Costa Blanca
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Los Altos, Costa Blanca: What You Should Know Before Buying
If you are researching areas on the southern Costa Blanca, Los Altos often appears on the shortlist.
It sits just inland from the coast near Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa, offering a practical, established setting rather than a purpose-built resort feel. For second-home buyers especially, it strikes a balance between convenience, affordability across a wide range of budgets, and year-round livability.
This guide looks at what life in Los Altos is really like, who it tends to suit best, and what to expect from the property market, so you can decide whether it aligns with your lifestyle goals.
Where Is Los Altos?
Los Altos is part of the Orihuela Costa area in the southern Costa Blanca, Alicante province.
It sits slightly inland from Punta Prima and Playa Flamenca, around a 5 to 10 minute drive to the sea, depending on your exact location. Torrevieja town centre is also close by, giving residents access to larger supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and marina life.
The area is well connected by road, with easy access to the AP-7 motorway and around 40 to 45 minutes to Alicante Airport.
For many second-home buyers, this positioning is one of Los Altos’ strongest advantages. You are close to beaches and golf courses, yet not directly in a high-traffic seafront zone.
What Is the Atmosphere Like?
Los Altos is primarily residential.
It is not a traditional Spanish village with a central plaza, nor is it a high-rise coastal strip. Instead, it consists of urbanisations with townhouses, villas, and low-rise apartment complexes built over the past two to three decades.
The atmosphere is international. You will hear English, Scandinavian languages, Dutch, and Spanish regularly. Many properties are used as second homes, though there is also a solid base of permanent residents.
In summer, the area feels lively and busy, especially near commercial centres and restaurants. In winter, it becomes noticeably calmer, yet it does not feel abandoned. Supermarkets, cafés, and essential services remain open year round, which is important if you plan to use your property outside peak season.
Who Does Los Altos Suit Best?
Second-Home Buyers
For buyers looking for a practical lock-up-and-leave property, Los Altos is often appealing.
Many homes are part of communities with shared pools and low maintenance gardens. You are close to amenities, so you do not need a car for every short trip, although having one does make life easier.
Because it is not a single resort complex, you can choose between quieter streets and more central locations near shops and restaurants.
Retirees
Retirees who want convenience rather than isolation often gravitate toward Los Altos.
Healthcare services in Torrevieja are nearby, and there are plenty of social opportunities within the international community. The relatively flat layout of many parts of the area also makes daily life manageable.
Winter livability is a key consideration. Los Altos does not shut down in the off-season, which can make a significant difference if you plan extended stays.
Families
Families considering a holiday base that could later become a semi-permanent home may find Los Altos practical. There are international schools within driving distance, playgrounds, and access to larger shopping centres.
However, it is not a traditional Spanish town with a strong local school-centred community in the immediate area. Families looking for a deeply local, village feel may prefer nearby inland towns.
Golf Lifestyle Buyers
Several well-known golf courses are within a short drive, including courses in Villamartin, Las Ramblas, and Campoamor.
If golf is part of your lifestyle but not the only focus, Los Altos offers flexibility. You are close to multiple courses without being limited to a single golf resort environment.
Property Types in Los Altos
The property market in Los Altos is varied.
You will typically find:
Two and three bedroom townhouses with small private gardens
Apartments in gated communities with communal pools
Detached villas, both older resale homes and newer builds
Corner plots with more outdoor space
Because the area has been developed over time, architectural styles differ. Some urbanisations feel more traditional Mediterranean, while others are more modern and minimal.
There is no single “standard” price level across Los Altos. Properties range from entry-level apartments to higher specification villas, depending on age, renovation level, and exact location.
If you are comparing listings, it is worth paying attention to orientation, outdoor space, and whether the property has been updated, as these factors can significantly influence comfort and long-term satisfaction.
Amenities, Walkability, and Daily Life
Los Altos scores well on convenience.
There are supermarkets, pharmacies, cafés, and restaurants within walking distance in many parts of the area. Larger commercial centres are a short drive away.
Public transport exists, including bus connections toward Torrevieja and other parts of Orihuela Costa, though most residents rely on a car for flexibility. If walkability is important to you, it is worth checking the exact street location of any property rather than assuming all areas are equally accessible.
Beaches such as Punta Prima are close, though not typically within easy walking distance for most properties. For many buyers, this slight distance from the coast is actually part of the appeal, offering quieter surroundings.
What About Winter?
One of the main questions second-home buyers ask is whether an area feels alive outside summer.
Los Altos remains active in winter. While tourist numbers drop, the permanent international population supports year-round services. Restaurants may reduce opening hours, and the overall pace slows, yet it does not feel like a seasonal ghost town.
The climate on the southern Costa Blanca is generally mild in winter, making outdoor living possible for much of the year. Still, older properties may require attention to heating and insulation if you plan extended stays between November and March.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Los Altos
Every area has trade-offs.
Los Altos is convenient and well located, though it does not offer a traditional Spanish village character. Some streets feel more densely built than others, so visiting in person is important to understand the micro-location.
Because it is a popular area for international buyers, resale activity can be steady. This can be positive in terms of market liquidity, though individual outcomes always depend on timing, condition, and broader market conditions.
If your priority is sea views and beachfront living, you may prefer areas closer to the coastline. If your priority is practicality, access, and community, Los Altos often meets those criteria well.
Is Los Altos the Right Fit for You?
Los Altos works best for buyers who want:
Easy access to beaches and golf without paying seafront premiums
A residential, established environment
Year-round services
A strong international community
A practical second home that is easy to maintain
It may be less suitable for those seeking a purely Spanish village atmosphere or a luxury, gated golf resort setting.
As with any area on the Costa Blanca, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, how often you plan to use the property, and what daily life looks like for you outside of holidays.
If you are exploring property options in the southern Costa Blanca, you can review current listings in and around Los Altos to get a feel for what is available. You may also want to compare it with nearby areas such as Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, or Villamartin to understand the subtle differences.
Taking time to research now often leads to better decisions later.
