The history of this beautiful part of Spain, where so many people now choose to spend their holidays and others buy a villa and make it their home, has had some darker moments in the past. The Spanish Civil War tore through Spain, leaving its mark on the Costa Blanca.
The civil war split the Costa Blanca, with Alicante supporting a Republican stronghold because of the number of working-class citizens with left-wing views. However, some of the wealthier coastal towns and rural areas were more in favour of Franco’s Nationalist faction. This caused division among families and communities, truly disrupting the usually idyllic, relaxed Spanish way of life.
The Republican government tried to defend the Costa Blanca, with military fortifications being erected in haste along the coast in case the Nationalists invaded from the sea. Militias made up of both volunteers and regular soldiers were formed to help defend the region. International Brigades brought volunteers from several countries to fight fascism in Spain.
Alicante was a crucial port and became a target for the Nationalists, and the city endured endless air raids throughout the war. In March 1939, a major offensive was launched against the city, culminating in the Battle of Alicante. Although the local Republicans were outnumbered and had few weapons, they put up a valiant fight but were eventually forced to surrender. This marked the end of Republican resistance on the Costa Blanca.
The war left a scar on the Costa Blanca. Thousands of lives were lost, families were torn apart, and the economy suffered. After the Nationalists claimed victory, a period of repression followed. Many Republicans faced imprisonment or execution.
The popularity of this area has now returned, attracting both tourists and people who would like to move here and buy a property on the Costa Blanca. However, the region's history and war-torn past should be remembered, and there are several memorials and museums commemorating and honouring those who fought in the war. They remind us of the human cost of conflict and the importance of fighting for both freedom and democracy. One person honoured in Alicante was a Welshman named Archibald Dickson. He was a British sea captain who rescued thousands of Spanish Republicans in March 1939. He defied orders and evacuated nearly 2,600 refugees from Alicante on his cargo ship Stanbrook, saving them from Franco and his troops.
Those who are interested in the history of the Costa Blanca and the areas involved in the Spanish Civil War might also be interested in visiting the historical archives in Alicante and a preserved bomb shelter, which gives an idea of how civilians had to live during the air raids on Alicante.
The war affected the whole of the Costa Blanca region, and the coastal towns of Calpe, Moraira, Javea, and Denia saw some of the political division mentioned previously. Fishing communities were more likely to lean towards Republicanism, while wealthier landowners and those already connected to the early tourist industry were more in favour of Franco’s Nationalists, which caused strained relations. Tourism was, of course, disrupted by the war, and restrictions on trade and disruptions to transport links also badly affected the local economy. The fear of living on the coast and being an easy target for Nationalist warships, in addition to the air raids, led to food shortages and immense fear throughout the daily lives of local people. Inland, the disruption of trade routes caused problems for the agricultural areas of the Jalon Valley, where farmers would have found it difficult to sell the grapes, raisins, almonds, and olives grown there, while production itself may also have been affected by limited supplies.
The peace of this beautiful region has now thankfully been restored, the economy has grown, and many once again flock here to enjoy the warmth of both the weather and the people. If you are amongst those who would like to buy a villa on the Costa Blanca to enjoy its beauty on a more regular or permanent basis, then please do contact Hamiltons Real Estate (formerly Hamiltons of London). We love this area of Spain and would love to show it to you.
Alicante was one of the last major Republican strongholds during the Spanish Civil War. Its strategic port made it a key location for supplies, evacuations, and military operations, resulting in frequent bombing raids before the city finally fell in 1939.
Yes. Visitors can explore preserved air-raid shelters, museums, memorials, historical archives, and other sites connected with the Spanish Civil War, particularly in Alicante and surrounding areas.
The war brought food shortages, disrupted transport and trade, political division, and fear caused by air raids and the threat of attack from the sea. Both coastal communities and inland farming areas experienced significant hardship.
Yes. Hamiltons Real Estate offers a wide selection of properties on the Costa Blanca, including apartments, townhouses, villas, and luxury villas. As local experts, we're always happy to share our knowledge of both the property market and the fascinating history of this remarkable region.
Updated in July 2026 by the Hamiltons Real Estate team (formerly Hamiltons of London).
