.
Honestly, Alicante is quite livable overall. As long as you maintain basic safety awareness, the quality of life is high. Of course, you can’t let your guard down completely. The police here are fairly responsible and reports do get processed. I hope this information helps those planning to come to Alicante. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
