Summary
The Costa Blanca resort of Torrevieja is an ideal destination for those who appreciate sunshine, the sea, and extensive sandy beaches. Five of Torrevieja’s beaches received the Blue Flag distinction in 2016, offering a variety of experiences from charming urban bays filled with activity during the summer to expansive stretches of sand where tranquility can be found despite the July heat. The resort is anchored to the coast by two significant salt lagoons, which are protected natural parks.
Moreover, Torrevieja boasts excellent infrastructure, providing numerous activities for visitors of all ages, ensuring that families, particularly children, can enjoy various entertainment options including water parks, water sports centers, a diverse selection of dining establishments, and a myriad of nearby cities suitable for day trips.
Let’s explore the top attractions in Torrevieja:
1. La Mata Beach
If your concept of an ideal beach includes a broad expanse of fine sand gently caressed by rolling surf, then La Mata Beach is perfectly suited for your needs.
This Blue Flag beach features a boardwalk extending along its 2.3-kilometer stretch and is home to approximately 14 beach bars.
As you head north, the ambiance becomes increasingly serene, culminating at a 14th-century watchtower, which played a role in defense efforts during times of coastal vulnerability to pirate incursions.
2. Las Salinas de Torrevieja
A significant portion of Torrevieja’s surrounding area constitutes a natural park encompassing two expansive salt lagoons.
To the south lies the Laguna de Torrevieja, known for its distinctive pink hue and continued salt extraction.
Visitors often enjoy floating in the waters along the resort side of the lagoon; however, it is advisable to bring fresh water to rinse off the salt afterwards! Adjacent is the Laguna de la Mata, located behind La Mata Beach, which features an interpretation center nestled amidst vineyards.
This center provides insights into the human influence on the landscape and the various wading bird species that inhabit the area.
3. Playa del Cura
This beach, prominently situated along the resort’s waterfront, exhibits a more urban character compared to La Mata and is vibrant during the summer months.
The gentle curve of fine sand is accompanied by calm waves, as it is sheltered from the open sea by two extended breakwaters.
These more subdued waves create a safer environment for toddlers and young children to safely enjoy paddling.
At the rear of the beach lies the renovated Avenida de los Marineros, a splendid promenade enriched with palm trees, restaurants, and ice cream shops.
4. Aquapark Flamingo
This compact water park offers a delightful retreat for families visiting Torrevieja with young children.
Although not extensive, featuring only four slides, it is exceptionally well-staffed with lifeguards monitoring every pool and ride.
Parents can enjoy a sun lounger in the shade while ensuring their children are safe and entertained.
Additionally, there is a designated area for adults to relax in the water, alongside a fast food restaurant, although many families prefer to bring their own picnic.
5. Dique de Levante
For breathtaking views of Torrevieja from the sea, visitors can stroll along one of the extended breakwaters that extend far into the Mediterranean. In fact, a round trip from the harbor to the lighthouse at the end of the Dique de Levante spans approximately two miles.
This location was once notorious for its unsavory reputation; however, the installation of a walkway in 2000 transformed it into a popular venue for exercise year-round.
Don’t forget your camera, as some stunning photographs of the resort and its harbor can be captured from a mile off shore.
6. Delfín Submarine Museum
For only €2, visitors can board two historical vessels located in Torrevieja’s harbor.
The highlight of this exhibit is a French Daphné class submarine, constructed in 1973 and decommissioned in 2003, making it the first museum vessel of the Spanish navy.
This submarine was capable of remaining submerged for up to 30 days and could traverse 4,500 miles without refueling.
Guests will learn how 56 individuals lived aboard the submarine, and get a close-up view of its communication systems and torpedo bays.
Docked alongside it is the Albatross III patrol boat, which served for three decades protecting the coastline and customs.
7. Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción
The name Torrevieja translates to “Old Tower” in Spanish, referencing one of the historical watchtowers that once punctuated the coastline long before the town was established.
Although the original tower no longer exists, its stones were repurposed in the late 18th century to construct this neoclassical church.
The optimal time to visit is during the off-peak season, particularly at Christmas, when an impressively intricate nativity scene (Belen) is displayed in the square in front of the church.
8. Vía Verde
Spain features numerous picturesque pathways that trace the routes of disused railway lines, and Torrevieja offers a notable example.
