Living in Torrevieja

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What’s it like to live in Torrevieja?   

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Torrevieja salt lakes at sunset


Life in Torrevieja revolves around the beach and the promenade, where you can while away your days soaking up the sun, taking refreshing dips in the sea, indulging in delicious tapas from nearby bars for lunch, and then repeating this blissful cycle.

As it’s a year round, sunny destination, Torrevieja is also really geared up for sports and fitness fans, offering first-class golf facilities on your doorstep, as well as a huge leisure centre, a plethora of water sports, fitness clubs, gyms and sports societies (such as Real Club Nautico), tennis courts and football pitches. Expect to see plenty of runners and cyclists pounding the pavements.

With 50% of residents in Torrevieja being non-Spanish, you’ll likely encounter a variety of languages and accents as you explore the vibrant streets. So if your Spanish proficiency is limited, communicating here shouldn't pose too much of a challenge.

Torrevieja Annual Carnival Parade. Mardi Gras
Torrevieja's annual carnival

Evening entertainment options in Torrevieja are abundant. Picture yourself watching the crowds from a beachfront bar or restaurant, enjoying delicious local seafood and cocktails as you soak in the friendly atmosphere. Or experiencing the thrill of the bustling night market, lively fun fair, or the myriad of nightclubs in town. Torrevieja practically guarantees unforgettable evenings, making it an ideal destination for expats looking for a fun and lively atmosphere. 

Essential Information

Torrevieja cityscape
Torrevieja cityscape

The property market in Torrevieja offers a wide range of options to suit various budgets and preferences, but bargain hunters are particularly well catered for, with studio apartments starting at around €50,000 on Kyero.com. Typical properties for sale comprise apartment complexes, bungalows, and whitewashed villas. 


As of 2024, Torrevieja's population totals 100,421, with 54.45% Spanish residents and 45.55% from 121 countries worldwide. Women slightly outnumber men, comprising 51.35% of the population. Age-wise, young people under 20 make up 18.5% of the population, those aged 20-40 account for 21.5%, 40-60-year-olds represent 30.3%, 60-80-year-olds make up 24%, and those aged 80+ comprise 5.8%.

Healthcare in Torrevieja


Excellent health care facilities abound locally, there are two large hospitals in and around the city, including the brand new Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja and a variety of public and private health clinics, including an eye care centre. If you are interested in the area for its health benefits, it’s worth noting that bathing in the pretty pink salt lake is now forbidden. BUT, you can still breathe in the air, permeated with salt & iodine, which is said to help people who suffer from asthma.

Working in Torrevieja 


Torrevieja is one of the best places to find work on the Costa Blanca, particularly if you’re looking for employment in the tourist trade and the property industry. Checkout the Jobs at Home: La Marina, Quesada, Torrevieja & Surrounding areas Facebook group and the Torrevieja Forum and Discussion board for up to date local job listings. Or check out our guide to finding a job in Spain.

If you plan to work remotely in Torrevieja, the good news is that internet speed is fast here compared to many of Torrevieja’s neighbours. Television Costa Blanca is the most popular provider, according to the Fair Internet Report with a maximum recorded broadband speed of 937.02 Mbps, and the typical home user seeing speeds in the range of 81.84—476.39 Mbps. You’ll find free wi-fi spots where you can work remotely with a view, all over the city, from the town square to the library and in dozens of bars and restaurants that line the promenade.  

Schools & education in Torrevieja 


There are a variety of public and private Spanish speaking schools for all ages in and around Torrevieja. For very young children, there are four nurseries in Torrevieja to choose from, or you might want to consider a childminding service, there are plenty of websites dedicated to this, check out Yoopies to get you started. If you have older children and want them to follow the English curriculum, the Phoenix International School and the El Limonar School in Villamartín are both around a 20 minute drive from the city centre. Willow International School in nearby Ciudad Quesada is also popular with expats. If you want your children to attend a Spanish state school, Ciudad del Mar Public School is one of the best in the area. Read our guide to finding the right school in Spain for your family to find out more about the Spanish education system.

