Honest Opinion

My wife and I are presently living in Paphos, Cyprus. I first moved here in 2007, and it was a great place to live. We left in 2009 and moved to the Philippine Islands where we lived for the next 5 years. We returned to Cyprus in 2013 and have been disappointed in its decline over the 5 years we have been away. So much so, we are now considering moving to Spain. I have been looking at the region of Alicante as a possible new location. I must admit, I have never been there and my choice of Alicante is based purely on what I have seen on the internet and T.V. We would intend coming over for a 'fact finding' holiday for a couple of weeks, with a view to relocating permanently early next year. I would like to ask for peoples 'honest' opinion of the area, and if they would recommend Alicante or perhaps somewhere else. I am retired, financially secure and not looking for work. We would probably look to rent a house 'long term' for at least the first 2 years, before buying. I am particularly interested in somewhere with a 'bit of life' I am 52 and not yet quite ready for the 'pipe & slippers' . Somewhere within 30 minutes of the sea and town. I prefer this to 'rural tranquility' ! Much appreciated.