Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca how to spend time and what to do

Torrevieja is a coastal city and municipality located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante, on the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Spain.

For several years, we have been frequent guests on the Costa Blanca in Spain. It is a hot region that can boast a stable Mediterranean climate, which brings relief, especially at the end of the year. While people in the north are preparing for winter, summer still reigns on the Costa Blanca.

Torrevieja, like nearby La Mata, Punta Prima, La Zenia, and many other resorts, provides sun-seekers with relaxation almost all year round. Although, my favourite time is the last few months of the year. During this period, the temperature is still high enough to wear summer clothes, and the sun shines almost every day.

Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca in Spain and its history

Torrevieja and its history is not long, as it only begins at the beginning of the 19th century. Until then, there was only an ancient defensive tower on the coast, which is now part of the city. It was built and then maintained on the foundations of Roman fortifications. Apart from this ancient building, there was nothing here except for a small settlement with a few peasant huts and a few fishermen.

The situation changed in 1803 when King Charles IV of Spain allowed salt production in the surrounding salt lakes. After just a few years, thanks to sea salt previously obtained also in nearby La Mata, the small settlement became a small town, and then a thriving city.

Unfortunately, as is often the case in history, good fortune turned away from Torrevieja. In 1829, when a powerful earthquake destroyed almost the entire city. Thanks to the perseverance of the inhabitants, salt pools were quickly rebuilt and production resumed, helping to lift the destroyed city from the rubble.

In addition to salt, which turned out to be white gold and the lever that pushed Torrevieja towards development, the linen, cotton, and hemp industries were quite active in the area, and cotton and hemp producers found their place here. However, salt remains the most important industry and the main place of work for the inhabitants of Torrevieja.

Torrevieja was granted city status in 1931. The salt extracted from the salt lakes is sold throughout Spain, as well as many countries in Europe and the world. Since 1954, the city has had its port, where salt and other goods extracted from the city are loaded.

History of the origin of the place name Torrevieja

The name Torrevieja comes from the two towers that were built on the coast during the Reconquista period (8th to 15th centuries). These towers were part of a network of defensive towers built to protect the coast from sea attacks.

Two towers stood on the site of today’s Torrevieja, with the first one named Torrelamata, which gave its name to the nearby town of La Mata. The second tower was more powerful than the first and was manned by knights instead of ordinary guards. It was called the Old Tower (torre vieja) because it was built on the foundations of Roman fortifications. The name of the city and the entire municipality of Torrevieja comes from this tower.

Tourist attractions in Torrevieja and those in its immediate vicinity

One of the biggest attractions of Torrevieja are its two large and beautiful natural saltwater lakes, known as Las Salinas de Torrevieja, which are an official Spanish nature reserve. These lakes attract many species of birds, including flamingos, and the algae living in them give the water a pink colour.

You can walk, bike, or admire the views here. Nearby is also the Sea and Salt Museum, which presents the history and significance of salt production in Torrevieja. You can see exhibits related to fishing, sailing, and salt production, as well as a collection of ship models made of salt.

Torrevieja also has a beautiful seaside promenade that runs along the entire coast and offers many restaurants, bars, shops, and caffee. You can enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine such as paella, fish, and seafood, or try local specialities such as torrijas (fried bread soaked in milk and egg) or horchata (a drink made from almond milk and cinnamon).

The promenade is also the site of many events and festivals, such as the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest, which takes place every year in July and presents traditional choral music from Cuba and Spain.

Torrevieja also has many beautiful beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or diving. Some of the most popular ones are Playa del Cura, Playa de los Locos, Playa de la Mata, and my favourite, Playa de los Náufragos. All beaches have a blue flag, which means they are clean and safe. You can also rent sun loungers, umbrellas, kayaks, or water bikes here.

For sports and outdoor enthusiasts, Torrevieja offers many possibilities. You can play golf, tennis, beach volleyball, horseback riding, climbing, sailing, fishing, or diving here. Torrevieja also has two large marinas where you can admire boats or rent a yacht. Nearby are also water parks, amusement parks, zoos, and nature parks that provide fun for the whole family.

Torrevieja is also an excellent base for exploring other towns and attractions on the Costa Blanca. The city is well-connected, and you can easily reach cities such as Alicante, Murcia, Elche, Benidorm, Altea, Denia, or Calpe by car, bus, or train. You can also visit picturesque villages such as Guardamar del Segura, Rojales, Algorfa, or Orihuela, which have retained their traditional charm and culture. You can also admire beautiful landscapes such as the Guadalentín Valley, the Sierra de Crevillente mountains, the Tabarca island, or the Mar Menor lagoon.

More attractions in Torrevieja

The most interesting attractions in Torrevieja are intended for tourists who visit the city during summer. Since Torrevieja is located on the warm sea, water sports are a must. You can find them at the La Bacana Water Sports Center. I recommend a scuba diving course with a breathing tube. Once you learn the rules of this enjoyable sport, it will entirely change your approach to sea bathing.

Since we are already in the port of Torrevieja, it is impossible to miss the submarine docked at the quay. It is a French Dephne-class submarine from 1973 that retired in 2003. In addition to this powerful vessel, you will find other sea-related monuments in the area.

In the city, you will find a historic church, the Salt Museum I mentioned earlier, and a beautiful water park loved by children, Aquapolis, as well as the equally beautiful Flamingo Aqua park.

Torrevieja is a city that has something to offer everyone. It is a place where you can enjoy the sun, sea, salt, and culture. It is a place where you can relax, have adventures, have fun, and discover. Torrevieja is undoubtedly a place worth visiting!

Attractions in Torrevieja that we have described on our website

Torrevieja information, facts, and curiosities

• Torrevieja is located in an area with high landscape and ecological values, which is why many areas surrounding the city have been converted into national and scenic parks.
• The city was founded thanks to the salt extracted from nearby salt lakes.
• Torrevieja was granted city status in 1931.
• In 1954, the construction of a transshipment port was completed in Torrevieja.
• Currently, only one-quarter of all salt extracted in Torrevieja is sold in the Spanish market, while the rest is exported abroad.
• More than 80,000 people currently live in Torrevieja, making it the fifth-largest city in the Valencian Community.
• There is a large Polish community living in Torrevieja, mostly people who have retired and are spending a peaceful and well-deserved retirement in a sunny and warm country.
• Torrevieja is located 40 kilometres from Alicante and Murcia.
• Thanks to the salt lakes and the surrounding nature, Torrevieja and the immediate vicinity have a specific microclimate that has a positive effect on the health and well-being of the people living here.
• This is one of the reasons why Torrevieja is very popular among European retirees.
• The first submarine-museum in Spain is located in the port of Torrevieja. It is a French submarine launched in the 1970s.

Polish version