La Nucía, a picturesque town in Alicante province on Spain's Costa Blanca, offers a tranquil alternative to its bustling neighbour Benidorm. Positioned inland between Benidorm, Altea and Polop, and merely 9–10 km from the coastline, it provides convenient access to the Mediterranean while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere away from the more crowded coastal destinations.
In contrast to neighbouring Benidorm, La Nucía presents an authentic ambience, blending traditional Spanish charm with contemporary residential life, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Features and Attractions
The town features a charming old centre with whitewashed houses, narrow streets and a historic church. It also includes a variety of newer residential areas and villas, alongside a well-established international community. Beautiful mountain and valley scenery offers views stretching across the surrounding Alicante landscape, with convenient access to the beaches, restaurants and attractions of Benidorm and Altea, while remaining removed from the bustle of a major tourist resort.
Cuisine and Local Specialities
Cuisine in La Nucía showcases the abundant culinary heritage of Alicante and the broader Valencia region, with Mediterranean influences forming the foundation of local gastronomy. There are lots of rice-based dishes, fresh vegetables, seafood, meat and locally sourced produce. Rice stands out as a particular speciality, with local establishments serving favourites such as arroz a banda, traditional paella and other Alicante-style rice preparations.
The Marina Baixa also boasts several distinctive regional specialities. Minxos are small, thin breads or pancakes traditionally made with wheat or corn and served with savoury toppings, while pilotes de dacsa are cornmeal dumplings with a savoury filling. Another regional dish is arroz cuinat, a traditional rice recipe that represents the area's straightforward and substantial cooking style.
Given the Mediterranean coast's proximity, fresh fish and seafood are readily available, especially in nearby Altea and Benidorm. The local culinary scene is complemented by quintessential Mediterranean staples, including olive oil, tomatoes, peppers, almonds, citrus fruits and seasonal vegetables, establishing La Nucía as an excellent destination for authentic and flavoursome Spanish cuisine.
The town also boasts Michelin-starred restaurant El Xato, recognised as a family-run establishment and "the most prestigious restaurant in the Marina Baixa area". Michelin observes the staff "do everything possible to ensure diners arrive as guests but leave as friends". Chef Cristina Figueira, alongside her husband Francisco Cano, "demonstrates an inexhaustible spirit", which has propelled her to become "one of the most outstanding cooks" in the region, thanks to her "mastery" of Alicante cuisine, according to Michelin.
Scenery and Property
The surrounding countryside is another of La Nucía's major attractions, offering stunning mountain and valley vistas across the Alicante landscape. Positioned approximately 226 metres above sea level, the town lies between the coast and the mountains, providing convenient access to the magnificent Guadalest Valley, as well as the beaches and attractions of Benidorm and Altea.
Situated in a valley less than six miles north of Benidorm, La Nucía has a population of approximately 19,000. Property prices begin at around €200,000 (£171,000) for apartments, while villas typically start from €300,000 (£276,000) and increase substantially for larger properties with pools or sea views, according to Idealista. Within easy reach of both Alicante and Valencia, La Nucía attracts residents from Spain, Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.
Getting to La Nucía
For those seeking overnight stays, La Nucía offers a variety of accommodation options, with Hostal Sunami, Casa Alice, Casa Rural and Hostal Kaizen among those listed on Booking.com.
Travelling to La Nucía from the UK is fairly simple, with direct flights to Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC), the region's main airport. La Nucía itself does not have its own airport. Alicante Airport lies approximately 50–65 km from La Nucía, and a drive by car or taxi generally takes around 45–60 minutes.
Direct flights to Alicante are available from numerous UK airports, including Liverpool, with airlines including Ryanair and easyJet; Manchester, which has frequent services with Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2; Birmingham, which also offers direct flights to Alicante; and London, with several airports offering direct services, depending on the airline and time of year. This makes La Nucía a reasonably accessible destination for British visitors, whether heading there for a holiday, an extended stay, or to scout the area as a potential place to settle.
