Living in Torrevieja - Find your dream home on the Costa Blanca

Living in Torrevieja – living by the sea with all amenities nearby

Torrevieja is one of the best-known coastal towns on the southern Costa Blanca. The city offers beaches, a promenade, shops, restaurants, medical facilities, and a large international community.

As a result, Torrevieja appeals to a variety of buyers: people looking for a second home, those who want to emigrate to Spain permanently, those who want to spend their retirement in Spain, or those who want to invest in Spanish real estate.

Moreover, there are significant differences within Torrevieja itself. You can choose an apartment right in the city center, a home close to the beach, a modern residential complex, or a quieter neighborhood on the outskirts of the city.

Where is Torrevieja?

Torrevieja is located in the southern part of the province of Alicante, between La Mata, Orihuela Costa, Los Montesinos, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Ciudad Quesada, Rojales, Guardamar del Segura, San Miguel de Salinas, and Pilar de la Horadada are also relatively close by.

As a result, Torrevieja serves as a good base for exploring much of the southern Costa Blanca.

Why choose Torrevieja?

Torrevieja has been attracting foreign homebuyers for years because many everyday amenities are available year-round.

Among other things, you'll find:

• supermarkets;
• stores;
• restaurants;
• cafés;
• pharmacies;
• medical facilities;
• schools;
• public transportation;
• the beach;
• boulevard;
• port;
• sports facilities;
• and large shopping districts in the area.

That's important for permanent residence.

A place may be attractive during a vacation, but if you live there year-round, you’ll want to be able to go grocery shopping in January, see a doctor, and have plenty of amenities nearby.

The international community

Torrevieja has a large international population.

You can tell by:

• international hospitality industry;
• foreign supermarkets;
• services in multiple languages;
• expat associations;
• international companies;
• and various foreign communities.

This can be a nice perk for Dutch and Belgian people who have just moved to Spain.

At the same time, Torrevieja remains a Spanish city, and you can live there in a very local way, depending on the neighborhood you choose.

Downtown Torrevieja

If you enjoy urban living and want to be able to do a lot on foot, you might want to consider the city center.

Here you'll find apartments near:

• stores;
• restaurants;
• boulevard;
• port;
• public transportation;
• and everyday necessities.

The advantage is that you're less dependent on a car.

On the other hand, the downtown area can be livelier, and street parking is sometimes more difficult.

For people who live there permanently, having their own parking space can therefore be an important factor in their decision.

Playa del Cura

Playa del Cura is one of Torrevieja's best-known city beaches.

Around the beach, you'll find many apartments, restaurants, and amenities.

This can be an attractive option for a second home, since the beach and the boardwalk are within walking distance.

If you're looking to live there permanently, you might also want to consider:

• noise level;
• crowded in the summer;
• parking options;
• orientation of the apartment;
• and distance to the supermarket.

A place that feels wonderful in August can turn out to be quite different in everyday life.

Playa de los Locos

Playa de los Locos is also a popular residential area.

Here you'll find many apartments close to the sea.

It is located slightly north of Playa del Cura and features a mix of beaches, restaurants, and residential streets.

For buyers who want to live near the sea but not necessarily right in the heart of the city center, this could be an interesting alternative.

La Mata

La Mata is located on the north side of Torrevieja and has a character all its own.

The town is known for its long sandy beach, promenade, and proximity to the nature park.

For people who are mainly looking for beaches and a more laid-back coastal atmosphere, La Mata may be more appealing than downtown Torrevieja.

The housing market here consists largely of apartments and housing developments.

Aguas Nuevas

Aguas Nuevas is a popular residential neighborhood in the northern part of Torrevieja.

Here you'll find, among other things:

• apartments;
• bungalows;
• townhouses;
• urban developments;
• and villas.

The neighborhood is more residential than the city center and is conveniently located near shops, sports facilities, and La Mata.

For families and permanent residents, this can be a convenient area.

The Balconies

Los Balcones is located on the southwest side of Torrevieja, near the salt lakes.

The area has a quieter and greener atmosphere than the city center.

You'll find a relatively large number of villas, bungalows, and low-rise buildings there.

For people who value space, a garden, or a pool but want to stay close to Torrevieja, Los Balcones might be an interesting option.

