Torrevieja
Torrevieja is the obvious choice for Scandinavians seeking affordable sunny living, with Spain's largest Nordic community, pink salt lagoons and over ten kilometres of beach. Flats from €60,000 and WHO-endorsed air quality thanks to the salt lagoons make the town unique on Costa Blanca.
Quick facts Torrevieja
Population
110 500
2026
Source: Torrevieja kommun
Foreign residents
53.6%
Source: Torrevieja kommun
Estimated Swedes
1 921
Registrerade (mörkertal finns)
Distance to airport
45 min
Alicante-Elche (ALC)
Price per m²
2 602 €
Source: Idealista/Indomio
Sunshine hours per year
2660
Average temperature
18.9°C
Average temperature
Popular searches in Torrevieja
Explore specific property types and locations that are in high demand right now.
Lifestyle in Torrevieja
Torrevieja feels like a small Scandinavia in Spain, with a Swedish church, Nordic clubs and familiar food products in the shops. At the same time, genuine Spanish life is just around the corner, a perfect mix for those wanting the best of both worlds.
Why Swedes love Torrevieja
- ✓Unique microclimate recommended by the WHO – the salt content in the air is beneficial for health.
- ✓Sweden's largest expat colony provides security and a social network immediately upon arrival.
- ✓Affordable housing compared to northern Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.
- ✓Active year-round – the town does not "close down" in winter like smaller resorts can.
🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?
- •Those seeking complete silence during high season (July–August is intense).
- •Those wanting rocky sea bathing and archipelago scenery – here you find shallow sandy beaches.
- •Those wanting to avoid other Scandinavians entirely.
- •Nature lovers wanting large forests right on their doorstep (consider Guardamar instead).
Districts in Torrevieja
La Mata
Scenic, sand dunes, calmer pace. Popular among Scandinavians.
Pros
- +Fantastic beach
- +Near nature park
- +Quiet area
Cons
- −Further from the centre
- −Fewer nightclubs
Los Balcones
Villa neighbourhood, green, hilly with views over the salt lakes.
Pros
- +Larger plots
- +Views
- +Near the hospital
Cons
- −Requires a car
- −Hilly terrain
Centrum
Buzz, harbour, promenade and city life.
Pros
- +Walking distance to everything
- +Bus station
- +Restaurant selection
Cons
- −More traffic
- −Older properties
- −Less greenery
Los Locos
Active beach area, lots of tapas bars and vibrant life.
Pros
- +Close to the beach
- +Lively
- +Good rental potential
Cons
- −Can be noisy
- −Difficult parking in summer
Climate in Torrevieja vs Stockholm
2800
Sunshine hours/year
50
Rainy days/year
28°C
July avg
25°C
Sea temp July
| Month | Torrevieja | Stockholm | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | -2°C | +14°C | |
| Apr | 16°C | 5°C | +11°C | |
| Jul | 27°C | 18°C | +9°C | 25°C |
| Okt | 20°C | 8°C | +12°C |
Property market in Torrevieja
Price trend (5 years)
+11.8%
Steadily increasing trend since 2020
Estimated Rental Yield
7.5%
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 Torrevieja
The pink salt lagoon (a selfie paradise), Habaneras music, long beaches and water parks. Close to Murcia and Elche for larger shopping and cultural experiences.
Transport & getting around in Torrevieja
Alicante airport 40 minutes, Murcia airport 45 minutes. Excellent bus network. A car is useful for the inland area.
The best of Torrevieja
Prisvärda
Bland Spaniens billigaste
Skandinaviskt
Sveriges största koloni
Saltlagunerna
Rosa naturunder
Hälsosamt
WHO-rekommenderad luft
Practical for Swedes
Travel from Sweden
SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair
Dagligen
Ryanair, Norwegian
3-4 ggr/vecka
SAS, Norwegian
Dagligen
Transfer to the area:
Airport bus directly to Torrevieja centre (approx. €7). Taxi approx. €50–60. Car hire recommended for exploring.
