Living in Torre-Pacheco

What's it like to live in Torre-Pacheco?

So what's it like to live in Torre-Pacheco? Life here is quiet but not sleepy. The level of community and hubbub around you really depends on your decision on where to live in Torre-Pacheco. In the town, locals play dominoes on sunny terraces which spill onto pretty plazas, while church bells chime overhead. The cafés are lively, with fun quiz nights for locals – there are plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow residents.

On the outskirts, utterly peaceful urbanizaciónes (areas of countryside designated for new homes) are a haven of respite and nature. Villas are spacious and luxurious, while apartment blocks with shared pools look more like five-star hotels.

The surrounding countryside is mostly flat, although the one mountain, Cabezo Gordo, offers a welcome challenge for walkers, who can clamber up the rocky slopes to the summit and spot bats in the hidden caves beneath it.

And although Torre-Pacheco is inland, it's just a 15-minute drive to the coast. By the water at Los Alcázares, folks sunbathe on the sandy shores, sip icy mojitos at the chiringuitos (beach bars), or learn to paddleboard on the calm, glassy water. 

Living in Torre-Pacheco: Essential info 

Population in Torre-Pacheco

The municipality of Torre-Pacheco had a population of 38,839 in 2023, according to Instituto Nacional de Estadística. The census of the same year reveals that 29.62% of the population was foreigners, and 31% were born in a foreign country.

It's a higher-than-average figure, but still not as high as areas such as Orihuela, Torrevieja and Los Alcázares. Still, residents come from a variety of continents, the most common being Africa (6,353), Europe (1,589) and The Americas (2,607).

The traditional and most emblematic form of industry in Torre-Pacheco is agriculture, although the tourism sector is growing quickly.

Healthcare in Torre-Pacheco

Public healthcare has a very good reputation in Spain, and private healthcare is widely available too. There are two public health centres (centros de salud) in Torre-Pacheco. They're called Centro de Salud Torre-Pacheco Antonio Cózar and Centro de Salud Torre-Pacheco Este Ernest Lluch, and will be the first port of call for any health issues.

For emergencies and a wider range of healthcare facilities, Hospital General Universitario Los Arcos del Mar Menor is a 20-minute drive away or 35 minutes by bus. Opened in 2011, the complex offers 171 beds and a free translation service for people who don't speak Spanish fluently. In 2024, the hospital upped its green credentials with its commitment to generating 14% of its energy by self-produced renewable energy.

There are more specialised private services in Torre-Pacheco, too. Sacrum offers physiotherapy, acupuncture and chiropody treatment, while Pilates Ikigai offers English-language pilates classes in a peaceful and modern studio.

For more information about private and public healthcare in Spain read our full guide here. 

Working in Torre-Pacheco

Moving to Torre-Pacheco is a big step, and finding work might seem daunting at first. But the good news for job seekers is that the tourism sector in Torre-Pacheco is thriving – with that comes lots of jobs where English speakers are in high demand. The number of hotel beds has boomed from 118 in 2006 to 578 in 2023, according to Centro Regional de Estadística de Murcia.

Start your job search with Jooble and Infojobs, they list vacancies from graphic designers to delivery drivers. It's worth honing in on brands that you want to work for, too. Ona Mar Menor, for example, is a huge local employer and it's just a 10-minute drive away. The official website asks for CVs to be sent to seleccion@onahotels.com. Check their company page on the job listings website Joblum for current vacancies.

Lucky enough to work from home? Remote workers won't find any coworking spaces locally, but the nearby town of San Javier has some good options. Coworkium and Start to Cowork both offer modern, affordable offices and meeting rooms – all no more than a 20-minute drive away.  

A fresh start in Spain might also be a brilliant opportunity to set up your own business. Entrepreneurs can access free support and advice from the local Chamber of Commerce, the Cámara de Comercio de Murcia. Here, you'll find information on every aspect of setting up a business in Spain. Read our guide to finding a job in Spain for more help finding a job before moving to Torre-Pacheco. 

Schools and education in Torre-Pacheco

Moving to the sun-soaked countryside of Murcia is a dream for families, and children won't miss out on education, either. In Spain, there are three types of schools to choose from: pública (public), concertado (semi-private, usually faith-orientated schools) and privada (private). Torre-Pacheco is a family-oriented space, so expect a well-rounded selection on hand to help raise little ones.

Among the respected public school options is CEIP Fontes Torre Pacheco, a bilingual primary school focused on integration and emotional management through initiatives like yoga classes and Erasmus partnerships.

There's also a concertado school in the local area which has an excellent reputation. Centro Concertado Virgen del Pasico is a well-maintained, outward-looking school with a keen eye on integration and English-speaking skills. Founded in 2003, there's a wide variety of extra-curricular activities that children can choose from, including judo, debating and chess.

