La Mata
La Mata (Torrelamata) is a former fishing village that has merged with Torrevieja but retained its peaceful character. Known for its kilometre-long sandy beach and nature park by the salt lagoon, La Mata offers apartments from €100,000 and front-line properties from €200,000+, ideal for those seeking beach life at a quieter pace.
Quick facts La Mata
Population
4 500
2025
Source: INE + säsongsestimat (registrerade 1 262, reellt betydligt fler)
Foreign residents
55%
Source: INE / lokala estimat
Estimated Swedes
600
Uppskattat antal permanenta + delårsboende
Distance to airport
35 min
Alicante-Elche (ALC)
Price per m²
2 535 €
Source: Indomio / Idealista, april 2025
Sunshine hours per year
3100
Average temperature
19°C
Average temperature
Lifestyle in La Mata
Spanish and relaxed, with the square by the beach as the meeting point. Very popular among retirees and families with children. Less nightlife, more beach walks and nature experiences.
Why Swedes love La Mata
- ✓The beach: Playa de La Mata is 2.3 km long, wide and with shallow water — perfect for families and morning swims.
- ✓The nature park: The salt lagoon with thousands of flamingos provides a sense of wilderness amid the urban area.
- ✓The calm: Significantly quieter than Torrevieja centre, yet only 5 minutes away by car.
- ✓The price level: 15–20% cheaper per square metre than beachfront locations in Punta Prima or La Zenia.
- ✓Spanish authenticity: La Mata has kept its fishing village character — square life, tapas and a local market every Wednesday.
🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?
- •Those wanting nightlife and shopping (Torrevieja centre or La Zenia Boulevard suits better).
- •Those wanting luxury new builds by the sea (Punta Prima has a wider range in that segment).
- •Those wanting a large international expat community (Orihuela Costa is stronger for that).
- •Those who don't appreciate calm — except summer weeks, La Mata is a quiet place.
Districts in La Mata
La Mata Pueblo (centrum)
The old fishing village centre around Plaza del Embarcadero and the promenade. Authentically Spanish with tapas bars, square market and local character.
Pros
- +Walking distance to beach and amenities
- +Spanish authenticity
- +Lively square life with Wednesday market
Cons
- −Crowded in summer
- −Difficult parking in centre
- −Older buildings
Strandlinjen (frontline)
Apartments right on the kilometre-long sandy beach. High demand, strong rental potential and unbeatable location.
Pros
- +Direct beach access
- +High rental potential
- +Promenade outside the door
Cons
- −Premium prices
- −Busy in summer
- −Many tourists July-August
Torreblanca / Naturparksidan
Quiet residential area between La Mata and Torrevieja, on the nature park side. Villas and townhouses with views over the salt lagoon. Close to hiking trails.
Pros
- +Nature and tranquility
- +Larger homes at lower prices
- +Hiking trails at your door
- +Flamingos in the lagoon
Cons
- −Further from beach (10-15 min walk)
- −Fewer amenities nearby
Parquemar / Los Balcones-gränsen
Modern urbanisations south of La Mata centre, towards Los Balcones. Popular townhouses and bungalows with communal pool in well-maintained complexes.
Pros
- +Good value for money
- +Communal pool and garden
- +Close to N-332 (good connections)
Cons
- −Urbanisation feel (less Spanish)
- −Not walking distance to beach
Climate in La Mata vs Stockholm
2800
Sunshine hours/year
50
Rainy days/year
28°C
July avg
25°C
Sea temp July
| Month | La Mata | Stockholm | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | -2°C | +14°C | |
| Apr | 18°C | 5°C | +13°C | |
| Jul | 28°C | 18°C | +10°C | 26°C |
| Okt | 21°C | 8°C | +13°C |
Property market in La Mata
Price trend (5 years)
+15.3%
Steadily increasing trend since 2020
Estimated Rental Yield
6.2%
Gross yield for long-term rental
Tourist license
Possible
Generally possible to obtain a short-term rental license.
What does a property cost?
Average price ranges for standard properties in good condition.
* Prices are estimated averages and may vary depending on location, condition and view.
Attractions & experiences in La Mata
Playa de La Mata (one of the Costa Blanca's longest beaches), Parque Natural de la Mata (walking and cycling by the lagoon), the Wednesday market and the seafront promenade.
Transport & getting around in La Mata
Alicante Airport is around 35 minutes by car. Bus to Torrevieja city centre. Walking distance to most things within La Mata.
The best of La Mata
Lång strand
Kilometerlång sand
Naturpark
Vandring vid lagunen
Torgliv
Mysigt centrum
Hälsa
Mikroklimat
Practical for Swedes
Travel from Sweden
SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair
Dagligen
Ryanair, Norwegian
3-4 ggr/vecka
Ryanair
2-3 ggr/vecka
Transfer to the area:
Airport bus to Torrevieja bus station (€7, 40 min) then local bus or taxi (€10). Direct taxi approx. €55-65. Many arrange their own car with parking service at the airport.
Healthcare & Health
Centro de Salud La Mata (health centre) is in the village. Torrevieja University Hospital (public) is 5 km away. Private clinics with English-speaking doctors are available in Torrevieja.
NIE number & Legal
NIE numbers are handled via Policía Nacional in Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa. Book an appointment (cita previa) in advance — waiting times can be long in peak season.
Swedish services on-site
Compare with nearby areas
💡Tips for buying in La Mata
Houses near the nature park ("Torreblanca" side) offer peace and nature. Apartments in the centre ("Pueblo") are practical but livelier in summer. Parking can be difficult in the centre during high season.
Watch out for
"Those wanting nightlife and shopping (Torrevieja centre or La Zenia Boulevard suits better)., Those wanting luxury new builds by the sea (Punta Prima has a wider range in that segment)., Those wanting a large international expat community (Orihuela Costa is stronger for that)., Those who don't appreciate calm — except summer weeks, La Mata is a quiet place."
Common questions about La Mata
Playa de La Mata is 2,365 metres long and about 50 metres wide — one of the longest sandy beaches in the entire Torrevieja municipality. It has Blue Flag status and shallow, child-friendly water.
Yes! The Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja nature park is home to over 2,000 flamingos, especially during the breeding season. You can see them for free from the hiking trails starting at the visitor centre near the N-332.
The average price per square metre in La Mata is around €2,535 (April 2025). A two-room apartment typically costs €110,000–185,000, and a three-room €170,000–280,000. Beachfront locations command higher prices.
It depends on what you're looking for. La Mata is better if you want a longer sandy beach, nature, calm and Spanish village character. Torrevieja centre suits better if you want city life, amenities and services around the clock. Prices are similar, but La Mata has more beachfront apartments at lower prices.
Yes, every Wednesday a popular market is held in La Mata with fresh fruit, vegetables, clothes, household goods and local products. It is located near the centre and is a weekly tradition for many residents.
Properties in La Mata
No properties available in this area right now.
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