Buying a house in Orihuela Costa

Buying a Home in Orihuela Costa – Living Between the Beach, Golf, and International Amenities

Are you interested in buying a home in Orihuela Costa? If so, you're looking at a vast coastal area in the southern part of the province of Alicante, on the Southern Costa Blanca.

Orihuela Costa is part of the municipality of Orihuela and stretches along approximately 16 kilometers of coastline, featuring sandy beaches, coves, cliffs, marinas, and large residential areas. The municipality lists Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Campoamor, and Mil Palmeras, among others, as major coastal areas.

For example, you can search here for:

an apartment within walking distance of the sea;
a townhouse;
a bungalow;
a villa with a private pool;
a beach house;
a penthouse;
new construction;
a permanent residence;
or a second home.

Be sure to check out our comprehensive page on buying a home in Orihuela Costa, our current listings, and the available new construction projects.

What exactly is Orihuela Costa?

Orihuela Costa is not an independent municipality.

It is the coastal area of the municipality of Orihuela.

The historic town of Orihuela is located more than twenty kilometers inland, while Orihuela Costa lies directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The municipality itself encompasses a 16-kilometer stretch of coastline featuring beaches and cliffs.

That distinction is important because someone who says, “I want to live in Orihuela,” may mean something completely different from someone who is specifically looking for Orihuela Costa.

Orihuela City vs. Orihuela Costa

Orihuela City has more to offer:

historic center;
Spanish municipal services;
culture;
monuments;
local population;
and everyday urban life.

Orihuela Costa has more to offer:

beach;
international residential neighborhoods;
apartments and villas;
golf;
retail facilities;
vacation use;
and residential developments.

These are two completely different residential areas within the same municipality.

Which areas are part of Orihuela Costa?

Orihuela Costa consists of various residential areas and developments.

Well-known names include:

Punta Prima;
Flamenco Beach
La Zenia;
Cabo Roig;
Campoamor;
Villamartín
The Philippines
The Dolses;
Los Altos;
in Mil Palmeras.

The choice between these areas makes a big difference in your day-to-day living experience.

Punta Prima

Punta Prima is located on the north side of Orihuela Costa, right next to Torrevieja.

The municipality describes Punta Prima as the northernmost beach area on the Orihuela coast, on the border with Torrevieja.

Here you'll find plenty of:

apartments;
modern residences;
penthouses;
hospitality industry;
stores;
and homes located relatively close to the sea.

Buying an Apartment in Punta Prima

Punta Prima is popular among buyers looking for an apartment in an international residential community.

Please note the following, among other things:

distance to the beach;
ocean view;
patio;
parking space;
community;
lift;
swimming pool;
and its location relative to the N-332.

Some homes are geographically close to the sea, but you still have to take specific routes to reach stores or the beach.

Flamenco Beach

Playa Flamenca is one of the best-known residential areas in Orihuela Costa.

There you'll find a mix of:

apartments;
bungalows;
townhouses;
villas;
commercial facilities;
the beach.

The area is popular with both permanent residents and second-home owners.

Living in Playa Flamenca

Playa Flamenca can be a practical choice thanks to the combination of:

where;
stores;
hospitality industry;
La Zenia Boulevard in the surrounding area;
and various residential complexes.

The exact location does make a big difference, though.

Living in a house closer to the sea is different from living in an apartment further inland toward commercial areas.

La Zenia

La Zenia is one of the best-known names in Orihuela Costa.

The area combines:

beach;
apartments;
villas;
retail facilities;
hospitality industry;
and access to major coastal roads.

For many foreign buyers, La Zenia is one of the first areas they look at during their search.

La Zenia Beach

In 2026, La Zenia-Cala Bosque will be among Orihuela's Blue Flag beaches.

Here, too, the Blue Flag is awarded annually, so be sure to include the year when you use this award on the website.

La Zenia Boulevard

One of Orihuela Costa's most important commercial attractions is La Zenia Boulevard.

Here you'll find a wide selection of:

stores;
hospitality industry;
supermarket amenities;
services;
and entertainment.

