Revealed: Torrevieja and Orihuela are foreign buyers’ preferred destinations along the Costa Blanca.
We already know that the Costa Blanca is a firm favourite among foreign buyers. Last year in Spain, 40% of home sales to foreign buyers were located along the Costa Blanca; at no.2, the Costa del Sol came in some way after, with 24%.
But this data released by the Valencia Notary Association breaks down the numbers even further. It shows that Torrevieja and Orihuela account for over a third all overseas home deals in the province.
Between January and September 2022, Torrevieja recorded 4,854 sales. This was up by 96% from 2021, when the pandemic still had the market in its vice. Even so, when compared to figures from 2019, it is still up by 57%. In Torrevieja, the largest foreign buyers were Sweden and Germany.
Similarly, Orihuela had a rise of 85% more than 2021, and 53% more than 2019. Here, the largest group of foreign buyers were us Brits.
The list then went as follows: Alicante, Calpe, Santa Pola, Javea, Denia, and Benidorm.
Knowing this, you might want to escape your fellow Brits and immediately be drawn to Denia and Benidorm. Equally, you might be curious to know a) what all the fuss is about and b) where you can find some fellow Brits in Spain. They might just take the edge of the homesickness, help you navigate the country – especially important if you don’t know the language, and show you where you can buy British food goodies.
Find homes in Costa Blanca via our property portal.
Torrevieja
Las Salinas de Torrevieja – its pink!
Torrevieja lies about 50km south of Alicante city. It is approximately 40 minutes away from Alicante airport. Torrevieja beaches all have a Blue Flag, meaning that they are clean, tended to, and well-facilitated. Playa de La Mata was recognised by TripAdvisor in their Travellers’ Choices Awards 2022, with many visitors praising it for its cleanliness, golden sands, parking, and excellent views – sounds like the ideal beach to own a property near! Amazingly, there’s also a rose-tinted lake, Las Salinas de Torrevieja. You’ll definitely be filling up your Instagram feed with images of it.
Although your days will undoubtedly be spent at the beach, if you have young children, they’re also likely to enjoy the waterparks, Aquapark Flamingo and Aquopolis Torrevieja.
When it comes to shopping, you can mill around the open-air market, Mercadillo de Torrevieja. While it sells all kinds of trinkets, it is particularly praised for its low-priced fresh fruits and vegetables.
The most photogenic water!
For days when you’re in the mood for a stroll and a spot of lunch, a coffee, and maybe even something stronger, Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja will meet your food and drink needs.
Opened in 2005, Habaneras Shopping Center has everything from Zara to Sunglass Hut to Holland & Barret.
When it comes to nightlife, Torrevieja has both British and Spanish bars, clubs, and restaurants for you to dance the night away in.
Property
Despite its popularity among foreign buyers, you can find a one-bedroom modern studio or older bungalow for as little as €55,000 in Torrevieja. Even if you are looking for a three-bedroom home, you will be able to find somewhere for under €100,000.
We have over 1500 properties listed in Torrevieja on our property portal.
Orihuela
Why do Brits love Orihuela the most?
Cabo Roig, Orihuela.
A little confusingly, Orihuela is around 20 kilometres from the Costa that bears its name and has proven so popular among foreign buyers. Orihuela Costa is forty-five minutes away from Alicante airport. But the Valencian Notary noted that foreign buyers are focused on the coastline, with interest disappearing the further inland you go.
Naturally, Orihuela has plenty of golden sands for you to spend your days building castles, lapping up the waves, or even getting sand in the middle of your sandwich. Playa de la Glea is a highly recommended beach, lauded for its shallow waters – making it accessible to even the newest swimmers; its brilliant selection of activities, from jet skis to a water park of inflatables in the sea; and a large parking spot.
Zenia Boulevard – the largest shopping centre in Alicante.
Shoppers – listen in, Orihuela is home to the biggest shopping centre in all of Alicante province, Zenia Boulevard. Here, you can find a host of big brands – including IKEA, if you need to furnish your new property. For fun days out with the family, it also has a bowling alley and a cinema. But if you’d rather sea breeze to air-conditioning, there’s also Playa de Flamenca Street Market.
Golfers will also adore it here. Orihuela Costa has four quality courses all no more than 10-15 minutes apart, such as Las Colinas, Campoamor, Las Ramblas and Villamartín.
Orihuela has a fantastic nightlife – and its strong expat community means that you’ll find many bars to belt out your favourite tunes in. A lot of this hubbub can be found in Villamartin Plaza, where you’ll find a heady mix of laughter, a wide variety of restaurants, and an abundance of live entertainment.
Property
While you can purchase a property for under €100,000, it is likely going to be a building that needs a little work before it can become a home. Having said that, just over €100,000 is a good budget and could find you a lovely two-to-three-bedroom home.
Click here to discover our fabulous properties in Orihuela.
Remember if you’re more drawn to one but like features of the other, Orihuela and Torrevieja are on the same Costa (they’re just a seventeen-minute drive away), so buying a property in one, you will still have the other at your fingertips.
