Torrevieja is located 30 miles south of the town of Alicante and was originally a salt mining and fishing community. Torrevieja's economy has received a considerable boost due to a massive influx of tourists. Much like Murcia, Torrevieja too has a well developed real estate market which is designed to cater to overseas investors and domestic tourists. Nearly 50% of Torrevieja's population is made up of international tourists that stay in Torrevieja the year round. Most of these ?year round? tourists are from countries like The UK, France, Germany and Netherlands.

Torrevieja has long been a popular summer retreat for Spanish citizens, and many Spanish citizens have summer homes in Torrevieja. In fact, Spanish buyers were buying villas and apartments in Torrevieja long before overseas buyers started buying real estate in Torrevieja. The demand for real estate increased rapidly once overseas investors started buying real estate in Torrevieja. Torrevieja is located on the Costa Blanca, and like all cities on the Costa Blanca, it enjoys a rich tourist inflow during the world-famous Habanera festival which is held every August.

The population of Torrevieja expands up to ten times its normal size during the Habanera festival, and hotels and resorts do not have enough room to handle such a massive inflow of tourists. Many overseas buyers usually rent out their summer houses during peak tourists season, and vacation rentals are an essential source of accommodation for tourists visiting Torrevieja. A temperate climate and relaxed life style also make Torrevieja desirable to people that enjoy a little time away from home.

The reason why so many European buyers have bought villas and apartments in Torrevieja, is because Torrevieja is the ideal Mediterranean getaway. Unlike larger Spanish cities, Torrevieja has a population of 85,000 and is ideally suited for people that want a little peace and quiet. Like most holiday destinations, Torrevieja has its share of tourist attractions and some of the popular places to visit are Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepci'n and Iglesia de Nuestra Se?ora del Rosario (La Mata). Apart from the usual tourist attractions, Torrevieja is also one of the leading shopping centres on the Costa Blanca.

With nearly 2,500 shops dedicated to fashion, furniture, accessories, the home, buying and sale of property, textile, leather, interior design, electronics and gifts, Torrevieja is popular with shopping enthusiasts. Also, people with private yachts prefer spending time in Torrevieja's harbour; the harbour is not large enough for commercial shipping, making it ideal for people that want to stay away from a crowded commercial port.

Torrevieja is easily accessible by air and there are two international airports located close to Torrevieja. The first airport is located 40 kms to the North of Torrevieja in Alicante; the second airport is located 25 kms South of Torrevieja in Murcia. Both Alicante and Murcia are also popular tourist and real estate hot spots. Torrevieja offers traditional Spanish villas and like most Spanish architecture, Torrevieja villas and homes are a blend of a culturally diverse architectural style.