For permanent residents, this means that there are many shopping options right within Orihuela Costa itself.

I would only use the phrase “one of the largest shopping centers in the region” if you specifically want to back up that claim; for homebuyers, what’s most relevant is that it’s a major commercial facility.

Cabo Roig

Cabo Roig has a distinctive coastal character, featuring:

villas;
apartments;
marina;
the beach;
restaurants;
and a popular coastal walk.

In some areas, the neighborhood feels more residential than Playa Flamenca or La Zenia.

Cabo Roig Tower

A notable historical feature is the watchtower at Cabo Roig.

The municipality designates the Torre Vigía de Cabo Roig as protected cultural heritage and describes the tower’s function in the sixteenth century as a defense against attacks from the sea.

This gives the area more historical context than just modern residential developments.

Cala Capitán in La Caleta

In the Cabo Roig area, you'll find, among other things:

Cala Capitán;
La Caleta;
marina;
and rocky stretches of coastline.

Both Cala Capitán and Cabo Roig-La Caleta will have Blue Flag status in 2026.

Campoamor

Dehesa de Campoamor is located further south.

The area has a different character than La Zenia or Playa Flamenca and combines:

where;
apartments;
villas;
greener residential areas;
marina;
and large beaches.

The municipality specifically highlights the pine forests of Dehesa de Campoamor as part of the green landscape of Orihuela Costa.

La Glea Beach

La Glea is one of the larger beaches in Orihuela Costa and is located near Campoamor.

The municipality describes the beach as accessible and equipped with extensive beach facilities, as well as protected dune vegetation.

In 2026, Campoamor-La Glea will once again have a Blue Flag.

A Thousand Palm Trees

Mil Palmeras is located on the southern edge of Orihuela Costa, right next to Pilar de la Horadada.

The municipality describes the beach as an open sandy beach at the mouth of the Cañada de Matamoros, which forms the municipal boundary here.

Mil Palmeras will also have a Blue Flag in 2026.

This area may be of interest to homebuyers if they:

want to live near the beach;
look for a smaller coastal area;
and focus less on the central commercial area around La Zenia.

The Dolses

Los Dolses is located further inland, between La Zenia and Villamartín.

Here you'll find mainly:

apartments;
townhouses;
bungalows;
modern residences;
and golf-oriented homes.

The location may be convenient for people who want to be close to La Zenia Boulevard but don't want to live right in the busiest coastal area.

Village of Martin

Villamartín is one of the best-known golf and residential areas in Orihuela Costa.

Here you'll find plenty of:

apartments;
villas;
bungalows;
townhouses;
golf;
hospitality industry;
and international residents.

Villamartín is not located directly on the coast.

People who buy here are more likely to be drawn to golf and residential living than to a beach within walking distance.

Villamartín Plaza

The well-known commercial and dining district around Villamartín Plaza serves as a social hub for many residents.

Here you'll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and services.

Anyone who wants to live in Villamartín permanently can take the distance to these amenities into account when choosing a home.

The Philippines

Las Filipinas is a residential area located further inland.

Here you'll find plenty of:

villas;
townhouses;
apartments;
and homes near various golf courses.

Those who are looking for a beach within walking distance will likely head toward La Zenia or Cabo Roig.

If you value more space or golf, you might find Las Filipinas particularly appealing.

Los Altos

Los Altos is located in the direction of Punta Prima and Torrevieja.

The area consists mainly of residential developments featuring:

apartments;
bungalows;
townhouses;
and villas.

For permanent residents, the location can be convenient due to its proximity to shops and Torrevieja.

16 kilometers of coastline

Orihuela officially has approximately 16 kilometers of coastline.

The municipality lists, among other things:

Punta Prima;
Flamenco Beach
La Zenia;
Cabo Roig;
Campoamor;
in Mil Palmeras.

The coastal landscape isn't made up solely of long beaches.

You'll also find:

bays;
rocks;
cliffs;
small beaches;
marinas;
and walking trails along the coast.

