El Campello Spain – Your Guide To This Overlooked Spanish Gem

When I first sat down to write this article, I considered whether I should write this for people visiting El Campello, Spain, as tourists, or if I should write this from the perspective of someone who lives in El Campello for others who might also be interested in doing the same. There are some definite differences between the two. But given that I’m partial to this wonderful little corner of Spain, I thought this article might be best served by covering both. So while this will be a bit lengthy (you can skip around using the table of contents links below), it will also be a comprehensive guide to this part of Alicante, Spain.

Where Is El Campello Spain?

El Campello is on the midcoast of Spain, directly on the Mediterranean Sea. (You can zoom out on the map below to get a better idea of its location.) It is part of the Alicante “county” (as Americans would understand it). Spain doesn’t truly have “counties” the way the States do, but it gives you a frame of reference.

Alicante is both a big city and a “county” or region of Spain that includes the city of the same name. El Campello is in the northernmost part of the region of Alicante (it’s not in the city proper)

Map Credit: Google Maps

Is El Campello Worth Visiting?

I may be a bit biased simply because I chose to make my home here, but El Campello is definitely worth a visit. It’s a smaller fishing town with a vibrant downtown area. The marina is beautiful and even has some Roman ruins you can visit.

The main strip through town has oodles of shops, bakeries, restaurants, grocery stores, produce stores, and pretty much anything else you could need while being only one street over from the beach promenade that droves of people flock to in summer for the epic stretches of coastline here. It’s a very walkable little town and has wonderful transport, which I’ll get into in a bit.

It’s also just a tram ride away from the city of Alicante, which is much bigger and busier, particularly in the summer months when the tourists return. Alicante city has a similar feel to (at least in my opinion) San Francisco. I often refer to it as the San Francisco of Spain.

So if you stay in El Campello, Alicante city is a super easy day trip, and you don’t have to deal with trying to find parking or any of the other annoyances that come with staying smack in the middle of a noisy, big city.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Alicante city, and I strongly urge you to visit that area as well. But I also love a quiet evening, which is something that is much harder to come by in the middle of a big city. Particularly here in Spain where the nightlife tends to be quite loud.

So if you are the type of person who loves to party, stay out late, you love sweltering heat in summer, and enjoy the big city life, then definitely opt for staying in the city of Alicante. But if you prefer a slower pace, more sea breezes, and a quieter experience in general, El Campello is a must-visit Spanish gem.

How Much Is A Taxi From Alicante Airport To El Campello?

A taxi from the closest airport (Alicante) to El Campello will run you roughly 60-70 euros. If you are an app person, the best app to use for getting around the greater Alicante area is PediTaxi.

It functions similarly to the Uber app, but it’s only for taxis. You need to enter your card into the app, and chances are, you’ll need to let your bank know about the specific charge just prior to adding your card to the app, or the card may be denied. It’s worth doing this before you leave the States. That said, the Uber app does work here, and can sometimes be cheaper than a taxi. So I highly recommend having both apps on your phone so you can compare prices in the moment if you are watching your budget.

How Much Is The Tram From Alicante To El Campello?

If you prefer to take the tram (street car/small train) from the airport, you will need to be aware of a couple of details. Namely, that the tram does not run directly to the airport, so you will need to take a bus first.

Bus route C6 runs between the airport and Luceros tram station. Once you get to the tram which is located underground under the big statue in the middle of a large round-about, you will see that this particular line of trams run along the Costa Blanca connecting the towns of Alicante, Benidorm, and Dénia, which is a rather long stretch of Spanish coastline.

Honestly, if you are visiting for the first time, your best bet is to take a taxi or Uber from the airport to the tram station. While it will cost a bit more, the difference is often worth avoiding the headache of navigating multiple types of transportation in a new city. Particularly if you are not fluent in Spanish.

How To Buy A Tram Ticket

When I tell you that this was a HUGE point of stress for me as a new immigrant, know that this is the understatement of the century. Maybe it was the overwhelm of being in a new country where I didn’t speak the language, but I did everything I could to avoid taking the tram, because of the ticket machines, in the beginning. But with time, I figured it out, and you can too, with a little friendly guidance here.

The Luceros tram station (which is down the street from the main train station, in case you plan to arrive by train – just look for the tall statue down the road as you exit the main door of the train station) is a larger station that is underground. (photo above). There is an information center at the main train station where they do speak English and will easily guide you towards the tram station if you need it.

Navigating Larger Tram Stations In Alicante

The larger stations function a bit differently from the smaller ones. In larger stations (there are only a few of them in the city of Alicante) you will buy your ticket prior to getting on the tram and scan it to leave if you exit in a larger station. At smaller stations, you do not need to scan it upon exit.

The ticket machines line the walls of the station. If you don’t speak Spanish, look for the button on the screen in the top left corner that says, “Idioma” (language). You can select your language from there. Hint: languages are represented by flags. You will not find an American flag as an option. So choose the UK flag. Had I known about the Idioma button in the beginning, my stress would have been greatly reduced!

