Orihuela Costa

The British expat capital of southern Costa Blanca — urbanisations, golf courses and arguably the highest British concentration anywhere in Spain.

Suited to: Retirees · Golfers · Second-home owners · Holiday-rental investors

Costa: Costa Blanca
Province: Alicante
Population: ~84,500
British Community: ~10,500
Airport: Alicante–Elche (~55 km)
Train: None direct

Image by Josmanu1970 on Pixabay

About this place

Orihuela Costa is a picturesque coastal area in the province of Alicante, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant expatriate community. With a blend of residential charm and leisure opportunities, it has become a popular destination for British expats seeking a new lifestyle in the sun. This guide will explore the character of Orihuela Costa, its distinct neighbourhoods, everyday amenities, and what life is like throughout the year.

Explore Orihuela Costa

Healthcare

Health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, how to register, English-speaking doctors

Admin & Documents

Town hall, NIE office, empadronamiento, police station, gestoría recommendations

Housing

Rental market, buying, neighbourhoods, estate agents, typical prices

Cost of Living

Monthly budget, rent, utilities, groceries, eating out, IBI

British Community

Expat groups, social clubs, Facebook groups, where to meet other Brits

Integrating Locally

Spanish classes, markets, fiestas, sports clubs, how locals socialise

Daily Life

Supermarkets, transport, parking, broadband, banks, post office

Things to Do

Beaches, restaurants, hiking, day trips, seasonal events

Schools & Families

State schools, international schools, nurseries, extracurricular

Nearby towns you may also like

Torrevieja
~15 km north · Larger town, salt lakes, beaches, more services, lower prices.
Alicante
~55 km north · Provincial capital, airport, AVE, hospital, university, full services.
Murcia
~50 km west · Regional capital, university, services, lower costs than coastal areas.

Last updated: 04/07/2026