Los Altos

Los Altos is located south of Torrevieja and lies along the road toward Orihuela Costa.

The area consists of many residential developments, apartments, and bungalows.

When it comes to daily necessities and beaches, you'll generally rely more on a car than you would in the city center.

On the other hand, it can offer more peace and quiet and more living space.

The Salt Lakes of Torrevieja

Torrevieja has strong ties to salt production.

The well-known lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja surround the city.

The pink salt lake, in particular, attracts a lot of attention because of its unique color.

You can read more about this in our comprehensive guide to the salt lakes of Torrevieja.

The area is a protected nature reserve and is important for various bird species.

A healthy climate?

Torrevieja is often promoted using terms such as healthy microclimate because of its salt lakes and Mediterranean climate.

I wouldn't phrase this quite so strongly on a real estate agent's website.

However, you could say that the region is known for its mild Mediterranean climate and that many people enjoy spending a large part of the year outdoors.

I would prefer to avoid making medical or health claims unless they are well-substantiated.

The Beach in Torrevieja

Torrevieja has several beaches and coves.

Well-known examples include:

• Playa del Cura;
• Playa de los Locos;
• La Mata Beach;
• Cala del Palangre;
• The Castaways;
• and natural swimming spots along the promenade.

This means you can choose between a bustling city beach, a long sandy beach, or smaller coastal areas—all within the same city.

Boulevard and Harbor

The boulevard and the harbor are an important part of daily life in Torrevieja.

There, you can:

• hiking;
• cycling;
• food;
• visiting outdoor cafes;
• and enjoy the view of the sea.

For people who like to do everything on foot, living close to the boulevard and downtown can be appealing.

Restaurants and the Hospitality Industry

Torrevieja has a very wide variety of dining options.

There you will find:

• Spanish restaurants;
• tapas bars;
• seafood restaurants;
• international cuisine;
• Dutch and Belgian hospitality industry;
• cafés;
• and beach restaurants.

That's one of the advantages of a large international coastal city.

If you're looking for a more traditional Spanish village, you might want to compare, for example, Rojales, Los Montesinos, or Benijófar.

Shopping in Torrevieja

Torrevieja offers plenty of shopping options.

You'll find stores in the city center and commercial areas on the outskirts of town.

A well-known shopping center is Habaneras.

La Zenia Boulevard in Orihuela Costa is also relatively close by.

You can read more about this in our guide to shopping on the Costa Blanca.

Markets in Torrevieja

The Friday market in Torrevieja is one of the best-known markets in the region.

Among other things, you'll find:

• vegetables;
• fruit;
• clothing;
• shoes;
• plants;
• and household items.

La Mata also has a weekly market.

For more information, check out our guide to markets on the Costa Blanca.

Health Care in Torrevieja

Access to medical care is important for permanent residents.

Torrevieja has, among other things:

• health centers;
• pharmacies;
• private clinics;
• dentists;
• physical therapy;
• and hospital care.

For more information, see our guide to health care in Spain and the list of hospitals, clinics, and Dutch doctors on the Costa Blanca.

Torrevieja for Retirees

Torrevieja is often chosen by people who want to spend their retirement in Spain.

The big advantage is that you have a coastal town where many amenities remain available even outside the peak season.

When considering a retirement home, we would pay special attention to:

• lift;
• number of steps;
• supermarket within walking distance;
• pharmacy;
• medical care;
• parking space;
• winter sun;
• and accessibility without a car.

A fifth-floor apartment with a beautiful view is less appealing if the building doesn't have an elevator.

Torrevieja for Families

Families can also live in Torrevieja.

There are schools, sports facilities, beaches, and plenty of activities in the area.

For children, for example, there are:

• Aquopolis;
• the beach;
• sports clubs;
• playgrounds;
• the park;
• karting in the region;
• and zoos and amusement parks within driving distance.

Be sure to check out our guide to kid-friendly activities on the Costa Blanca.

Anyone emigrating to Spain with children should always consider school options and housing location together.

Public Transportation

City and regional buses operate in Torrevieja.

Still, a car remains a practical option for many residents, especially if you live outside the city center or beach areas.

If you want to rely on a car as little as possible, you should specifically look for homes in areas where:

• supermarket;
• pharmacy;
• hospitality industry;
• and public transportation

are within walking distance.