Transport 


You will be within easy reach of the two local airports at Alicante (40 min by car) and Murcia (30 min by car) via the N-332 which runs through the centre of town. If you’re keen to be car free, Torrevieja has good, reliable public transport options, local buses have regular daily services to most major local towns and airports. Best of all, bus travel is free in town for residents holding a citizen card, or Tarjeta Cuidadano, which also gives you access to some superb local museums and galleries. Check out the ALSA website for up to date bus timetables. Although Torrevieja doesn’t have a train station, you can catch a bus to Alicante and pick up train services from there (the airport bus is a good option, it leaves Torrevieja every two hours, and the journey takes approximately one hour).

Things to do in and around Torrevieja

Take a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined beach promenade

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Torrevieja promenade at night

Street musicians will serenade you and intricate sand sculptures will surprise and delight you. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the Dique de Levante, a 1.5-kilometer-long promenade extending into the harbour, perfect for sunrise or sunset walks. Parque Jardin de las Naciones offers more picturesque walking opportunities, with its small lake, and most importantly in those hot summer months - plenty of shade.

Eat out on delicious seafood and tapas at local restaurants

Torrevieja restaurants

Or spice things up with flavours from around the globe—Chinese, Indian, Mexican. Craving a classic? Hit up a family-owned pizza joint or a sizzling steakhouse. Post-feast, take a leisurely stroll around the marina, then unwind with a drink—some cocktail bars in Torrevieja even have swimming pools! There are some awesome nightclubs too. 


Take the kids for a day out

Torrevieja Aqua Park
Torrevieja Aqua Park

There's LOADS of child-friendly things to do in and around Torrevieja. Take them to Aquopolis Torrevieja - one of the largest water parks on the Costa Blanca. Or let them experience the magic of the amusement park at Parque Antonio Soria market which boasts more than 30 attractions, including a ferris wheel and boating lake. Terra Mitica in nearby Benidorm is an exciting theme park that takes visitors on a journey through ancient civilizations, with thrilling rides and attractions inspired by ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Indulge in retail therapy at La Zenia Boulevard

La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre

La Zenia is Valencia region's premier shopping destination, located just 15 mins from the city centre. Featuring household names such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Mango, Superdry etc plus a huge Alcampo (Spain’s second largest supermarket chain), and a bowling alley and regular kids activities. In town, you can browse boutique shops, flip flop shacks, souvenir stalls, and gadget shops.

Go shopping at the market 

Torrevieja market

Make the weekly shop an adventure with a visit to one of Spain’s largest open air markets, which  takes place here every Friday. Shop for fresh fruit, veg, cheese, jamon, wine, honey, pastries and freshly baked goods, as well as crafts, clothes, and shoes at affordable prices. But wait, there’s more! The nightly ‘Hippy Market’ specialises in souvenirs and jewellery, while on weekends the craft market along Paseo Marítimo de la Libertad showcases 300 stalls. Additionally, nearby areas host their own markets, including La Mata's weekly street market every Wednesday, Campo de Guardamar's massive Sunday market with 1000 stalls, and Almoradí's bustling market also held on Sundays with 600 stalls.

Water sports and island hopping

Torrevieja marina

Torrevieja’s coastline offers a boatload of watersports, just waiting for you to dive in! Whether you're a beginner or looking to up your game, the watersports school has got you covered with paddle surfing, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. But wait, there's more aqua action! Fancy a yacht charter, a fishing trip, or a jet ski ride? You got it! And for an island escape, hop on the catamaran ferry to Tabarca island, where you'll discover dreamy coves perfect for diving into the balmy 27-degree waters.

Expat clubs & societies in Torrevieja and beyond


In Torrevieja, you'll find a bustling expat community with a plethora of clubs and societies catering to various interests. Torrevieja U3A is very active, organising lots of regular events throughout the year (think brunches, lunches, mini-golf tournaments, and day trips) , as well as weekly/monthly groups (dance classes, chess and petanca, and something called ‘pat a pony…’). Whether you're into sports, socialising, or charity work, there's something for everyone. Join the Torrevieja Badminton Club for some friendly competition, or immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene with groups like the Torrevieja Barbershop Harmonisers or the Phoenix Concert Band. Feeling adventurous? Dive into the depths with the Torrevieja Scuba Diving Club or explore the countryside with the Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers. Check out this comprehensive list of expat clubs and societies in Torrevieja for more inspiration.