Spain's gorgeous climate, golden coastline and close proximity to the UK has made it a magnet for British expats.
Property there is known to be more affordable compared to in England, with budgets stretching much further when it comes to size and quality.
As one of the most popular destinations for holiday-makers leaving Bristol Airport, we took a look at what money can buy in Alicante on a typical Bristol budget.
According to Zoopla data released this month, the average price of a Bristol home - including flats and other property types as well as houses - is now £278,000.
A glance at the latest listings suggests that this would buy a three-bedroom terraced house in the outskirts of Bristol, or a small apartment in central Bristol.
In the name of escapism and curiosity, we found out what that middle ground figure of £278,000 could buy in Alicante.
Here are just some of the beautiful villas, some with private pools or just a short stroll from the beach, that we found within budget in or near the Alicante province:
This four-bedroom, three-bathroom villa in Ciudad Quesada is being marketed by Fine & Country, and comes with a sizeable communal pool and stunning mountain views.
Bars, restaurants, supermarkets, shops and gyms are all nearby, and it's priced at €270,000.
This m odern south-facing villa in La Zenia is on the market for €279,000, and also has access to a large communal pool.
Marketed by Sunterra Spain, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a lovely outdoor seating area.
Another property from Sunterra Spain, this is an apartment as opposed to a villa, but it offers plenty of space.
There are shared pool and gym facilities on site, a peaceful private barbecue area, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, all for € 239,000.
It's located in Ciudad Quesada and is on the ground floor.
For property hunters seeking a more rural setting, this idyllic villa near Ontinyent - about an hour's drive from Alicante Airport - could be a perfect match.
It has panoramic mountain views, a large garden with its very own private pool, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Sunterra Spain is marketing the villa for €269,000.
For a more modern slice of Spain, this three-bedroom villa in Vistabella Golf offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms over one level.
It has its very own private plunge pool and is being marketed by Spanish Legal Homes, for £244,585.
In a similar price range, Costa Activa is marketing this three-bedroom villa in Los Montesinos for £240,145.
It's on a new luxury development and has its own private pool, a terrace and a rooftop solarium.
