In recent years, specialty coffee Alicante has evolved from a niche movement into a fast-growing cultural trend. Walk through the city’s streets — from El Barrio to the Mercado Central — and you’ll see independent cafés, micro-roasters, and young coffee professionals serving cups that rival those of Berlin, Copenhagen, or Barcelona. But why is Alicante, a coastal city better known for its sun and beaches, becoming a hub for specialty coffee lovers?
Let’s explore the reasons behind this rise — and why this might just be the best time to embrace better coffee.
A Changing Coffee Culture in Spain
Spain has always had a strong coffee tradition, but historically it leaned towards dark roasted, commercial blends served quickly at the bar. While that culture remains part of daily life, younger generations are becoming more aware of the origin, quality, and ethics behind what’s in their cup.
Across major cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in the last decade. Specialty coffee shops, cuppings, barista training programs, and origin-conscious cafés have spread rapidly. Alicante is no exception — in fact, its growth has accelerated as both locals and international visitors embrace a more refined, ethical, and flavorful way of drinking coffee.
The difference is not just in taste. Specialty coffee focuses on:
- 100% Arabica beans, often single origin
- High SCA scores (above 80 points)
- Direct trade and traceability
- Light to medium roasts that respect origin character
- Manual brewing methods like V60, Aeropress, Chemex, and espresso done right
Why Is Specialty Coffee Alicante Becoming a Reference in Europe ?
So, why specialty coffee in Alicante specifically?
Alicante benefits from a unique mix of factors:
International Influence
A large population of digital nomads, international students, and expats — especially from Northern Europe — bring with them a demand for high-quality coffee. They’re used to third wave cafés and expect that same experience abroad.
Lifestyle + Climate
The Mediterranean lifestyle encourages slow mornings, sunny terraces, and social cafés. It aligns naturally with the values of specialty coffee: taking time to enjoy, connecting with people, and appreciating what you consume.
Coffee Education & New Professionals
Baristas and coffee entrepreneurs in the region are investing in professional training, cupping knowledge, and ethical sourcing. This generation doesn’t just serve coffee — they tell its story.
Roasters + Local Brands
New roasters are emerging in the province, offering freshly roasted, traceable, high-quality beans. This brings awareness not only to cafés but also to home brewers.
Where to Find Real Specialty Coffee in Alicante
If you’re in Alicante and curious to try real specialty coffee, you’re in the right place.
Look for cafés and roasters that offer:
- Transparent origin information
- Fresh roasting dates on their bags
- Coffee brewed with precision, not burned or rushed
- Baristas who speak passionately about the bean, the farm, and the flavor profile
Whether you’re enjoying an espresso with tropical notes or a filter coffee with floral complexity, the experience is different — and better.
The Rise of Home Specialty Coffee Alicante
Another factor fueling the growth of specialty coffee in Alicante is the rise of home brewing. More people are investing in grinders, manual brewing gear, and whole bean coffee, inspired by what they experience in third wave cafés. With access to freshly roasted beans from local roasters and online shops, it’s easier than ever to bring the specialty coffee experience into your own kitchen. If you’re looking for an easy and refreshing place to start, check out this guide on how to prepare a cold brew at home.
This trend has helped educate consumers, who now understand the difference between fresh, well-sourced beans and mass-market coffee blends.
Not Just a Trend, but a Shift
Specialty coffee in Alicante is growing fast — but more importantly, it’s growing with purpose. As people become more conscious about what they consume, coffee is no longer just a caffeine fix. It’s a reflection of quality, ethics, and connection.
And in Alicante — with its sunny mornings and evolving coffee scene — there’s no better place to enjoy that cup.
