Townhouse for sale in Petrel / Petrer, Alicante

This amazing property is the perfect example of how to turn something that no longer has a purpose into something very special with imagination, hard work and quality materials, many of which have been sourced locally.

Originally a small shoe factory, the owners have made use of and upscaled a number of original features making a piece of history into a future family home or, possibly, the perfect Airbnb or even splitting the ground floor and the upper floor into two beautiful apartments.

From the exterior, it still gives the industrial appearance of the old shoe factory but when you enter, it really is mind-blowing. It takes a few moments to take in what you are seeing as it is one of the most exciting projects I have ever seen.

There is a light, bright hallway; ahead, there are the stairs to the upper floor, to the left a door to a very large storage room and to the right is a magnificent open space that would be the lounge/diner/kitchen.

The ceiling height and the natural light are simply stunning. The artwork belongs to the owners and is not included in the sale, as many of the pieces are of high value, but all are available to buy if required.

At the far end are sliding glass doors that open up to the patio, which is large enough for a swimming pool if that is your thing, but, in my opinion, is more suited to, say, a hot tub and dining area or as an exterior party space as to the other side is the room with the DJ booth- yes, the DJ booth. I know it´s unreal but incredible. Also, here is a family bathroom.

The upper floor has a very spacious lounge/diner/kitchen area and five spacious double bedrooms as well as two bathrooms that look like they have been taken from a Barcelona luxury boutique hotel.

Please check out the 360 degree virtual tour along with the video and the photos; the floor plans are included.

Located in the Vinalopó Valley about 30 minutes inland from the city of Alicante, Petrer (often conjoined with its neighboring town, Elda) offers a unique blend of authentic Spanish mountain lifestyle and easy access to the Mediterranean coast.

1. Affordable cost of living & housing

Compared to coastal hot spots like Alicante city, Benidorm, or San Juan Beach, property prices and rent in Petrer are substantially lower.

Real estate: You can buy spacious apartments, traditional cave houses (casas cueva), or townhouses for a fraction of coastal prices.

Daily expenses: Groceries, dining out at local family taverns, and utilities are far more affordable, making your budget stretch significantly further.

2. Authentic Spanish atmosphere (no mass tourism)

If you prefer traditional Spanish life over resort-heavy expat bubbles, Petrer is ideal:

Historic charm: Overlooked by a stunning 12th-century Moorish castle (Castell de Petrer), the old town features narrow cobbled streets, colorful historic homes, and traditional cave dwellings.

Local life: Social activity centers around traditional squares where locals gather for tapas, local wines, and daily chat. Spanish is the main everyday language, giving non-locals a genuine immersion environment.

3. Outdoor lifestyle & mountain surroundings

Petrer sits at an altitude of 465 meters, surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges:

Nature reserve (Xorret del Catí): Located right on the doorstep, offering hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and pine forest picnic areas.

Fresher climate: Summers are warm, but the elevated valley setting provides fresher air and cooler evenings than humid coastal cities.

4. Strategic location & transport

Close to the coast: The beaches of Alicante, Santa Pola, and El Campello are just a 25–35 minute drive via the A-31 highway.

Airport proximity: Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) is roughly 25 minutes away by car, making international travel convenient.

Train connections: The adjacent town of Elda provides direct rail connections to Alicante, Valencia, and Madrid.

5. Rich cultural heritage & local industry

Festivals: Petrer hosts vibrant regional events, including famous Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) parades each spring, showcasing rich historical reenactments, costumes, and music.

Shoe capital: Along with Elda, Petrer is famous for high-quality footwear and leather goods manufacturing, bringing a stable local industrial economy alongside traditional agriculture and wine-making.

Key snapshot summary

Aspect: What to expect in Petrer
Vibe: Quiet, authentic, family-oriented, traditional
Housing: High value for money (apartments, villas, cave homes)
Distance to beach: ~30 minutes
Best for: Hikers, retirees, remote workers, families wanting lower living costs