Once you select your language, you’ll want to press the Single TAM button if your destination is El Campello. Anything beyond that will require buying a more expensive ticket to cross two zones.

Tickets are priced according to the number of zones you will be traveling to. If you do not plan to go any further north than the town of El Campello, feel free to buy a ticket for 1 zone.

That said, Luceros has a kiosk in the middle of the station where you can purchase a “Mobilis Multi-Trip Pass”. If you plan to take the tram between El Campello and Alicante with any regularity on your trip, this multi-pass is the more cost-efficient option. You simply tell them how much you want to put on the card, and then you can easily scan it each time you get on the tram or bus. The cost is 1.50 euros per trip at the time of this writing.

Navigating Smaller Tram Stations

Anything outside of Alicante city will typically be a small station. At these stations, there are no machines to purchase a ticket. Most are just an outdoor stop with a sign and a bench or two, particularly along the coastal areas. So you’ll need to purchase your ticket once you are on the train. This works exactly the same as it does in the bigger tram stations and also has the button for picking your language. They are the same machines, on or off the tram.

If you do not have a multi-pass, you do not have to worry about scanning a ticket you purchase on the train. Simply buy the ticket and have a seat. But don’t lose your ticket. Tram attendants can ask to see your ticket at any point, even after you have gotten off the tram but are still in the station area. So don’t lose it.

Knowing Which Tram To Take

In this stretch of Alicante, you only have two options. The L3 and the L1. They run along the same track, but there is one very important difference. The L3 stops and EVERY stop along the route. The L1, does not. So the L1 is great for getting where you want to go fast, but the L3 is what you need to stop at less frequented stops.

El Campello Area Guide

Let’s dive into getting to know the area now.

General Vibe – El Campello is slower-paced than the city of Alicante and is smaller in size. However, it is still a vibrant town with plenty to do. It has a laid-back atmosphere with a huge and incredibly beautiful stretch of coastline. The summer months are bustling with tourists on the beachfront promenade, and the winter months are relaxing and slower-paced.

Neighborhoods & Areas – As a tourist, the key areas you’ll want to navigate are the beachfront promenade, the Roman ruins and marina, the main drag through town, and the open market on Wednesdays, along with many, many restaurants.

Where to Stay – Please note that this information was correct at the time of writing this article. Phone numbers, emails, and even websites can change over time. So if you find something that is no longer accurate, feel free to leave a comment below and I will update it immediately.

1. JovA Hotel Boutique – Best for Tourists & Couples
   A beachfront hotel with modern rooms, sea views, an on-site Mediterranean restaurant, and close to local attractions.
   Address: C/Sant Pere 39, 03560 El Campello, Alicante
   Phone: +34 966 29 29 29
   Email: info@jovahotel.com
   Website: jovahotel.com
2. Hotel La Familia – Best for Tourists & Families
   A waterfront hotel with cozy rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a short walk to the beach.
   Address: Carrer Sant Pere 147, 03560 El Campello, Alicante
   Phone: +34 965 637 776
   Email: reservas@hotelcampellolafamilia.com
   Website: hotelcampellolafamilia.com
3. Dormio Resort Costa Blanca Beach & Spa – Best for Families & Long-Term Travelers
   A top choice for families and long-term guests. It has fully equipped apartments, a wellness center, outdoor pools, and direct beach access.
   Address: Calle de Altea 14, 03560 El Campello, Alicante
   Phone: +34 965 079 333
   Website: dormio.uk
   Note: This place is a 20-minute bus ride north of downtown El Campello, but totally worth it. I walk past it all the time and it’s a very nice area. Plus, it’s close to my favorite restaurant on the planet, El Vecino. Stop by and you might even catch me there! But note that you may need to stop by or call earlier in the day to make a reservation during the summer months. They all speak Spanish, German, English, and even a bit of French. So don’t stress about calling if you don’t speak Spanish.
4. Hostal12 – Best for Budget Travelers & Digital Nomads
   A budget guesthouse with clean, modern rooms and close to public transport and restaurants.
   Address: Avenida dels Furs, 12, esc. 5, local 4, El Campello, 03560 Alicante
   Phone: +34 693 93 74 34
   Email: hostal12campello@gmail.com
   Website: hostal12.es
5. La Familia Gallo Rojo – Best for Tourists & Families
   A hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop with sea views, an outdoor pool, and just a short walk to the beach.
   Address: Carrer de Benissa, 9, 03560 El Campello, Alicante
   Phone: +34 965 63 64 68
   Website: hotellafamiliagallorojo.com
6. Rooms by JovA – Best for Digital Nomads & Solo Travelers
   Description: Hotel with rooms, service, restaurant and beachfront.
   Address: C/San Pedro 128, 03560 El Campello, Alicante
   Phone: +34 966 29 29 29
   Website: roomsbyjova.com

What’s The General Vibe In El Campello?

