Two similar properties can be located in the same development, have identical square footage, the same terrace, and access to a shared pool. Yet, one will be bright and pleasant in the morning, while the other will experience sunshine only in the afternoon and linger until evening.
On the Costa Blanca, an apartment's orientation isn't a technical detail that can be ignored during a presentation. It influences the interior temperature, the amount of natural light, the availability of a terrace, and the frequency of air conditioning use.
However, there's no single best approach for everyone. It all depends on when we'll be in Spain, what times we'll be using the terrace, and whether the apartment will be used exclusively by the owners or by guests as well.
Why is the orientation of an apartment on the Costa Blanca so important?
The Costa Blanca is associated with sunshine and mild winters, but in summer the difference between a shady terrace and a large window exposed to the afternoon sun can be truly noticeable.
According to AEMET climate data for the Alicante-Elche station, the average annual temperature is 18.2°C. Average maximum temperatures in July and August exceed 30°C, and the annual number of hours of sunshine is approximately 2,953.
The Spanish Institute for Energy Diversification and Savings points out that the orientation of walls and windows influences a building's heat gains and losses. In hot zones, the size of glazing and sun protection, such as roller blinds, awnings, pergolas, and appropriately designed canopies, become particularly important.
Therefore, the question should not be only:
Does the apartment have a sunny terrace?
Much more important is:
What time of day will the sun be on the terrace and do we really want to use it then?
South orientation: plenty of light even in winter
A south-facing orientation is often considered the most desirable, especially by those planning to use the property in autumn and winter.
The apartment boasts plenty of natural light, and the terrace is also pleasant in the cooler months. This is important for those visiting Spain outside of the peak season or planning to settle here permanently.
In summer, however, a south-facing window requires good shading. Large windows without blinds, awnings, or canopies can increase interior heat gain. Therefore, the compass direction alone doesn't determine comfort. You should also check the quality of the glass, the depth of the terrace, the presence of a pergola, and the efficiency of the air conditioning.
The south can be a very good choice when:
- the property is to be used all year round,
- we want a bright interior,
- the terrace can be shaded,
- The winter sun is more important to us than the coolness of summer afternoons.
Orientation: east: sun for breakfast
An east-facing terrace receives the most sun in the morning. It's a good choice for people who like to start their day outdoors but prefer to relax in the shade in the afternoon.
The east-facing orientation often works well for summer stays. After the intense morning sun, the terrace gradually shades, making it more pleasant later on than the west-facing side.
This solution is worth considering when:
- We usually eat breakfast on the terrace,
- we care about bright mornings,
- we come mainly in the summer season,
- We don't want the living room to get hottest in the late afternoon.
The downside may be less direct sunlight in the evening. For some, this will be a drawback, but for others, it's exactly what they're looking for.
Western orientation: sunsets and hot afternoons
A western exposure often makes a huge impression during an evening presentation. The terrace is illuminated, the view is beautiful, and the sunset can effectively distract from all the other details.
However, it's important to remember that during the warmest part of the year, the afternoon sun can be very intense. A living room with large windows and a small roof can heat up just as residents are returning from the beach and wanting to relax.
This doesn't mean that facing west is bad. It can be ideal for people who use their terrace mainly in the evenings. It's just worth checking whether awnings, external blinds, or other heat-reducing features are installed.
Western orientation may suit people who:
- want to spend evenings on the terrace,
- they like sunsets,
- they rarely use outdoor space in the morning,
- have effective shading and air conditioning.
North orientation: less direct sun, but not always less comfort
North-facing apartments are often dismissed even at the ad browsing stage. And not necessarily rightly so.
A north-facing property typically means less direct sunlight. This can be a significant advantage in summer, especially if the property is primarily used for vacation rentals. The terrace remains more shaded, and the interior can heat up more slowly.
In winter, however, an apartment can be darker and colder. The floor, window size, and building's surroundings also play a role. An apartment on a high floor with an open view may be significantly brighter than a south-facing unit whose windows are obscured by a neighboring building.
The inscription "north orientation" alone should not automatically rule out the offer.
Southeast and Southwest: Popular Compromises
In practice, many properties do not face exactly one direction.
A southeast orientation combines morning sun with plenty of natural light during the first part of the day. It often works well for both summer vacations and winter stays.
A southwest facing orientation provides more afternoon and evening sun. This can be attractive for those who spend most of their day outdoors, but requires careful consideration of the terrace's shading.
