Is Torrevieja suitable for families?

Absolutely. Torrevieja has calm beaches suitable for children, Aquopolis water park just 10 minutes away, and a safe, walkable town centre. Many of our guests are families who return year after year.

Why are the salt lakes pink?

The distinctive pink colour is caused by a type of algae called Dunaliella salina that thrives in the high-salt environment. The salt lakes are still commercially active and produce therapeutic salt used across Europe.

How far is Torrevieja from Alicante Airport?

Torrevieja is approximately 50 minutes from Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) by car. Taxi costs around €45–60. We can arrange airport transfers for our guests — just ask when booking.

Long-Term Rentals in Torrevieja

Browse 19 long-term rental properties in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.

Villas Apartments Beachfront With Pool

Living Long-Term in Torrevieja

Torrevieja is one of the most popular long-term rental destinations on the Costa Blanca, home to a well-established expat community of British, Scandinavian and German residents. The cost of living is notably lower than in Northern Europe, with affordable grocery markets, a modern hospital (Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja) and pharmacies on almost every corner. Fibre broadband is widely available across the town.

Renters enjoy excellent public transport links including intercity buses to Alicante and Murcia, several international schools within a 20-minute drive, and a walkable centre with the Habaneras shopping complex, Mercadona and Lidl supermarkets, and a famous Friday market. Monthly rents for a two-bedroom apartment typically start from around 650 euros.

Monthly Budget

From ~€650/month (2-bed apartment)

Healthcare

University hospital, 30+ pharmacies

Expat Community

Large — English widely spoken

Supermarkets

Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour

Living in Torrevieja — A Practical Guide

Monthly Costs

Item	Range
1-bed apartment rent	€450–650/month
2-bed apartment rent	€550–850/month
Utilities (elec/water/gas)	€80–140/month
Fibre internet	€30–40/month
Groceries (couple)	€300–400/month
Eating out (couple, modest)	€200–300/month
Total couple budget	€1,500–2,200/month

Healthcare

Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja (public, modern, opened 2006) is the main facility, with Quirónsalud Torrevieja for private care. Register for your SIP card (tarjeta sanitaria) at the Centro de Salud on Calle Arquitecto Larramendi. Over 30 pharmacies serve the town, most with English-speaking staff.

NIE, Residency & Banking

NIE applications are handled at the Policía Nacional in Alicante (Comisaría de Extranjeros, C/ Eusebio Sempere), about 50 minutes south. Book via the "Sede Electrónica" website well in advance — slots fill fast. Non-lucrative and digital nomad visas require consulate processing before arrival. For banking, CaixaBank and Sabadell have branches with English-speaking staff; Sabadell's international desk in Torrevieja is popular with expats. Typical rental contracts run 11 months with a 1-month deposit (fianza).

Getting Around

Intercity buses run hourly to Alicante (1 hour) and to Murcia. There is no train station — a car is very useful for day-to-day life, though the centre and seafront promenade are walkable. Alicante airport is 45 minutes by car or Costa Azul bus.

Social Life

Torrevieja has one of the largest expat communities on the Costa Blanca, with active British, Scandinavian, German and Dutch groups. The Friday market is a social hub, and organisations like the Royal British Legion, Scandinavian clubs and language exchange meetups at local bars run year-round.

Insider Tip

Torrevieja

2 beds1 bath4

WiFiPoolTerrace+5

€123

418, Miguel de Cervantes

Torrevieja

3 beds2 baths6

WiFiPoolAir Conditioning+5

About Torrevieja

Torrevieja is a vibrant coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, famous for its unique pink salt lakes, beautiful beaches, and thriving international community. With over 300 days of sunshine per year and a healthy microclimate created by the salt lakes, it’s a truly year-round destination.

The city offers a wonderful mix of authentic Spanish life and international atmosphere. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood restaurants and weekly markets to modern shopping centres and vibrant nightlife.

The Basics

☀️

Climate

Summer 28–32°C · Winter 12–18°C

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Airport

50 min from Alicante (ALC)

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Beaches

Playa del Cura, Los Locos, La Mata

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Markets

Famous Friday Market — 1,000+ stalls

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Best Known For

Pink salt lakes (Las Salinas)

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Languages

Spanish, English widely spoken

Things to Do

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Visit the Pink Salt Lakes

Las Salinas de Torrevieja — a stunning natural phenomenon. The pink colour comes from algae in the salt water. Best viewed at sunrise or sunset.

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Beach Days

Playa del Cura is the main beach with all amenities and Blue Flag status. Playa de Los Locos is great for water sports. La Mata beach offers a wilder, more natural setting.

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Habaneras Festival

Torrevieja’s famous annual international habaneras singing competition, held in August. A magical evening of traditional maritime songs.

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Marina & Seafront

Walk the 6km seafront promenade, enjoy catamaran cruises, or try scuba diving. The marina is lined with restaurants and cafes.

Property Types in Torrevieja

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Villas

Private pools & gardens

Private or shared pools

Frequently Asked Questions

Maya Kallio

Co-Founder & Business Consultant · Based in Torrevieja since 2018

Maya co-founded OceanHome and oversees operations across 40+ properties on the Costa Blanca. Every tip in this guide comes from years of first-hand experience helping guests from all over the world.

Meet the team →|Fact-checked April 2026