Local Culture & Lifestyle – In El Campello, you will find warm people, a laid-back atmosphere, and plenty to do. Whatever you do, don’t rush through your day here. This is a place where time slows down, and so should you. Meals are slow and lengthy with plenty of good conversation.

Food Scene – Coffee is a religion here, as is the jamon (pork). Fruits and vegetables are flavorful and robust, restaurant meals are vibrant and delicious, and dishes to try are the Patatas Bravas (potato wedges with a red sauce), Tortilla (basically an egg and potato frittata), and Empanadas. (The cheese and bacon empanadas are my favorite.)

What To Do In El Campello Spain

Beaches – El Campello has an incredible beachfront that I highly recommend. But the most beautiful stretch of coast in this area is Playa Muchavista. It’s easily reached by the L3 tram and is just south of downtown El Campello.

Outdoor Activities – Snorkeling, paddleboarding, jetskiing, hiking trails nearby or even taking a beginner’s surf course are all great options for outdoor activities. Want to book something? Get in touch! I’ll help you navigate the large number of options you have in this area and help get you booked for fun in the Spanish sun.

Historical & Cultural Sites – The Torre de la Illeta is a tower down near the marina. It makes for a fun, short visit and is close to the Roman ruins, which I also highly recommend.

Markets & Shopping – As mentioned above, the local market is held on Wednesdays and is held in a more local area of El Campello, away from the tourist areas. It’s a large market that offers clothing and art at the upper level, and tons of fresh, beautiful produce at the lower level. And of course, El Campello has a fabulous number of artisan shops to enjoy and browse through.

Day Trips – Places worth visiting nearby include Alicante city, Villajoyosa, as well as Benidorm. For big box stores with tons of shopping, Finestrat is your best option and is one tram stop before Benidorm.

Alicante city is worthwhile, and I’ll have a city guide coming out soon to help you navigate all the many things to do there.

Villajoyosa is a smaller but fun town to visit. The historic district has tons of beautiful alleyways and colorful houses. In fact, the town is known for this.

Benidorm is the major hangout for Brits in this country. It can get a little wild and crazy. Brits know how to drink and party!! So if you want to party, this is where you want to be! But if you prefer to have things be a little calmer, I recommend other areas instead.

What It’s Like Living In El Campello Spain

El Campello has a small expat/immigrant community that I have gotten quite involved with. I have made fantastic friends and have way more of a social life now than I’ve had in all my years back home. So that part has been great!

Living without a car has been a huge adjustment, and yes, sometimes I wish I could drive. However, the roads here are so different that it’s too intimidating for me. Plus, I no longer want the expense of having a car. So I’ve learned to adjust and it ain’t half bad! It has forced me to slow down because I can’t run 20 errands in a day. I can do 3 max if they are all in the same area, and I’m totally okay with that.

Life here is so much slower than in the States. For many people, that’s a huge adjustment. But slower doesn’t mean boring either. There is plenty to do whenever you want to do it, and the big city is a 45-minute tram ride away. So it’s really the best of both worlds.

I’m right on the coast here, so even in the worst of the summer humidity, the sea breezes tend to help a lot. You don’t get that inland at all.

The nightlife is great if you enjoy eating out a lot, but for bigger city stuff, again… Alicante is a tram ride away. I don’t particularly go out at night much these days anyway, so I can’t really attest to what there is to do at night beyond the mall, the movie theater, and the big city. But that’s enough to keep most people busy.

How Much Does It Cost To Live In El Campello Spain?

Compared to the American prices I’m used to, Spain is amazing when it comes to the cost of living. That said, what I can do as one person will be different than what a family of four can do. So I guess it’s all relative. It helps that I don’t have to pay for healthcare. Because I pay Autonomo taxes here (basically, self-employment taxes), I get to access the public healthcare system in Spain. So that expense is a non-issue, which is a huge relief after paying for American healthcare. (Which I’m still paying bills on each month!)

Rents – I would have to say that rents can range between $800 and $1200 a month, with a few being cheaper, and many being more expensive.

Utilities – For a smaller, 2-bedroom apartment, utilities in winter run about $90, and water (paid every 3 months) is about $55. I’m not sure what internet service costs because it’s been included in the rent for every place I’ve lived so far.

Cell phone plans – I have a pricier plan and pay $45 per month. There are cheaper ones and definitely more expensive ones.

Groceries – I spend approximately $400-$500 per month on food, but keep in mind that I cook for a living. So I’m constantly buying groceries. Most single people could get by on less than this. Even on as little as half.

Gas/Petrol – (They don’t call it gas in other parts of the world. It’s called Petrol). I have seen prices for $1.56 per liter. There are roughly 3 liters to a gallon, so a rough estimate would be $4.68 per gallon.

Property taxes – They tend to run pretty low here but will depend on the house. They are definitely much lower than what I paid in the States. I had a 2 bedroom house in Maine and paid about $2000 a year in taxes, give or take. Here, for about the same size house, it would be approximately $400 a year.

Did I Miss Anything?

If you’d like to know anything else about the area, feel free to reach out and ask!