In this article, we will talk about the best districts of Torrevieja for living and buying real property. Torrevieja is a cosmopolitan resort in the south of the Costa Blanca. According to the Municipal Statistics Service, more than 40% of foreigners from 117 countries live in this city: the majority are Europeans, followed by immigrants from Latin America, Africa and Asia. This is probably why Torrevieja cannot be called a typical Spanish city: it is a multinational Mediterranean resort, fast-growing and being built up in recent years.
Spaniards also love Torrevieja: many Madrid residents buy their second homes here, and, at the first available opportunity, they go to the coast to spend weekends or holidays at the sea. During holidays, Christmas and Easter celebrations, the population of Torrevieja increases several times.
Torrevieja is quite often scolded for its provincialism, lack of beautiful architecture and historical monuments. Nevertheless, the city has been and remains a very convenient and comfortable place to live in: there are no need for own transport, no shortage of snack bars and restaurants – you can get lunch or dinner at any time. The service sector is also well-developed here and that’s no problem to find a specialist who speaks your language. Moreover, there are magnificent large sandy beaches in Torrevieja that not every resort can boast. And, of course, the proximity to the two international airports of Alicante and Murcia – that’s what makes Torrevieja more attractive.
Districts of Torrevieja
Torrevieja is divided into several districts, each of which has its pros and cons. The residential development of the areas of Torrevieja is very different, respectively, the prices per square meter of housing differ too.
The choice of the district should be determined by the family composition and the availability of own transport. If the family has a car, it is worth considering the areas of Torrevieja on the periphery – they are more modern, quiet and peaceful. Families with children will probably be more interested in living closer to the center, where there are more playgrounds, clubs and sports sections. The purpose for which property is purchased is also important: for your own short-term vacation, for permanent residence, for short-term or long-term rental – the choice of the district in each case will be different.
Torrevieja is divided into 8 large districts, some of which, in turn, are divided into microdistricts. Major areas of Torrevieja include: Centro, El Acequión – Los Naúfragos – Punta Prima, La Siesta – El Salado – Torreta, Los Balcones – Los Altos del Edén, Nueva Torrevieja – Aguas Nuevas, Playa de los Locos, Playa del Cura, La Mata.
The Central District of Torrevieja – Centro
The central district of Torrevieja is the oldest area with an old housing stock. New construction is being carried out pointwise on the site of demolished buildings. The median price per square meter of housing is 1287 €.
This central area of Torrevieja includes 4 neighborhoods: Parque de las Naciones (1185 €/m2), El Molino (1171 €/m2), Puerto Deportivo (1342 €/m2) and Centro – Muelle Pesquero (1440 €/m2).
The housing stock is mainly represented by studios, apartments, duplexes, and penthouses. The building density is high, not all buildings have their own closed territory with a children’s playground, swimming pool and parking. The lack of an underground garage in the house is a big minus, because it is incredibly difficult to park in the centre, especially in summer. At the same time, the absence of a swimming pool is rather a plus, because it allows to significantly reduce the cost of condominium services (gastos de comunidad).
Living in the central area of Torrevieja is both convenient and tedious. It is convenient, because everything necessary for life is within walking distance: administrative institutions, offices of public utilities, banks, pharmacies, supermarkets, medical centers, numerous shops, public transport stops, as well as a beautiful city embankment. At the same time, it is tedious, because the city centre is quite noisy and with heavy traffic: double-glazed windows will be needed here. In addition, there are practically no parks and squares in the centre, there is very little greenery on the streets.
Nevertheless, property in the central district of Torrevieja is in consistently high demand: it is purchased both for oneself and for investment purposes to repair and resell it more expensive, or to obtain a tourist license and rent it out for a short term.
The Southern District of Torrevieja – El Acequión – Los Naúfragos – Punta Prima
The southernmost area of Torrevieja is limited by the sea on one side, and by highway N–332 on the other. It extends in a narrow strip from the centre to the south all the way to Orihuela Costa, seizing a part of Punta Prima. The median price per square meter of housing is 2041 €. The southern part of Torrevieja includes 4 neighborhoods: Punta Prima (2634 €/m2), El Acequión (1321 €/m2), La Veleta (2235 €/m2) and Playa de los Náufragos (1471 €/m2).
