La Marina
Forest-backed beach and Belgian-favourite urbanisation south of Guardamar
Welcome to La Marina
La Marina is a coastal village within the municipality of Elche, tucked between Guardamar's pine forest and the saltflats of Santa Pola. Its 2 km of Blue Flag dune-and-pine beach (Playa La Marina / Les Pesqueres) is one of the most natural stretches on the southern Costa Blanca. Inland, the sprawling La Marina Urbanisation has grown into one of Spain's largest Belgian and Dutch enclaves, with around 70% of its 13,000 residents being expats.
Who it's ideal for
- Belgian, Dutch and French buyers wanting a familiar community
- Retirees seeking flat, walkable urbanisation living
- Families wanting a quiet pine-backed beach
- Buyers of affordable detached villas with private pools
At a glance
- Region
- South Costa Blanca
- Area
- Part of Elche municipality
- Population
- ≈ 3,500 (village) + 13,000 (urbanisation)
- Languages
- Spanish, Valencian, Dutch, French, English, German
History & heritage
Originally a small fishing and farming settlement of Elche. The urbanisation was developed in the 1970s–90s and quickly attracted Belgian and Dutch buyers thanks to direct flights into Alicante.
Lifestyle
Quiet, low-rise, family-oriented beach living with a strong northern-European flavour: cycling lanes, Belgian bakeries, Dutch bars and an internationally diverse café culture.
Best beaches
Playa La Marina / Les Pesqueres
Blue Flag 2 km of fine white sand backed by pine dunes — one of the most natural beaches on the coast.
Playa El Pinet
Adjacent quieter beach extending toward Santa Pola.
Top things to do in La Marina
- 1.Walk or cycle the dune boardwalks and pine paths
- 2.Birdwatch at the neighbouring Salinas de Santa Pola natural park
- 3.Cycle the flat coastal lanes to Guardamar or Santa Pola
- 4.Sample Belgian beer and frites in the urbanisation centre
- 5.Visit Elche's UNESCO palm grove (20 minutes)
Where to eat & drink
International thanks to the Belgian/Dutch presence (frites, mussels, Belgian beer), alongside the Vega Baja rice traditions of Elche and Guardamar.
Where to stay
Mostly aparthotels and holiday rentals; no large resort hotels — visitors usually stay in Guardamar or Santa Pola.
Living in La Marina
Healthcare
Schools & education
Transport
Safety
Shopping
Expat community
Property & investment
Market overview
Price range
Rental market
Business opportunities
Tourism, hospitality, real estate, and a strong cluster of Belgian/Dutch-run service businesses (restaurants, bakeries, agents, builders).
Events & festivals
Fiestas de La Marina
Patron-saint fiestas with parades, music and fireworks.
Día de Bélgica / Belgian Day
Community celebration of Belgian national day in the urbanisation.
Nearby towns
Continue exploring the South Costa Blanca.