In both cases, the building's structure is more important than the direction itself. A deep terrace located above the living room can effectively block out the summer sun while allowing it to enter the interior in winter, when it sits lower on the horizon.
The sea view doesn't always indicate where the apartment is facing
This is one of the most common mistakes when browsing offers.
The "sea view" label doesn't automatically mean that the main terrace faces directly towards the coast. The sea may be visible from the side, between buildings, or only from part of the terrace.
It is worth checking separately:
- direction of the main terrace,
- orientation of the living room and bedroom,
- direction of view,
- location of the swimming pool and common areas,
- buildings located in front of the property.
The view is important, but it does not in itself determine the amount of sun entering the apartment.
Two identical apartments can have completely different temperatures
Comfort is not only influenced by the direction of the world.
Other factors that matter are the floor, corner location, number of external walls, size of glazing, quality of insulation, color of the facade, type of blinds and the possibility of airing the apartment.
Cross-ventilation, meaning the ability to open windows on both sides of the property, is particularly valuable. Properly positioning the openings can facilitate natural air exchange and reduce the need for constant air conditioning.
Therefore, a corner apartment with windows on two sides may be more comfortable than a unit with a theoretically better orientation but only one glass façade.
How to check the orientation of a property during a viewing?
The easiest way is to use the compass on your phone, but just reading the direction is not enough.
There are a few things to note while watching:
- What time is the presentation?
- An apartment viewed in the morning may look completely different in the late afternoon.
- Does the terrace have a permanent roof or awning?
- Particularly important for southern and western exposures.
- What's in front of the windows?
- A neighboring block of flats, trees or a high wall can change the amount of light much more than the direction of the compass itself.
- Is it possible to create a draft in an apartment?
- Windows on two sides of the premises often improve comfort in the warmer months.
- How is the glazing secured?
- It is worth checking the blinds, windows, awnings and the quality of the joinery.
- Can another investment be built in front of the building?
- Current views and sunlight are not always guaranteed for the future.
It's also a good idea to ask for a recording of the terrace at a different time of day, or to return to the building in the evening. A few extra minutes can reveal more about the apartment than the most beautiful visualization.
It is worth checking the energy certificate
When purchasing a property, you should request an energy performance certificate. Spanish regulations require certification for new buildings and existing properties sold or rented to a new owner, among other projects. Information about the energy rating must also be included in sales or rental materials.
The certificate will not answer all questions about comfort, but it can provide information about the building's energy needs and the solutions used.
It is important to remember that actual bills also depend on how the apartment is used, the air conditioning settings, the number of residents and the time spent in the property.
What orientation will be best for rental?
There is no single direction that guarantees greater interest from tenants.
Holiday guests may find the shaded terrace attractive, perfect for relaxing after returning from the beach. Winter guests are more likely to appreciate the sun in the living room and the option of dining outside. Families may find the elevator, two bathrooms, a secure terrace, and easy access to the pool more important than the location itself.
If the apartment is to be rented for most of the year, it is worth looking for a balance between:
- the amount of natural light,
- protection against overheating,
- comfortable use of the terrace,
- ventilation,
- air conditioning and heating costs,
- attractive view.
Tenants don't need to know the exact cardinal direction, but they'll certainly notice if it's impossible to sit on the terrace in August or if the living room remains dark for most of the day in winter.
Is there an ideal orientation for an apartment on the Costa Blanca?
There is no single direction that is right for all buyers.
For those who primarily visit in winter, the south or southeast may be a good choice. For vacations, the east is attractive, providing morning sun and more shade in the afternoon. The west is suitable for those using the terrace in the evenings, provided there is adequate shade. The north, on the other hand, may provide more comfort in midsummer.
Orientation must be assessed in conjunction with the apartment layout, floor, window size, ventilation, surroundings and how the property is used.
This is why it is worth taking your eyes off the pool and sea view for a moment during the presentation.
A beautiful view makes a first impression.
But it is the light, temperature and the way we use a space every day that determine whether it is truly pleasant to live in later.
How do we help you choose a property?
At Baju Baju Properties, we do more than just check the square footage, price and distance from the beach.
We also analyze the orientation, location of the unit within the building, terrace shading, the surrounding area, and how the property will be used. One solution will work for year-round living, another for winter stays, and yet another for an apartment intended primarily for vacation rentals.
Because there is usually no shortage of sun on the Costa Blanca.
The question is when and in what quantity we want to have them in our own living room.
