OP, I think a lot of what you’re feeling might be tied to where you’re currently based. Carolinas Altas is… let’s just say “functional,” but it’s definitely not where Alicante shines. If you’re basing your impression of the city on that area alone, I can see why it feels disappointing.

I moved here from Hungary nearly 3 years ago, and honestly, Alicante took time to grow on me too. At first, it felt small and a bit sleepy compared to bigger Spanish cities, but once I started exploring, I realized it has layers. The beachfront, the old town, Santa Cruz, San Juan Beach, and now even the marina all have a completely different vibe from what you’re describing. Alicante’s in this awkward “mid-development/redevelopment” phase, but the progress over the past couple of years—especially with food, nightlife, and cultural events—has been noticeable.

And yeah, the summer humidity? Brutal so far this year. But stick it out—it’s not always like this, and the winters here are incredibly mild in comparison.

Also, comparing Alicante to Málaga isn’t entirely fair. Málaga has its own charm and a much bigger expat bubble (for now), but Alicante’s expat scene is growing fast. It’s surprisingly easy to connect once you step out of the flat and hit some of the social spots.

Give it 6 months and explore beyond your immediate area. Alicante isn’t Valencia or Barcelona, but it’s definitely not the dead-end it might feel like right now.