The short answer
Orihuela Costa is a coastal strip of residential areas rather than a traditional town, with a large year-round British community, English-speaking services, beaches and golf. A car is essential for most daily life because there is no train or tram station. Healthcare, airports and larger towns are all within a 10–60 km radius.
Updated 9 November 2026
Orihuela Costa is the coastal part of the municipality of Orihuela, about 30 km from Orihuela city. It is not a traditional Spanish town: it is a string of residential areas and urbanisations along the southern Costa Blanca between Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada. The main areas are Cabo Roig, La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, Campoamor and Villamartín. There is no old town or central square; life centres on beaches, golf courses, commercial centres and housing developments.
The area has 30,171 registered residents (Orihuela padrón, end 2025), and British nationals are the largest nationality on the coast. English is the dominant language in shops, bars and social settings, which makes the practical side of moving easier. English-speaking healthcare, businesses and social groups are widely available.
Daily life is built around the car. There is no train or tram station in Orihuela Costa; the nearest rail stations are inland at Orihuela and Murcia. The AP-7 and N-332 connect the coast north to Torrevieja (~10 km) and Alicante (~55 km), and west to Murcia (~60 km). Alicante-Elche Airport is ~60 km away and Murcia Corvera is ~50 km away.
Healthcare is local. Medical centres sit within the area, Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja is the public hospital about 15 km away, and private clinics and English-speaking healthcare are available. Families have access to international schools in the wider area.
The main mistake is choosing an area by summer feel alone. Some residential streets are much quieter in winter, while La Zenia, Playa Flamenca and Cabo Roig keep bars, restaurants and services open year-round. Decide whether you want a busy beachside urbanisation or a quieter golf-area property, and test both outside July and August.
People also ask
›Is Orihuela Costa the same as Orihuela city?
No. Orihuela Costa is the coastal strip about 30 km from inland Orihuela city. It has no old town; it is made up of residential areas, coves and shopping centres.
›Do I need a car to live in Orihuela Costa?
Yes. There is no train or tram station in Orihuela Costa, and the nearest rail stations are inland at Orihuela and Murcia. The AP-7 and N-332 are the main road routes.
›Is Orihuela Costa busy all year?
Yes in the main service areas. La Zenia, Playa Flamenca and Cabo Roig keep bars, restaurants and services open year-round, though some quieter residential streets have fewer people in winter.
›Can I live in Orihuela Costa without speaking Spanish?
Yes for daily life. English is the dominant language in shops, bars and social settings, and English-speaking healthcare and businesses are widely available.