Torrevieja – a cozy seaside town in Spain that has long been loved by foreigners, including many from our region.
Where is Torrevieja located?
Torrevieja is located on the Costa Blanca, in the province of Alicante, within the Valencian Community. Its location is truly unique: on one side there is the Mediterranean Sea, and on the other – the stunning pink lagoons, the salt lakes of Torrevieja. Many rare birds live here, including beautiful flamingos. These lakes create Torrevieja’s special microclimate, which is often recommended for people with respiratory conditions and allergies, and is also considered beneficial for pregnant women and children. You may also find this article useful: Life in Spain with Children.
Torrevieja population
According to official data as of the beginning of 2026, Torrevieja has a population of 110,500. Interestingly, between 2000 and 2010 the city’s population doubled – from 50,189 to 101,191 (National Statistics Institute data). This period coincided with a boom in the Spanish property market. Later, when the boom ended, the population gradually decreased to today’s level.
At the same time, the population has grown to a large extent thanks to foreigners – they account for more than 40% of all permanent residents. Russians and Britons share first place by numbers. Next come Ukrainians and Moroccans, followed by people from Germany and Scandinavian countries.
It is also interesting that during the summer season the population of Torrevieja and its suburbs increases almost fivefold due to the influx of tourists – the small resort town can accommodate up to 400,000 vacationers.
In the past, Torrevieja was a fishing town. Locals fished and worked in salt extraction. Later the town began turning into a popular resort, where tourism and the hospitality industry became the main sources of employment. Today, many people earn money by renting out homes to tourists – a promising business that can generate solid income.
Real estate in Torrevieja
The Torrevieja real estate market attracts buyers thanks to a wide variety of homes and relatively low prices. The price of resale property starts from €100,000 – several times lower than, for example, in Barcelona and Madrid.
A key feature of the city is that wherever your property is located, the distance to the sea is no more than 3 km. In other words, the beach is always within walking distance. The choice of houses, bungalows and townhouses in Torrevieja is also large – for every taste and budget. New builds deserve a special mention: Torrevieja offers a unique opportunity to buy a new home near the sea starting from €200,000.
Torrevieja is also a good choice for investment property. Its seaside location and the steady flow of tourists (including in the cooler months) can provide stable rental income.
Living in Torrevieja: advantages
Why do so many foreigners choose Torrevieja for life?
Torrevieja’s climate
The weather in Torrevieja is a real fairy tale. 320 sunny days a year is not an exaggeration. The city is located in a unique area protected from cold atmospheric fronts by mountains and hills. That is why it is rarely cloudy here. Rain is infrequent – not to mention snow. The average annual air temperature in Torrevieja is 18 °C.
Fun fact: in January 2017, it snowed in Torrevieja for the first time in 103 years! It was a real event: children had classes cancelled so they could play snowballs, and people dropped everything to take photos of this miracle.
Torrevieja’s beaches
They are top-class, and many have been awarded the Blue Flag. In Torrevieja you will find great beaches for every taste, as well as picturesque rocky coves where you can snorkel.
Main beaches of Torrevieja:
- Playa del Cura,
- Playa de los Locos,
- Playa de los Naúfragos,
- Playa de Acequión,
- Playa de la Mata.
Coves in Torrevieja:
- Cala de la Zorra,
- Cala Cabo Cervera,
- Cala del Palangre,
- Cala Piscinas Naturales,
- Cala Piteras,
- Cala del Moro.
Developed infrastructure
A huge advantage of Torrevieja – both for living and for holidays – is its excellent infrastructure. Everything is close by: shops, bars and restaurants, schools and kindergartens, discos and pubs, sports clubs – everything your heart desires. If you’re planning schooling in Spain, see: Enrollment in Schools in Spain.
Low property prices
As of January 2026, the average price per square meter in Spain is €2,639, while property in Torrevieja costs on average €2,392 per m². For comparison, the price per square meter in Barcelona is €5,144, and in Madrid – €5,820.
Поможем купить недвижимость на Коста-БланкаПолный комплекс услуг по покупке недвижимости в Испании: открытие счета в банке, NIE, проведение сделки купли-продажи, переоформление прав на нового собственника и др.Holidays and festivals in Torrevieja
The city is famous for its vibrant celebrations, the main ones being:
- Torrevieja Carnival in February – a spectacular event lasting several weeks.
- Semana Santa in April – processions and events of Holy Week.
- Hogueras de San Juan in June – the Bonfires of Saint John the Baptist, a bright and cheerful celebration of the start of summer.
- Fiestas Marineras de la Virgen del Carmen in July – a festival in honor of Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen.
Sports in Torrevieja
Torrevieja is an ideal place for people who love an active lifestyle. You can do outdoor sports here year-round: running, cycling, water sports (swimming, diving, kitesurfing, sailing and much more). Add to that fitness clubs, yoga centers, tennis courts, a large municipal sports center, etc. Also, in the surroundings of Torrevieja you will find many hiking routes. For example, in the natural park Las Lagunas de La Mata-Torrevieja there are trails of different lengths and difficulty levels.
Shopping in Torrevieja
Torrevieja has plenty of shops. Just a 15-minute drive from the city is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in the Valencian Community – Zenia Boulevard. In Torrevieja itself there is a smaller but also very interesting mall called Habaneras. On Fridays, Torrevieja hosts a street market where you can buy the freshest fruits and vegetables, as well as cheeses, sausages, jamón, nuts, sweets, clothing, shoes, souvenirs and more – all at very affordable prices.
Sights in Torrevieja
Let’s talk about Torrevieja’s sights.
Monuments and sculptures in Torrevieja
Walking around Torrevieja, you will find several interesting sculptures, each with its own story:
- Estatua de la Bella Lola,
- Monumento Homenaje a los Músicos,
- Monumento al Hombre del Mar,
- Monumento de las Coralistas, Monumento a las Habaneras, Monumento a las Culturas del Mediterráneo.
The promenade and the “hippie market”
Torrevieja’s promenade is a great place for a family walk. Along the entire promenade there are bars, restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy food and drinks while admiring sea views. At the street market known as the “hippie market,” you can buy souvenirs, clothing, handmade jewelry and toys, and much more.
Parque del Molino
Another interesting place in Torrevieja, where you can see a replica of an old windmill.
Dique de Levante pier
A walk along this pier (about 1.5 km long), especially at sunrise or sunset, can become one of your brightest memories of Torrevieja. The views from here are simply stunning!
Parque de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja
Torrevieja’s pink lakes are one of Spain’s natural wonders – definitely worth seeing with your own eyes.
Parque de las Naciones
Parque de las Naciones is a beautiful place, perfect for a walk with children. Many birds live here (ducks, geese, chickens and roosters, peacocks and even parrots) – and they are always waiting for a treat.
Watchtowers Torre del Moro and Torre de La Mata
If you love history, visit these 14th-century watchtowers located on Cabo Cervera and near La Mata beach. By the way, these towers gave the city its name – “Torre vieja,” meaning “Old tower.”
Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
This church, located on Plaza de Oriente, differs from traditional churches with its modern architecture.
So, Torrevieja is a city for those who want to live by the sea and enjoy a sunny climate – while still having all the infrastructure needed for comfortable family life. Affordable property prices are another huge advantage. Agree: there are not many places in Spain where you can buy apartments near the sea from €150,000. This same advantage makes Torrevieja an excellent choice for investment. If you want to get to know Torrevieja better, learn more about this wonderful city and see more of it, be sure to read our articles:
