In a new series looking at the top buyer locations, we ask why these destinations are so popular.
Lying in the Costa Blanca, in the Orihuela Costa area, Villamartin is at the very heart of an area loved by British home hunters.
The name does not roll off the tongue like Torrevieja or Benidorm, but we see many more property seekers buying there because it “ticks a lot of boxes”. But why?
Where is Villamartin and why is it so popular?
What might best be described as a large cosmopolitan urbanisation began back in 1972 when Villamartin started to grow into a tourist destination, especially for golf. Villamartin has three championship golf courses: Villamartin Golf Club, which hosted the 1994 Mediterranean Open, La Finca Golf Resort, and Campo de Golf Las Ramblas.
It also lies a little inland, rather than on the coast, which makes it more attractive to some – because it’s a little less hectic – and also a bit more affordable.
What does Villamartin offer buyers?
Of course, Blue Flag beaches are close to hand, and the area enjoys 300 days of sunshine and an average annual temperature of 20 degrees, which helps make it the ideal family destination too – there are water sports and go-kart tracks.
Its famous Spanish-style central plaza near the Villamartin Golf Course, dotted with palm trees, offers all the practical aspects: banks, doctors, shops, bars, cafés and restaurants – plus some friendly African Ring Neck parrots. There’s a Mercadona supermarket nearby too.
Some people live there full-time, like Suzanne and her family, who love the great restaurants – and there’s ELIS Villamartin British International School located in San Miguel de Salinas.
La Zenia Boulevard, a larger centre with a good choice of retail and restaurants, is five minutes’ drive away.
Practical information for living in Villamartin
Villamartin is about an hour from Alicante Airport, with a shuttle bus available for €21, and only 20 minutes from Murcia. Playa Flamenca and La Zenia beach are both around eight minutes’ drive away.
The nearest major hospital is Torrevieja University Hospital, around 25 minutes away. Other nearby options include Vega Baja Hospital in Orihuela and Elche University General Hospital. The Villamartin Health Centre is close to hand for more routine care.
Property options and typical prices in Villamartin
There are around 1,500 apartments, villas and townhouses, with a broad population from across Europe, and a variety of homes and budgets available, including golf properties.
Villamartin includes a collection of urbanisations: Villacosta, Eagles Nest, Montegolf, Las Filipinas, El Presidente, Los Valencias, El Galan and Blue Lagoon.
You can find an apartment for less than €100,000 if you’re lucky, but there’s more choice if you have around €120k. These will typically be in traditional Mediterranean-style blocks. Two-bedroom properties also start from that point, but you’ll see more options from €130k upwards. For those with attractive shared pools, it might be closer to €150k.
Two-bedroom townhouses tend to cost from €150k, villas from €175k. For a slick new-build two-bedroom, two-bathroom property, you’re looking at €250,000–€280,000.
Are there any downsides to Villamartin?
Some people might find it less authentically Spanish than they’d prefer – Villamartin has a very large expat population, with around 55% of residents from overseas.
Insider view: what is life in Villamartin really like?
Homeowner Michelle Murray, from Derry
Michelle bought a three-bedroom townhouse in Villamartin in 2020.
Why Villamartin?
“It has a wide diversity of nationalities and local Spanish villages and towns. It is close to loads of beautiful beaches and has great facilities and sports activities.”
I love…
“Rummaging through the second-hand shops of Los Dolses or Playa Flamenca, but I go to La Zenia Boulevard which has Zara and Decathlon. I frequent El Capitan Beach in Cabo Roig as you can swim with the fish and there are no steps to get onto the beach, which is easier for my older family and friends. Our plan is to spend summers in Ireland and winters in Spain, as we have Irish passports.”
Favourite restaurant?
“I have many favoured places, but current picks are Yummy Asia (C. Ramón de Campoamor) and Paddy’s Point Irish Bar and Restaurant, La Zenia.”
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