Ten Blue Flags in 2026

In 2026, Orihuela will have ten Blue Flags for beaches on the Orihuela Costa:

Aguamarina Coves;
Rubio Ravine
Cabo Roig–La Caleta;
Cala Capitán;
Cala Cerrada;
Cala Estaca;
Campoamor-La Glea;
La Zenia-Cala Bosque;
A Thousand Palm Trees;
Punta Prima.

That is a relevant, up-to-date quality indicator, but it does not guarantee that every beach will have the same conditions every day.

Swimming safety and water quality can change temporarily at any time.

Water quality is monitored

In 2026, the municipality will publish weekly analyses and inspections of the swimming water.

This is relevant because beach quality is not a static factor.

For example, La Glea and Aguamarina were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure in August 2026 following abnormal test results and were later reopened after new analyses showed that the levels were within the standards.

I would therefore avoid using phrases like “always crystal-clear water.”

Walking along the coast

Orihuela Costa has several walking trails along the coast.

Around Cabo Roig, Campoamor, and other coastal areas, you can visit:

cliffs;
the beach;
bays;
and coastal residential areas

hiking.

For homebuyers who want to take a walk by the sea every day, the exact location of a home can therefore be just as important as the distance in kilometers.

Golf in Orihuela Costa

Golf is an important part of the region.

The official tourist map lists, among other things:

Real Club de Golf Villamartín
Real Club de Golf Campoamor;
Las Ramblas;
and in the wider Las Colinas Golf & Country Club community.

However, I wouldn't make a general statement that these are “the best golf courses in Spain” without a specific ranking or source.

Villamartín Golf

Villamartín is a well-established golf community located in the heart of large residential areas.

That's why you can combine golf here with:

stores;
hospitality industry;
residential complexes;
and the coast is within driving distance.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is located in a greener and hillier area.

Homes near this golf course may be of interest to people who:

peace;
green;
golf;
and view

consider important.

But also check daily availability.

Campoamor Golf

You'll also find residential homes around Campoamor Golf.

A golf home doesn't necessarily have to be located right next to the course.

Therefore, please check the following:

actual view;
distance to the clubhouse;
location;
community;
and future development.

A beach house or a seaside home?

That's a common choice in Orihuela Costa.

Within a similar budget, you can sometimes choose between:

a smaller apartment closer to the sea;
or a larger home a little further inland near the golf course.

Neither one is automatically better.

It depends entirely on how you plan to use the home.

Homes for Sale in Orihuela Costa

The housing market offers a wide variety of options.

Among other things, you'll find:

apartments;
bungalows;
townhouses;
quads;
semi-detached homes;
villas;
penthouses;
beachfront homes;
new construction;
and existing buildings.

That makes Orihuela Costa an attractive option for a variety of buyers.

Buying an Apartment in Orihuela Costa

Apartments are especially popular in:

Punta Prima;
Flamenco Beach
La Zenia;
Campoamor;
The Dolses;
Villamartín
and various new-construction complexes.

An apartment can be practical for:

second home;
permanent residence;
retirement;
or people who want to do as little housework as possible.

What should you look for when choosing an apartment?

Check the following, among other things:

community;
lift;
parking space;
salvage;
patio;
orientation;
swimming pool;
distance to amenities;
and year of manufacture.

For coastal apartments, wind and salt exposure are also important factors.

Buying a Bungalow in Orihuela Costa

Bungalows are very common.

These often include:

ground-floor apartment with a terrace or garden;
or an upstairs apartment with a balcony and a sun deck.

Many complexes have a communal swimming pool.

This could be an interesting compromise between an apartment and a villa.

Buying a Townhouse in Orihuela Costa

Townhouses are popular among families and second-home owners looking for more space.

They often offer:

multiple bedrooms;
private outdoor space;
multiple floors;
parking space;
and a shared swimming pool.

Please be aware of the number of steps.

Buying a Villa in Orihuela Costa

You can find detached villas in various areas.

For example, in:

Cabo Roig;
Campoamor;
Villamartín
The Philippines
and other residential developments.

A villa may include:

private pool;
garden;
private parking space;
patio;
solarium;
and multiple bedrooms.

