Torrevieja continues to grow rapidly, and much now points toward another record-breaking year for migration, tourism, and the housing market. In recent years, the city has evolved from a traditional holiday destination into one of the fastest-expanding municipalities on the Costa Blanca — and the growth shows no signs of slowing down. According to new figures, Torrevieja surpassed 110,000 registered residents at the beginning of 2026. This means the city has grown by more than 4,000 people in just one year, strengthening its position as one of the fastest-growing coastal cities in Spain.

Several factors lie behind this increase. The sunny climate, lower cost of living, and growing international community are attracting more and more Europeans to settle permanently in the area. Swedes, Britons, Poles, and Belgians are among the groups continuing to grow in number. The Swedish community alone increased further during the past year.

At the same time, the property market remains strong. After several years of sharp price increases, Torrevieja has become one of the most sought-after destinations on the southern Costa Blanca. New residential developments are emerging while demand for both holiday homes and permanent residences continues to remain high. Statistics show that property prices in the area have risen by nearly 40 percent over four years, although the pace of growth has now started to stabilize somewhat.

Tourism also plays a decisive role. Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport recently broke a new passenger record, directly impacting demand across the entire Costa Blanca region. More direct flights from Scandinavia and the rest of Europe are making the area even more attractive for both tourists and property buyers.

However, the rapid development has also sparked debate. As in many other parts of Spain, housing prices, tourist apartments, and the city’s fast growth are increasingly being discussed. Critics argue that the expansion risks changing the character of the city and pushing up living costs for local residents. At the same time, many business owners and residents see the strong growth as a sign of optimism and economic stability.

Infrastructure and New Investments Drive Growth

As the population increases, several major investments are underway throughout the city. In recent years, the municipality has invested heavily in upgrading promenades, parks, and public spaces to accommodate the growing number of residents and visitors. Several new commercial areas and restaurant projects have also opened, creating more jobs and strengthening the local economy.

Healthcare and public services are also expanding alongside the city’s growth. International schools, private healthcare clinics, and new residential areas are encouraging many families to settle permanently in the region rather than simply spending a few months there each year. For many Northern Europeans, remote work has also made it possible to combine work with life by the Mediterranean.

The change is also clearly visible in everyday city life. During the winter months — previously considered the low season — many restaurants and shops now remain open year-round. This creates a more stable economy for local businesses and makes Torrevieja less dependent on traditional summer tourism.

Swedes Continue to Move to the Costa Blanca

The Swedish connection to Torrevieja remains strong. The area has long been one of the most popular destinations in Spain for Swedish visitors, and many are now choosing to stay for longer periods or relocate permanently. Swedish businesses, associations, and service providers have grown alongside demand, making the transition to life in Spain easier than ever before.

Experts believe that interest in the Costa Blanca is likely to continue growing in the coming years. The combination of climate, proximity to the sea, international atmosphere, and relatively affordable living costs makes the area attractive even compared with other parts of Spain. At the same time, Torrevieja faces the challenge of growing sustainably. Issues such as water supply, traffic, and urban development are expected to become increasingly important as the city continues to expand. How the municipality handles these challenges could play a decisive role in shaping the future of Torrevieja.

Despite these challenges, optimism remains strong among both residents and business owners. Many describe the current situation as the beginning of a new major growth period for the city — and much suggests that Torrevieja has not yet reached its peak. All signs therefore indicate that 2026 could become yet another record year for Torrevieja — a city that continues to attract people from all across Europe to Spain’s sunny Mediterranean coast.