Healthcare & Health
Swedish health clinics are available in the area. The large Quirón hospital is private and accepts insured patients. The public hospital is highly rated.
NIE number & Legal
An NIE number is required for purchase. Can be applied for at the police station in Torrevieja (appointment required) or via the Spanish embassy in Sweden.
Swedish services on-site
Compare with nearby areas
💡Tips for buying in Torrevieja
Avoid the very cheapest properties – there is usually a reason for the low price. La Mata is quieter, central Torrevieja more lively. Check community fees – they vary enormously.
Watch out for
"Those seeking complete silence during high season (July–August is intense)., Those wanting rocky sea bathing and archipelago scenery – here you find shallow sandy beaches., Those wanting to avoid other Scandinavians entirely., Nature lovers wanting large forests right on their doorstep (consider Guardamar instead)."
Common questions about Torrevieja
Torrevieja is generally a very safe city. As in all tourist towns, you should be alert to pickpockets in crowds and at markets, but violent crime is low.
Yes, the water is safe to drink but may taste strongly of chlorine. Many choose to install a filter or buy bottled water for taste, but for cooking and brushing teeth it is perfectly fine.
If you live centrally you do not need a car, the bus connections are good. For the urbanisations such as Los Balcones or Aguas Nuevas, a car makes life considerably easier.
Torrevieja is active year-round. Even if there are fewer tourists, almost all restaurants and shops are open. The climate is mild with lunchtime temperatures often around 15–20 degrees.
Apartment prices in Torrevieja range from €80,000 to €250,000 depending on location, size and condition. Beachfront apartments average €150,000, while apartments further from the beach can be found from €80,000. New builds typically range from €120,000 to €200,000.
Price examples
- •1 bedroom, 50 m²: €80,000–€120,000
- •2 bedrooms, 70 m²: €120,000–€180,000
- •3 bedrooms, 90 m²: €150,000–€250,000
- •Beachfront +30–50%
Top 5 areas in Torrevieja:
Playa del Cura (Centre)
- •Close to beach (50–200 m)
- •Restaurants & shopping
- •Highest prices (€150,000–€300,000)
La Mata
- •Quieter, family-friendly
- •Long sandy beach
- •Mid-range (€120,000–€200,000)
Los Locos
- •Popular among Swedes
- •Close to beach
- •Good restaurants
Punta Prima
- •Exclusive area
- •Near Zenia Boulevard
- •Higher prices (€180,000–€350,000)
Torrevieja Inland
- •Most affordable (€80,000–€150,000)
- •Larger properties
- •10–15 min to beach
Step-by-step guide:
Preparation (1–2 weeks)
- •Apply for NIE number (tax number)
- •Open a Spanish bank account
- •Hire a Swedish-speaking agent
Find a property (2–8 weeks)
- •View properties
- •Compare prices and areas
- •Get a survey (recommended)
Preliminary contract (1 week)
- •Sign the preliminary contract (contrato de arras)
- •Pay deposit (10% of purchase price)
Completion (4–8 weeks)
- •Notary appointment
- •Pay remaining amount + costs
- •Collect keys!
Total time: 2–4 months from start to finish.
In addition to the purchase price, the following costs apply:
Mandatory costs
- •Transfer tax (ITP): 8–10% of purchase price
- •Notary fees: €600–€1,200
- •Registration: €400–€800
- •Legal advice: €1,000–€2,000
Total: Allow for 10–13% of the purchase price in additional costs.
Example: Apartment for €150,000 = €15,000–€19,500 in additional costs.
Yes, an NIE number is MANDATORY to purchase property in Spain.
What is NIE? - Número de Identificación de Extranjero - Spanish tax number for foreigners - Required for all financial transactions
How to get an NIE? 1. Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in Sweden 2. Complete the application form (EX-15) 3. Pay the fee (~€10) 4. Wait 2–4 weeks
Or: Apply directly in Spain (faster, 1–2 days)
Interested in living in Torrevieja?
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