Do you need a car in Torrevieja?

Not necessarily.

If you live in the city center or near Playa del Cura, there's plenty you can do on foot.

In neighborhoods like Los Balcones or some residential developments on the outskirts of the city, a car is much more practical.

This is therefore an important factor to consider when comparing homes.

Don't just look at the distance on the map; during a tour, try to get a real feel for what the area is like on foot.

New Construction in Torrevieja

In and around Torrevieja, new construction projects on the Costa Blanca are regularly being developed.

The selection includes, among other things:

• apartments;
• penthouses;
• bungalows;
• townhouses;
• and villas.

New construction is popular among buyers who value modern architecture, new systems, and relatively little immediate maintenance.

View the current new construction listings.

New-construction apartment in Torrevieja

Apartments, in particular, make up a large portion of the new construction market.

Depending on the project, you can choose from:

• ground-floor apartment with a garden;
• mid-floor apartment;
• penthouse with a sun deck;
• communal pool;
• parking space;
• and storage room.

Exactly what is included varies by project.

Therefore, never compare just the starting price.

Existing home in Torrevieja

Torrevieja also has a huge selection of existing homes.

The advantage of existing homes is the wide selection.

You'll find homes in virtually every price range, from compact apartments to detached villas.

Existing homes may also be a better option if you:

• want immediate access to the home;
• want to live in a central location;
• is looking for more square meters;
• or whether an established neighborhood is important.

New construction or existing property?

Both have their advantages.

New construction often offers:

• modern layout;
• recent installations;
• improved energy performance;
• modern shared amenities;
• and less direct maintenance.

Existing homes often offer:

• lower starting price;
• more central locations;
• more choices;
• larger homes;
• and immediate availability.

That is why we often recommend looking at both side by side.

Buying an Apartment in Torrevieja

Apartments are the most common type of housing in the city.

When looking at an apartment, we would always pay attention to:

• community;
• lift;
• patio;
• orientation;
• floor;
• view;
• parking lot;
• distance from the sea;
• and any rental rules.

For second-home owners, an apartment can be practical because it requires less maintenance than a house.

Buying a Villa in Torrevieja

If you're looking for more space, you might want to check out villas in areas like Los Balcones or other low-rise neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.

You'll often see:

• own lot;
• garden;
• private pool;
• parking space;
• and more privacy.

On the other hand, this requires more maintenance.

For villas, it may also be particularly important that renovations, swimming pools, and additions are legally registered.

Bungalow in Torrevieja

Bungalows are also very common.

On the Costa Blanca, this term often refers to a ground-floor apartment with a garden or an upper-floor apartment with a solarium.

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

You'll have more private outdoor space, but often still enjoy the conveniences of a shared residential complex.

A second home in Torrevieja

Torrevieja is a popular choice for a second home because of:

• beach;
• hospitality industry;
• stores;
• international community;
• accessibility;
• and a wide selection of homes.

When making a purchase, be sure to consider how often you'll use the property.

A villa with a private pool sounds appealing, but it also requires maintenance when you're in the Netherlands or Belgium.

In that case, an apartment with a shared pool might be more practical.

Living in Torrevieja Year-Round

People who want to live in Spain permanently look at homes differently than vacation home buyers.

That's when things like the following become important:

• winter sun;
• storage space;
• supermarket;
• medical care;
• neighbors;
• parking;
• noise level;
• and quality of life outside the peak season.

As a large coastal city, Torrevieja has an advantage in this regard: daily life doesn't come to a halt as soon as the summer vacation is over.

Investing in Torrevieja

Torrevieja may also be of interest to people who want to invest in Spanish real estate.

There is demand for various types of housing:

• permanent lease;
• seasonal rentals;
• second homes;
• and, in certain cases, vacation rentals.

However, buying a home in Torrevieja does not automatically mean that you can rent it out without restrictions.

Before making a purchase, always check which regulations apply to the specific property.

Vacation Rentals

Tourist rentals are subject to the regulations of the Valencian Community and may be subject to additional requirements from the municipality and the homeowners' association.

So never buy a property just because a listing says it's “perfect for Airbnb.”

