THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA

10 Best Things to do in Torrevieja, Beach in Costa Blanca, Spain, The Mediterranean
Costa Blanca, The Mediterranean
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INTRODUCTION: TORREVIEJA

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA: Are you planning a trip to a Mediterranean destination on the Costa Blanca? Are you considering Torrevieja, Spain, but you need more information and you’re just not sure? Then you’ve come to the right place. This post will bring together information on Torrevieja that will give a fuller picture of the town and its surrounding area and help you make a final decision on your trip. As someone who has lived in the area for over a decade and explored a lot of the region, I’m glad to share my insider knowledge of this town on the Mediterranean.

Torrevieja is located on the southeast Mediterranean coast of Spain, about 40km south of Alicante. Like most towns in the region, it was originally a fishing and salt-mining village. With the development of tourism in the 1960s, it was transformed into a vacation destination with hotels, restaurants, and infrastructure to accommodate visitors. Today the town has a permanent population of about 90000. Despite this transformation, mining is still an important industry in this town. Specifically, Torrevieja is known for its pink salt lakes known as “Las Salinas de Torrevieja”. 

With the Mediterranean climate, beautiful year-round weather, sandy beaches, water sports, golf courses, entertainment, and two international airports nearby, it has become a popular tourist destination. 

To get to Torrevieja, you can either fly into the Alicante airport (40km) or the airport in Murcia (50km). From either airport, you can reach Torrevieja by taxi. There are bus companies that offer bus service from the airports and you can check their schedules online for routes and departure times. 

Torre del Moro, Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain

(To find out more about this area, check out our posts on the Costa Blanca and on our Guide to the Coast of Spain)

WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA

Beaches

One of the top attractions of Torrevieja are its beautiful beaches. The coastline in the town itself is quite rugged, with a few smaller sand beaches right in town like the Plaja de los Locos at 400m long and Playa de Cura at 300m long. 

As you head to the north part of town, you arrive at the beach in Torre La Mata which is about 2.5km. The beach is lined with cafes, restaurants, and beach bars. There are also lifeguard services, washroom facilities, and handicapped access. And if you go to the end of the urbanization of La Mata, you reach the start of the platja de les Ortegues which is the beginning of a 5km stretch of natural sand beach and dunes that is virtually untouched by commercial or residential development. Perfect for those who are looking for a more quiet beach experience on the Costa Blanca.

Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Nature Park

The park also encompasses the two salt lakes that have been the source of salt mining in the area for hundreds of years. The lakes still produce salt but are also a natural habitat for over 100 species of birds including the famous pink flamingos. Due to the algae that grow in this water, the lakes have a very distinctive pink hue that becomes more pronounced during the summer. 

Las Lagunas de La Mata Nature Park

Torrevieja Promenade

Right in Torrevieja is a beautiful promenade that starts near the Marina and heads east by northeast for just under 2km. The promenade is lined with palms, cafes, and beach bars. 

“The Old Tower” (Literally “Torrevieja”)

Back in the 1600’s Spain had a big problem with pirates so a series of watchtowers were built along the entire Spanish coast from France down to Gibraltar. One of these original towers still stands in Torrevieja and is the city’s namesake. You can visit the old tower, the Torre del Moro, located near the northeast part of town. 

Water Sports and Activities

With a marina right in town and miles of sandy beaches to the north of town and a rugged coastline to the south, there is no end to the water activities that you can do. The area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kite surfing, and sailing.

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA: Water Sports such as Kayaking, Costa Blanca

Local Markets

For shopping, you can find most everything that you will need in Torrevieja. The town services a permanent population of 90000 so you will find virtually everything that you will need right here.

Boat Trips and Excursions

A great way to visit the area is to take a boat tour along the Mediterranean coast. There are various boat tour companies operating out of the marina, that will take you up and down the Mediterranean coast. Tours will range from just under an hour to the whole day. Check with the boat tour operators at the marina for departure times and prices.

Golf

With the Mediterranean climate and over 320 days of sun a year, the entire Costa Blanca is an ideal destination for golf any time of the year. There are several golf courses near Torrevieja.

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA: Golf on the Costa Blanca, the Mediterranean

Eating Out

Did I mention that this used to be a fishing village? Fishing is still an important local industry and of course, you will find seafood dishes at all of the local restaurants in Torrevieja served with locally grown produce. Don’t miss this opportunity to try out the various local seafood dishes such as paella, arroz a banda (rice with fish), and salazones (salted fish), whether it’s at a traditional tapas bar or an upscale Michelin-starred restaurant.

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA: Paella, Costa Blanca, Spain

Day Trips

Alicante

A great day trip destination is Alicante (see related post) which is only 40km away. This old port city has a rich history, an impressive castle overlooking the city, a great shopping district, and a beautiful downtown area near the marina with a world-class promenade with shops and outdoor restaurants.

Castell de Santa Barbara, Alicante, Spain
Murcia

Murcia, located 40 km west, is the capital city of the Murcia Region and has a rich history. Unlike other more famous Spanish cities, it has managed to slip under the radar as a major tourist destination, which makes it an ideal place to visit for those travelers looking for an authentic Spanish city to explore without the crowds. (see related post on Murcia to find out more about this city)

Cartagena

Located about 55km southwest of Torrevieja is the port city of Cartagena. This city has a beautiful port area, an excellent shopping district, and a fully restored Roman-era amphitheater that was discovered by accident back in the 1980s. (see related post on Cartagena)

Roman Amphitheater, Cartagena, Spain
Mar Menor (San Pedro, La Manga, Cabo de Palos)

South of Torrevieja about 20km is the Mar Menor which is the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe.  The lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a sandbar that stretches about 18km and is home to La Manga del Mar Menor and San Pedro del Pinatar which has an amazing natural park and mud baths. To the south is the town of Cabo de Palos, a fishing village known for its seafood restaurants, an underwater scuba diving park, and its iconic lighthouse looking over the Mediterranean. 

Lighthouse at Cabo de Palos with the Mar Menor in the background, Spain

Accommodations

Torrevieja’s main industry is tourism and there is no shortage of hotel accommodations in the area. That being said, summer is the busiest time in the area so I recommend that you book well in advance. There are hotels and Air BnBs in Torrevieja and the surrounding towns. Your best bet is to check online for available places and book as soon as you can. Check out the link below for places available right now.

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA

With a Mediterranean climate, over 320 days of sun a year, beautiful sand beaches, and clear waters Torrevieja is an excellent holiday destination. The town has a very healthy tourist industry and the town has invested heavily in infrastructure to support its growth. The town has all the amenities that one would expect from a beachside town. The seafood selection is excellent, the recreation opportunities are great and the town is located within a short distance from some great day trip destinations. All in all, Torrevieja is definitely worth considering as a vacation destination.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Trip to Torrevieja?

How about experiencing the Mediterranean first hand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!

Reg Auge

Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.

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