The prices show that this district of Torrevieja is very mixed for its constructions. El Acequión and Playa de los Náufragos – there are apartment buildings, old housing stock and the same problems as in the city centre: busy traffic, troubles with parking. But, at the same time, living in these neighborhoods is possible without personal transport: the last stop of all urban bus routes is nearby. La Veleta is a neighborhood with low-rise buildings, where, in addition to apartments, excellent bungalows, townhouses, cottages and even villas can be found. Punta Prima is a neighborhood of Torrevieja with the most expensive apartments with sea views and modern residential complexes. The presence of own car is required both in La Veleta and Punta Prima.
The infrastructure of this area of Torrevieja is typical urban. There are many bars, restaurants, shops, several supermarkets, and own post office. There is an easy exit from the city towards Alicante, Cartagena, as well as the City Hospital. The most convenient neighborhoods for permanent residence are La Veleta and Punta Prima; the most interesting neighborhood from investing point is Punta Prima: the demand for short-term rentals in high season always exceeds supply here. In addition, the large shopping mall Zenia Boulevard, as well as the beaches and restaurants of Orihuela Costa can be quickly reached from Punta Prima.
The Southwest District of Torrevieja – Los Balconies – Los Altos del Edén
The area of Los Balconies – Los Altos del Edén is another southern urban district located some distance from the sea and adjacent to the pink lake Laguna de Torrevieja. This is an expensive area of Torrevieja with low-rise buildings, where the construction of new residential complexes is still ongoing. The median price per square meter of housing is 2072 €.
One can not do without own transport here, but this area of Torrevieja is very convenient for living: there is no such noise and traffic as in the city centre, and at the same time there is everything you need for comfortable life: supermarkets, shops, bars, restaurants, pharmacies, bank offices. There is a city hospital nearby, easy exit to the N-332 highway and the AP-7 highway; Zenia Boulevard shopping mall in 5 minutes drive, and the same distance to the city centre of Torrevieja.
The district of Torrevieja Los Balconies – Los Altos del Edén is convenient not only for permanent residence, but also for holiday recreation. The beaches of Orihuela Costa can be reached in 5-10 minutes, and La Mata in 10-15 minutes. Housing in this area is excellent for short-term rent, so it is considered as an investment-attractive place.
The Largest District of Torrevieja – La Siesta – El Salado – Torreta
This is the largest area of Torrevieja, located at a distance from the sea between two salt lakes – Laguna de Torrevieja and Laguna de la Mata. There are both very old urbanizations and new modern residential complexes, cottages and villas. The building is mainly low-rise, the median price per square meter of housing is 1660 €.
One can not do without own car here, although the city centre can be reached to by public transport, if necessary. This area of Torrevieja has excellent infrastructure: there are several supermarkets, Carrefour hypermarket, Habaneras shopping mall, a large number of bars, restaurants, shops, gas stations, pharmacies, etc. The area of Torrevieja La Siesta – El Salado – Torreta is perfect for permanent residence: firstly, there are no problems with parking; secondly, there is easy exit to all directions (CV-905, N-332, AP-7); thirdly, there are cycling paths and walking routes near both lakes.
Accept the neighborhoods of very old buildings (for example, Torreta III or San Luis), all urbanizations and residential complexes of the area La Siesta – El Salado – Torreta have their own closed territories with swimming pools, many are subject to round-the-clock video surveillance. Police and fire departments are located near the shopping mall Habaneras.
The District of Torrevieja with Extensive Construction: Nueva Torrevieja – Aguas Nuevas
This area of Torrevieja can be called north-central. It has no access to the sea, and bounded on all sides by other urban neighborhoods. At the same time, this is the most actively built-up area of Torrevieja, where several large modern residential complexes have appeared in recent years. There is less and less available sites for construction: the demand for individual housing is growing every year, encouraging developers and at the same time contributing to the development of infrastructure. The median price per square meter of housing is 1700 €. As for cost by microdistrict, the situation is as follows: Aguas Nuevas (1819 €/m2), Nueva Torrevieja (1436 €/m2),Torreblanca (1695 €/m2) and Parque Acuático – Sector 25 (1850 €/m2).
Nueva Torrevieja – Aguas Nuevas neighborhood is the commercial centre of the city: the largest furniture stores, building materials and plumbing stores, car dealerships, as well as an industrial area with workshops and small-lot production are located here. There are also numerous educational institutions, supermarkets, gas stations, gyms, shops with household goods like «1000 goodies» and so on. One will hardly find small shops, bank offices and restaurants (although bars can be found on every corner) in the «New Torrevieja» – that, however, does not diminish the popularity of the area.
