Where to Live and Buy Property in Torrevieja: 7 District Overview

• Playa del Cura
• Centro (Centre)
• El Acequion - Los Naufragos
• Playa de Los Locos
• Nueva Torrevieja - Aguas Nuevas
• La Siesta - El Salado - Torreta
• Los Balcones

1. Playa del Cura

Playa del Cura is the main coastal zone and the most popular swimming spot in Torrevieja. This sandy beach is fully equipped with parasols, sunbeds, lifeguard service, water sport hire, bars and cafes.

The main drawback is overcrowding due to the beach’s relatively short length. Parking is difficult as tourists from across the city converge here. Since 2018, fines have been introduced for reserving beach spots with parasols and chairs all day.

Property within walking distance of the sea, particularly near Avenida Habaneras, is expensive. These quarters have been gradually developed since the 1960s. A two-bedroom new-build apartment costs from 120,000 euros; a comparable resale option from 50,000 euros. Demand from tourists and investors for this beachfront property remains consistently high.

2. Centro (Centre)

The Centre extends between the sea and Avenida Diego Ramirez Pastor and is the optimal choice for permanent residence. North of this avenue lies El Molino - a district with a significant proportion of illegal immigrants, offering extremely affordable housing for those not bothered by diverse neighbours.

The southern part of Centro is significantly more attractive. Here lies Torrevieja’s cultural core: the Architects’ House, Philharmonic Hall, theatre, Salt and Water Museum and casino. Historic landmarks include the Church of the Immaculate Conception (built 1844) and the Church of the Sacred Heart, an example of modern architecture.

Few new-builds exist in the district; housing is predominantly modest 1970s homes. A two-bedroom apartment costs approximately 80,000 euros. Residents visit Playa del Cura beach, while the Centre itself has a yacht club at the port, attracting sailing and water sports enthusiasts.

3. El Acequion - Los Naufragos

Historically, this district with rocky beaches was considered one of the least attractive in the city. Avenida Desiderio Rodriguez - a major road connecting the district with the seafront - created intense traffic right next to the beach. Municipal housing for low-income residents was located here - small brick buildings with tiny balconies, predominantly occupied by Roma communities.

Today the landscape is defined by high-rises and townhouses built in the 1980s. Prices start from 50,000 euros. Some buildings lack lifts, opening opportunities for bargain purchases on upper floors.

Previously, property here was 20-30% cheaper than comparable options in Centro or Playa del Cura. The district’s demographics have noticeably changed - French and Belgian residents are increasingly settling here. A Madrid investor announced the La Baraka project: a 4-star hotel (potentially the largest on the Costa Blanca) and residential towers with sea views. Upon completion, property values are expected to rise.

The district divides into two zones. Los Naufragos, more remote from the centre and adjacent to sewage treatment works, is less attractive. However, the elite La Veleta urbanisation at the far south of Torrevieja offers villas from 800,000 to 4,000,000 euros.

El Acequion practically merges with the Centre through high-rise development. Dona Sinforosa Park hosts community events and concerts, plus a skate park where you can skateboard while watching ducks. Jardin de las Naciones Park offers scenic landscapes.

The beaches face Torrevieja port, so the water is less clean. However, the beautiful bay is virtually wave-free.

4. Playa de los Locos

Driving north from Playa del Cura along the coast, passing several rocky sections - “calas” - you reach Playa de los Locos, Torrevieja’s second most famous beach. The beach combines sandy and rocky sections and is less crowded than Playa del Cura. A retirement home is nearby.

This is a relatively quiet district with few Spaniards - predominantly Romanian, Swedish and Russian seasonal residents. A one-bedroom apartment can be purchased for just 50,000 euros.

“Palmeral” is Torrevieja’s oldest gated complex with extensive shared infrastructure: pools and courts. Apartment prices start from 160,000 euros.

The Three Heights district (Aldea Del Mar) includes Torrevieja’s tallest buildings (until La Baraka is completed), with various apartment layouts depending on floor. Aldea Apartamentos is a cluster of Mediterranean chalets surrounding spacious swimming pools.

Los Frutales is especially popular among Finns, Swedes and British residents. The area lacks large shopping centres and noisy entertainment - it offers a peaceful atmosphere with a high standard of living and attentive neighbours. This is exclusively a private sector of chalets and bungalows organised in complexes with pools and gardens. A new 80 m2 house in such a “conjunto” costs approximately 120,000 euros.

Torre del Moro - a 15th-century structure originally located elsewhere and rebuilt at the city’s highest point - is of significant historical interest. Most properties offer panoramic sea views.

Torre del Moro is excellent for permanent residence: many new-builds and leisure opportunities. Parque Molino del Agua attracts residents with paved paths, ponds and pine forest. Parque Aromatico showcases diverse plants and herbs. Ciudad del Mar school enjoys a prestigious reputation. Major supermarket chains Mercadona and Dialprix operate here.

Due to the rocky coastline in Los Frutales and Torre del Moro, residents drive to La Mata beach - a Torrevieja suburb with a 10-kilometre sandy strip popular among young people.

5. Nueva Torrevieja - Aguas Nuevas

This inland district extends beyond Los Frutales and Torre del Moro. Situated on higher ground, it offers residents Mediterranean Sea views. Infrastructure includes offices, shopping centres, squares, lanes, a major private hospital and convenient access to the N-332 road.

Nueva Torrevieja features a “sports town” with football pitches, tennis courts, swimming pools, basketball and volleyball courts, plus the Aquopolis water park.

Los Angeles is a sub-district of Nueva Torrevieja with small 1960s chalets and townhouses. Casa Grande is nearby - a major office district providing residents with quick commutes to work.

6. La Siesta - El Salado - Torreta

This is an administrative union of several settlements rather than a traditional district. El Chaparral, the most remote, sits between two salt lakes - Laguna Salada de la Mata and Laguna Salada de Torrevieja.

This location provides cooler air and less dryness compared to other parts of the city. Distance from the main urban zone attracts Scandinavians who value privacy and accept the long drive to beaches.

El Salado and Torreta III settlements are inhabited by Roma communities, with minimal vegetation and no shared pools. Torreta II, Torreta Florida and the “Mi Sol Caravan” campsite, located closer to the centre, are better suited for European residents. The infrastructure caters to cycling enthusiasts.

7. Los Balcones

Located on the opposite side of Laguna Salada de Torrevieja from other districts. Los Balcones attracts Scandinavians and Germans, especially those with asthma and elderly people who benefit from the salt-saturated air.

Chalets, townhouses and bungalows are available from 120,000 euros. A shopping centre is planned. Prestigious complexes surrounded by pines and palms make this the greenest area in the city.

From Los Balcones, both the salt lake and the sea are easily accessible: crossing the N-332 road brings you to the El Acequion - Los Naufragos area, from where you can walk to Torrevieja’s port and centre.