Have it checked in advance:

• whether tourist rentals are permitted;
• what registration is required;
• whether the community has any restrictions;
• and whether the location is suitable for that purpose.

Long-term rental

Torrevieja has a large permanent population.

As a result, long-term rentals can also be an attractive option.

The features that matter to a long-term tenant are different from those that matter to a vacationer.

For example:

• parking space;
• stores;
• schools;
• storage;
• heating/air conditioning;
• and accessibility.

Torrevieja or Ciudad Quesada?

Ciudad Quesada is a logical comparison.

Torrevieja offers:

• zee;
• boulevard;
• downtown;
• many apartments;
• public transportation;
• and many amenities within walking distance.

Ciudad Quesada offers:

• more villas;
• more low-rise buildings;
• larger outdoor spaces;
• golf;
• and a quieter residential area.

If you prefer to live in an urban setting near the sea, Torrevieja is the best choice.

If you're looking for more space and a villa-like atmosphere, Quesada might be a better fit.

Torrevieja or Guardamar?

Guardamar del Segura is smaller and has a different character.

Guardamar offers:

• long sandy beaches;
• dunes;
• the park;
• compact downtown;
• and a more intimate atmosphere.

Torrevieja has many more urban amenities and a larger housing market.

Anyone who's on the fence should take a look at both during the same viewing trip.

Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa?

Orihuela Costa consists of various residential developments and coastal areas.

Consider:

• La Zenia;
• Flamenco Beach
• Cabo Roig;
• Campoamor;
• Villamartín
• in Los Dolses.

The area is more international and more spread out.

Torrevieja, on the other hand, has a real city center.

Those who prefer to have everything within walking distance may find Torrevieja more convenient.

Those looking for a modern residential development or a golfing environment may actually find Orihuela Costa more appealing.

Torrevieja or La Mata?

La Mata is part of the municipality of Torrevieja, but feels much more intimate.

La Mata is especially interesting for people who:

• consider the beach important;
• want to live in a quieter environment;
• want to be close to nature;
• and have less need for a large city center.

In contrast, downtown Torrevieja offers many more amenities within walking distance.

Mortgage for a home in Torrevieja

Would you like to finance part of the purchase?

In that case, a Spanish mortgage may be an option.

Spanish banks evaluate, among other things:

• income;
• age;
• existing obligations;
• home value;
• and residency status.

It's best to have your financial situation assessed before you start reserving homes.

Purchase Costs

The asking price of the home is not the full purchase price.

When buying a home in Spain, you'll also have to deal with taxes and other purchase costs.

New construction and existing buildings are also subject to different tax regimes.

Therefore, first determine the total budget—not just the maximum purchase price.

NIE number and residence permit

To purchase a home in Spain, you need an NIE number.

Anyone who moves to Torrevieja permanently may also have to deal with matters related to residency, municipal registration, and other administrative issues.

You can read more about this under NIE and residency in Spain.

Buying a Home in Torrevieja with Casas Palmeras

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian buyers in finding and purchasing a home in Torrevieja and the rest of the Costa Blanca.

As a Dutch real estate agent on the Costa Blanca, we can assist you with, among other things:

• determining your housing preferences;
• choosing the right neighborhood;
• Compare housing listings;
• new construction and existing buildings;
• viewings;
• purchase guidance;
• legal support;
• and support right up until the handover.

We don't just look at our own homes; we can also search through partner real estate agents and property developers.

Learn more about our approach.

Homes for Sale in Torrevieja

Would you like to know which homes are currently available?

Then check out the current listings and the available new construction projects.

If you don't see the right home listed here, we can expand our search for you.

Would you like to perform a specific search for, for example:

• maximum budget;
• apartment or villa;
• number of bedrooms;
• distance from the sea;
• swimming pool;
• parking space;
• new construction;
• or permanent residence?

Please fill out the questionnaire for your housing search or contact Casas Palmeras with no obligation.

Torrevieja is particularly appealing because of its combination of the sea, city amenities, an international community, and a very diverse housing market. However, there is a big difference between living right in the city center, near Playa del Cura, in La Mata, or in a quieter neighborhood like Los Balcones. The best home, therefore, isn’t found by looking at photos of the house, but by asking yourself which part of Torrevieja best suits your daily life.