If private school is an option, King's College Murcia is a 20-minute drive away from the town centre. Described as "outstanding" by a 2022 British Schools Overseas report, it follows the British curriculum and offers a huge array of clubs, including dance, cinema and graffiti. For more help finding the right school in Spain, read this guide.

Transport in Torre-Pacheco

Getting around is simple thanks to the local train station Estación de tren Torre-Pacheco. Carriages ferry passengers to Cartagena in 30 minutes,  Murcia in 45 minutes and Valencia in 5 hours.  

There are no bus links to the coast, but it's only a 35-minute bike ride along quiet, palm tree-lined roads, or a 15-minute drive.

A car will give you the most freedom to explore the coastline and stunning national parks, like the Sierra Espuña. Big cities are also easy to reach with your own set of wheels. Cartagena, for example, with its Modernista mansions and time-honoured tabernas, is just a 20-minute drive away. If you do decide to use a car in Torre-Pacheco, our guide to driving in Spain after Brexit is a must-read. 

Things to do in Torre-Pacheco

Join the local golf club

This down-to-earth golf club is a real pillar of the community. Founded in 2009, Club de Golf de Torre Pacheco offers lessons for adults and children, and hosts year-round competitions, events and parties. Torre-Pacheco residents get discounted rates on playing the nine holes, and if you decide to join as a family, junior members can play for free. Finish with a meal in Restaurante Hoyo10, which serves an affordable all-day menu, including traditional breakfast (tostada con tomate costs just €1), paella, and grilled chuletón (bone-in ribeye steak).

Visit the underground caves of Cabezo Gordo

Surrounded by flat farmland, the craggy, 312-metre-tall Cabezo Gordo dominates the landscape of Torre-Pacheco. Bluebells, butter-yellow rue and purple fagonia grow on the rocky slopes: no wonder hikers are drawn to climb it. Before reaching the summit, brave walkers can pop into the underground caves, which run like warrens beneath the mountain. Spot semi-precious stones and bats inside – just don't forget your torch.

Take a trip to the beach

Just 10km away, the sandy coastline awaits. Los Alcázares is a charming coastal town on the banks of Mar Menor. By the shore, children play in the balmy, shallow water while paddle boarders row into the still lagoon. Beach lovers will adore exploring the 7km sandy coastline. Las Salinas is one of the best places to roll out a towel, with shallow, sheltered water and the softest sand. 

Enjoy the Theatre

Theatre, music and dance performances are all given a platform in Torre-Pacheco thanks to the local arts centre CAES. Expect an eclectic line-up of shows, from El novio de España based on the classic 1952 performance with Valencian actress Concha Piquer, to family-friendly performances about the fascinating topic of outer space. Single parents, people aged over 65 and people aged between 14 and 30 all get 20% off tickets.

Browse the Saturday market

Every Saturday morning, the town bursts into colour with its weekly market. Stalls brimming with glistening olives, ripe tomatoes, salty cheeses and hanging chorizo tempt you to stock up on picnic fare. Among the groceries, you’ll find affordable fashion, flamenco-inspired trinkets, and the odd pile of suspiciously cheap phone chargers. It’s lively, local and loud – just as a Spanish street market should be.

Catch a local fiesta

Torre-Pacheco may be small, but it doesn’t miss a chance to throw a party. The annual Fiestas Patronales in October are a riot of processions, fireworks and music, dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Expect enormous paella pans, traditional dancing and more sequins than you’d think strictly necessary. Other highlights include the Spring Carnival and local tapas routes, where bars compete for your tastebuds and votes. Bring your appetite – and possibly earplugs.

Visit award-winning coves

In 2020, a tiny cove just off the coast of Cartagena was named the second-best beach in Spain by Conde Nast Traveller – and it's just a 25-minute drive from Torre-Pacheco. Cala Cortina is a 250-metre-long horseshoe-shaped beach, backed by bushy plants and mountains. But don't be fooled by its rugged looks, the conveniences include a restaurant, playground, parking and of course,  blissfully balmy water to swim in. 

Expat clubs and activities in Torre-Pacheco

Bibliophiles who are cautious about joining a full-throttle Spanish language book club should look into the Club de Lectura Fácil (the easy reading club). This welcoming group meets every Tuesday at 10:30am in the local library, Biblioteca Pública Municipal de Torre-Pacheco. The easy-to-understand books cover a variety of themes, and everyone is there to improve their reading skills.

The library also hosts a free Spanish-English language exchange where you can meet fellow locals and brush up on your Spanish. The weekly event takes place every Friday, 5-7pm.

And for even more opportunities to mingle with people living in Torre-Pacheco, consider heading to the bright lights of Murcia (a 35-minute drive). The city is home to regular language exchanges, cinema groups, and bilingual running clubs.