The short answer
Yes. Orihuela Costa has one of the largest and most concentrated British expat communities in Spain. At the end of 2025 the coastal strip had 30,171 registered residents, and British nationals were the largest nationality. English dominates shops, bars and social life, supported by British pubs, clubs and businesses.
Updated 9 November 2026
Orihuela Costa is a coastal strip in southern Alicante province, not a single town centre. It belongs to the municipality of Orihuela, but Orihuela city lies about 30 km inland, and the two are separate for daily life. The coast includes Cabo Roig, La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, Campoamor and Villamartín, each with its own character.
The British presence is the defining feature. At the end of 2025 the Orihuela Costa padrón recorded 30,171 registered residents, and British nationals are the largest nationality. English is the dominant language in shops, bars and social settings, and there are British-run businesses, pubs, clubs, charities and social groups. British pubs like the Royal Oak and a bowls club sit alongside newer arrivals: since Brexit, a younger generation of British expats has moved in beside the established retiree community.
For a move, the practical points are clear. There is no direct rail or tram service in Orihuela Costa; the nearest rail stations are in Orihuela city and Murcia. Alicante–Elche Airport is about 60 km away and Murcia Corvera is about 50 km, so a car makes day-to-day life and winter travel easier. Peak summer brings more foreign nationals, overwhelmingly British, Irish, Swedish, German and Dutch, while some inland urbanisations stay quieter out of season.
People also ask
›Is Orihuela Costa full of British expats?
Yes. British nationals are the largest nationality on the coast, and English is the main language in shops, bars and social settings. It has one of the highest British concentrations in Spain.
›Which areas do British expats live in Orihuela Costa?
Cabo Roig, La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, Campoamor and Villamartín are popular residential areas. Coastal neighbourhoods have restaurants and beaches; Villamartín sits slightly inland around golf.
›Do I need Spanish to live in Orihuela Costa?
For daily shopping, bars and social life, English is enough. You still need Spanish or a sworn translator for official paperwork and public services.
›Why do expats want Orihuela Costa to split from Orihuela city?
There is an active independence movement that wants Orihuela Costa to become its own municipality because of differences in local services between the coast and Orihuela city.