Private Pool

When inspecting an existing villa, always check the following:

registration of the swimming pool;
technical installation;
maintenance;
energy consumption;
and the condition of the patio and its finishes.

When building a new home, you should verify that the pool is actually included.

New Construction in Orihuela Costa

Orihuela Costa offers a wide and varied selection of new construction.

Depending on current availability, these may include, for example:

apartments;
bungalows;
penthouses;
townhouses;
and villas.

Be sure to check out our current new construction projects as well.

New Construction in Playa Flamenca and La Zenia

Modern residential developments are regularly being built around Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, and the surrounding areas.

These may include:

communal swimming pools;
gardens;
parking spaces;
fitness;
playground equipment;
and other amenities.

What is included varies by project.

What is included in new construction?

Always check the specifications.

Don't automatically assume that:

full set of kitchen appliances;
air conditioning;
solar panels;
furniture;
lighting;
parking space;
salvage;
or a finished outdoor space.

A swimming pool shown in the renderings may also be optional.

Turnkey New Construction

Sometimes homes have already been built or are nearly finished.

That might be appealing because:

the actual residence;
view;
light entering the room;
location;
and finishing touches

can evaluate.

Be sure to review the legal and technical documentation as well.

Buying Off-Plan

When purchasing a unit in a project that is still under construction, you often base your decision on:

renders;
floor plans;
technical description;
site plan;
and construction scheduling.

Check the following, among other things:

payment schedule;
protection of advance payments;
expected completion date;
and additional work options.

Existing Buildings

Existing homes offer a wide range of options in established neighborhoods.

This might be of interest to you if:

want to have access to immediately;
want a specific neighborhood;
looking for a larger lot;
or are willing to modernize.

Older homes in Orihuela Costa

Some of the available housing units date back to earlier phases of development.

For older homes, check the following, among other things:

the frame;
electricity;
kitchen;
bathroom;
air conditioning;
swimming pool;
patio;
and insulation.

Include renovation costs in the total budget.

Legal Review

For existing buildings, the following factors, among others, can be considered:

ownership;
children;
registration;
built-up area;
extend;
swimming pool;
the terrace;
community;
and the municipal situation.

This is especially important for homes that have been expanded over the years.

Community

Many homes in Orihuela Costa are part of a homeowners' association.

Check:

monthly or annual contribution;
swimming pool;
gardens;
reserve fund;
scheduled work;
insurance;
and any debts.

A luxury residence with many amenities may have higher fixed costs.

Permanent residence in Orihuela Costa

Would you like to move to Spain permanently?

Orihuela Costa may be an attractive option for this reason, as many of its amenities are used year-round.

For permanent residence, we would primarily consider:

supermarket;
school;
health care;
work;
parking;
internet;
and daily travel times.

The specific development is more important than just the name "Orihuela Costa."

Orihuela Costa for Families

Families should pay special attention to:

route to school;
bedrooms;
pool safety;
outdoor space;
sport;
parking space;
and daily car trips.

For example, a home near La Zenia Boulevard might be convenient for shopping, but a quieter residential area might be more pleasant for everyday family life.

Education

Anyone moving to Spain with children would be wise to consider education early on when choosing a home.

Orihuela Costa is a large area, and school routes can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood.

Be sure to also read our information about education in Spain.

Health Care

Orihuela Costa has local primary care services and is part of the broader healthcare network in the Vega Baja.

The municipality is also working on further expanding healthcare facilities along the coast; among other things, a second health center for Orihuela Costa was on the municipal agenda for 2026.

How you gain access to the Spanish public healthcare system depends on your personal situation.

Learn more about health care in Spain and hospitals and clinics on the Costa Blanca.

Orihuela Costa for Retirees

For people who want to spend their retirement in Spain, Orihuela Costa might be an interesting option.

When choosing a home, pay special attention to:

stairs;
lift;
stores;
health care;
public transportation;
car dependency;
and pool maintenance.

Not every residential development is equally practical without a car.

Living in Orihuela Costa without a car?

That depends heavily on the location.