This area of Torrevieja is traditionally chosen for permanent residence. Convenient wide streets and avenues, parks and squares, playgrounds for children, lack of parking problems, easy exit from the city – all this more than covers such a disadvantage as remoteness from the sea and beaches.
The District of Torrevieja Near the Main City Beach: Playa del Cura
This area of Torrevieja can also be considered central, because of the main city beach is located on its territory, as well as the bus station. The median price per square meter of housing is 1412 €. The area of Torrevieja Playa del Cura includes 4 neighborhoods: Las Piscinas Naturales (1527 €/m2), Playa del Cura (1579 €/m2), Antonio Machado (1275 €/m2) and Avenida Habaneras – Curva de Palangre (1274 €/m2).
The neighborhoods of Las Piscinas Naturales and Antonio Machado are a natural extension of the central district: they are full of bars, restaurants, small shops, medical centers, pharmacies, beauty salons and other service establishments. The neighborhoods of Playa del Cura and Avenida Habaneras – Curva de Palangre are more like typical residential areas.
The main buildings are apartment blocks, many of which were built according to standard projects. There are little greenery, a lot of concrete, average quality of housing and relatively low prices. New construction is underway in this area of Torrevieja, but prices in new complexes are significantly higher than in neighboring old houses.
The area of Torrevieja Playa del Cura is convenient both for permanent residence and for holiday recreation. There are a central bus station, a branch of the Civil Guard, a courthouse and other official services. Everything that’s needed for life and leisure is located just a few feet away, the sea can be reached on foot from anywhere, the beach and the city embankment are placed in a few minutes. But, as in the city centre, the problem with parking is a very sensitive subject.
The Comfortable District of Torrevieja to Live in: Playa de los Locos
The area of Playa de los Locos is one of the most comfortable neighborhoods for living in Torrevieja. On the one hand, you are still in the city, which means you are within walking distance from the centre, and on the other hand, you are quite away from the hustle, bustle and traffic of the central quarters. The median price per square meter of housing is 2021 €. The area of Playa de los Locos includes 3 neighborhoods: Playa de los Locos (1809 €/m2), Los Frutales (2178 €/m2) and Miramar – Torre del Moro (2396 €/m2).
Here one can live quite comfortably without own car: firstly, because this area of Torrevieja stretches along the coast, you can go down to the sea in a few minutes; and secondly, there are several excellent supermarkets in this area, so you don’t have to go far for shopping. There will be no special problems with the car either: one can park without much difficulty even in summer. Moving from south to north, the beach of the same name will be replaced by a rocky stretch of coast with small picturesque coves where it is interesting to swim and snorkel.
The area of Playa de los Locos can be called a bedroom community. Property is presented here for every taste and budget: there are small studios, spacious flats, bungalows, townhouses, and detached houses and villas. The entire first line is covered by bars, restaurants, shops. Small-scale new construction is underway on vacant lots.
The District of Torrevieja with a Long Beach: La Mata
La Mata is a wonderful suburb of Torrevieja, famous for its magnificent two-kilometer sandy beach. Even in summer, La Mata beach is not as crowded as two other urban beaches – Del Cura and Los Locos. The median price per square meter of housing is 1979 €. The suburb of Torrevieja La Mata includes 4 neighborhoods: Cabo Cervera (1937 €/m2), Cañada del Molino (2509 €/m2), Los Europeos (2025 €/m2) and Gaspar Perelló (1715 €/m2).
It is comfortable to relax and live in La Mata all year round. There are several parks here: the main and the largest one is the Parque Molino del Agua; in addition, a wide strip of pine dunes stretches along the sea with numerous walking paths. As for the infrastructure, it is not inferior to the central districts: there are supermarkets, shops, numerous bars and restaurants. Built form is very diverse: there are high-rise apartment buildings, as well as low-rise residential complexes and individual houses and villas. New construction of detached houses and cottages, as well as an apartment building on the first line is underway.
La Mata, the area of Torrevieja, is ideal for beach lovers, hiking and sports. Most of the permanent residents of this district are Europeans. In summer, La Mata is always in high demand for tourist apartments and houses with a private pool, so the area is very attractive from an investment point of view.