In some parts of:

La Zenia;
Flamenco Beach
Punta Prima;
in Cabo Roig

You can reach many amenities on foot.

But Orihuela Costa is very spread out.

A car is often practical for golf, hospital visits, larger grocery runs, and some schools.

N-332

The N-332 is an important north-south route through and along Orihuela Costa.

This road connects the area to, among other places:

Torrevieja
Guardamar;
Saint Pol
and further north.

It is not a highway but an important national coastal road.

AP-7

The AP-7 also runs through the wider coastal area.

For residents who regularly drive to Alicante, Cartagena, or Murcia, this connection can be convenient.

Orihuela Costa or Torrevieja?

Torrevieja is located just to the north.

Torrevieja has more to offer:

a real city;
boulevard;
port;
larger facilities;
hospitals;
and many apartments.

Orihuela Costa has more to offer:

urban developments;
golf;
villas;
townhouses;
various beaches;
and scattered commercial facilities.

Orihuela Costa or Ciudad Quesada?

Ciudad Quesada is located inland.

You can find more information there:

villas;
private swimming pools;
La Marquesa Golf;
and a strong residential character.

Orihuela Costa offers the advantage of being right on the coast.

The choice is often:

A beach nearby, or more space inland?

Orihuela Costa or Guardamar?

Guardamar del Segura has a more compact urban structure.

Guardamar offers:

long sandy beach;
center;
dunes;
pine grove;
and many apartments.

Orihuela Costa is much more spread out and offers more golf courses and villa developments.

Orihuela Costa or Pilar de la Horadada?

Pilar de la Horadada is located directly to the south and also offers a combination of:

village;
where;
the beach;
and new construction.

For people looking for a home in the Mil Palmeras area, it may be helpful to compare the two municipalities.

Orihuela Costa or San Miguel de Salinas?

San Miguel de Salinas is located further inland.

That's where you live:

calmer;
more Spanish;
further from the immediate coastline;
and often with more space.

Orihuela Costa is more international and more focused on the coast.

Second home in Orihuela Costa

For second-home owners, Orihuela Costa can be a practical choice because:

the beach;
golf;
stores;
hospitality industry;
many apartments;
and residential complexes with shared maintenance.

An apartment or bungalow may require less maintenance than a villa during a long-term absence.

Investing in Orihuela Costa

Would you like to invest in Spanish real estate?

In that case, I wouldn't automatically say that Orihuela Costa is a smart or profitable investment.

Analyze each home individually based on:

purchase price;
location;
target audience;
community;
maintenance;
funding;
rental rules;
and future marketability.

Vacation Rentals

Are you interested in renting out your property for short-term tourist stays?

Please check this before purchasing.

That may depend on:

regulations of the Valencian Community;
Municipality of Orihuela;
urban planning context;
homeowners' association;
and registration requirements.

An apartment within walking distance of La Zenia is therefore not automatically suitable for tourist rentals.

Community and Vacation Rentals

In the case of apartments and housing developments, the homeowners' association is particularly important.

The community rules may affect how the home is used.

Check this to see if renting is a deciding factor in your purchase.

Long-Term Rentals

For long-term tenants, other features are important.

Consider:

work;
stores;
schools;
parking;
internet;
bedrooms;
air conditioning;
and amenities throughout the year.

As a result, an apartment in Villamartín has a different rental profile than a property located directly on the coast.

Is Orihuela Costa affordable?

I wouldn't make that a general statement.

There are significant price differences between:

existing apartment;
bungalow;
beach house;
villa in Cabo Roig;
primary care;
and new construction.

Location and views also play a major role.

How much does a home cost in Orihuela Costa?

On an evergreen page, I wouldn't mention an average price.

It doesn't make sense to compare an apartment in Villamartín to a villa in Cabo Roig or a new-construction penthouse near La Zenia.

So be sure to check out our current listings for current asking prices.

Purchase Costs

When buying a house in Spain, you need to take additional costs into account in addition to the purchase price.

Examples include:

taxes;
notary;
property registry;
legal assistance;
and any financing costs.

New construction and existing buildings are treated differently for tax purposes.

Determine the total budget

Be sure to bring:

community;
renovation;
furniture;
air conditioning;
parking space;
swimming pool;
insurance;
and maintenance.

A home with a low asking price may ultimately be less attractive due to high fixed costs.

Mortgages in Spain

Would you like to finance part of the purchase?

Dutch and Belgian buyers can apply for a Spanish mortgage under certain conditions.

The possibilities depend, among other things, on:

income;
financial obligations;
age;
taxation;
home value;
and immigration status.

Learn more about a mortgage in Spain.

NIE number

To buy a home in Spain, you need a NIE number.

For more information, see NIE and residence permit.

Legal guidance

When making a purchase, factors to consider may include:

ownership;
children;
sales contract;
registration;
permits;
extend;
swimming pool;
community;
and other relevant documentation.

A real estate agent and a legal advisor play different roles in this process.

Dutch real estate agent in Orihuela Costa

Are you looking for a Dutch real estate agent to help you buy a home in Orihuela Costa?

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian homebuyers in purchasing real estate on the southern Costa Blanca.

We can help you with:

Determine your preferences and total budget;
compare different residential areas;
select suitable housing;
Compare new construction and existing buildings;
viewings;
purchase costs;
funding;
coordination with legal counsel;
and guidance toward the transition.

Learn more about our approach.

First, figure out which part of Orihuela Costa is right for you

This is essential here.

An apartment in Punta Prima, a townhouse in Playa Flamenca, a villa in Cabo Roig, and a golf home in Villamartín may all be considered part of Orihuela Costa, but they offer completely different lifestyles.

Therefore, we should first determine:

Beach or golf?
Walk or drive?
Apartment or villa?
Permanent or vacation?
Quiet or lively?
Shops within walking distance?
And how much maintenance do you want?

Only then does it make sense to compare homes.

Beach or golf?

Orihuela Costa is the perfect example of an area where that choice comes into play.

Would you like to take a walk to the beach every day?

In that case, take a look at:

Punta Prima;
La Zenia;
Cabo Roig;
Campoamor;
of Mil Palmeras.

Are you actually looking for golf courses and larger residential areas?

In that case, take a look at:

Villamartín
Las Ramblas;
Campoamor Golf;
The Dolses;
and surrounding residential developments.

Look beyond a single development

Orihuela Costa is large.

A difference of just a few kilometers can mean:

another beach;
another golf course;
other retail facilities;
more or less traffic;
other types of housing;
and a completely different living experience.

That is why it is a good idea to compare several areas during your viewings.

Who is Orihuela Costa best suited for?

Orihuela Costa can be a particularly interesting option if you're looking for:

directly on the coast;
the beach, one golf;
international living environment;
apartment, bungalow, townhouse, or villa;
many retail and dining options;
and a choice of both existing and new construction.

If you're looking for a small, traditional Spanish village, you should also check out towns further inland.

View properties in Orihuela Costa

Would you like to know which homes are currently available in Orihuela Costa?

Then take a look at our current listings, our new-construction homes, and the available new-construction projects.

Would you like us to conduct a targeted search for, for example:

apartment in La Zenia;
home in Playa Flamenca;
villa in Cabo Roig;
apartment in Punta Prima;
golf home in Villamartín;
townhouse;
penthouse with a view of the sea;
new construction;
permanent residence;
second home;
or real estate within a specific total budget?

Please fill out the questionnaire for your housing search or feel free to contact Casas Palmeras.

Orihuela Costa stands out above all for its combination of approximately 16 kilometers of coastline, a variety of beaches and coves, several golf courses, and a wide range of international real estate options. In 2026, ten beaches will once again be Blue Flag-certified. At the same time, Orihuela Costa is so vast that the name alone hardly tells the whole story: Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Campoamor, and Villamartín all offer a distinct living experience. Therefore, don’t just look at the asking price or distance to the sea, but also at daily amenities, reliance on a car, the homeowners’ association, rental rules, maintenance, and your total purchase budget.52>