The seven-kilometer path was once part of a railway line established during the emergence of the local mining industry, which ceased operations in the 1970s.
Today, it serves as a scenic route for walking and cycling along the eastern shore of the Laguna Salada de Torrevieja.
The journey commences at the Old Railway Station and concludes at the quaint town of Los Montesinos.
As you exit the resort, sweeping views of the lagoon and the rural landscape unfold before you.
9. Torrevieja’s Parks
The resort is equipped with ample green spaces, featuring several parks and public squares.
During the summer, they are delightful in the mornings and evenings when temperatures are cooler.
The most picturesque spot is Plaza de la Constitución, home to the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción and the town hall of Torrevieja.
Here, you can rest on the walls of the garden beds, observe the palm trees swaying in the breeze, and witness the vibrant atmosphere of the town.
Jardín de las Naciones, which is larger, is located a few minutes to the west.
This park features a 6,000 square meter lake at its center, which includes an ornamental peninsula designed in the shape of Europe, complete with flags representing each country.
10. Water Sports
Situated within the harbor, La Bocana Water Sports Centre offers a safe environment shielded from sea currents.
The center organizes snorkeling excursions and various coastal activities and provides rentals for kayaks and paddle boards for up to three hours.
Adventure seekers may also try their hand at cable-skiing on the designated course within the harbor, with the option to attempt jumps using the ramp if they feel up to it.
For those preferring a more subdued experience, a waterside lounge bar is available to enjoy a refreshing drink while cheering on friends or family with some tapas!
11. Boat Trips
Additionally, a variety of cruise companies operating from Torrevieja’s harbor offer sea trips.
You can embark on a brief coastal tour lasting approximately half an hour, making it an ideal option for those who are prone to seasickness.
For more adventurous guests, the journey can extend to the Island of Tabarca.
Upon arrival, you can explore the island’s ancient settlement, which features a quaint grid of traditional homes along cobblestone pathways.
Historically, this island served as a vital staging point for Barbary pirates who once wreaked havoc along the Spanish coast.
12. Alicante
The capital of the Costa Blanca is within reach for a day trip and is certainly worth the 50-minute drive northward.
This city and its port lie beneath the imposing Mount Benacantil, with the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle clinging to its slopes.
This historic castle dates back to the 800s, with the Torreta located at the summit being a remnant from the Moorish period.
In the city, you can view the port from beneath the palms along the elegant Explanada de España or ascend the winding streets and staircases of the ancient Barrio de Santa Cruz, where colorful geometric tiles adorn the walls, and blooming balconies burst with flowers.
13. Elche
A quick half-hour drive north from Torrevieja will lead you to Elche, where a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site is located.
The Palmeral of Elche is a collection of date palm groves that were established by the Moors in the 900s, supported by a sophisticated irrigation system that continues to function today.
The region encompasses nearly 100 groves, featuring approximately 200,000 individual palm trees, some of which are over 300 years old.
This unique landscape is unparalleled in Europe.
Equally noteworthy is Elche’s Altamira Palace, now housing the city’s archaeological museum, which displays an impressive collection of Bronze Age artifacts.
14. Local Food and Drink
While paella is ubiquitous throughout Spain’s Mediterranean coastal destinations, you can be assured of experiencing an authentic regional variation in the Valencian Community.
The rice utilized in paella is cultivated in fields surrounding Valencia and is incorporated into a variety of traditional dishes, both savory and sweet.
A distinctive local specialty is arroz con costra, which is prepared in a paella pan and made using egg along with an assortment of sausages such as botifarra and lonaniza.
This region is also the birthplace of turrón, a hard nougat containing almonds, and horchata, a refreshing beverage made from milk, ground tiger nuts, almonds, and cinnamon.
15. Murcia
Located just over 45 minutes west of Torrevieja is the city of Murcia, the capital of its own region.
Murcia experienced significant growth during the 17th and 18th centuries due to the prosperity of the silk industry, which endowed the city with considerable wealth.
During this period, baroque architecture flourished, leading to a remarkable collection of extravagant baroque churches.
Among these, the cathedral stands out with its impressive facade, while the work of Francisco Salzillo, a revered 18th-century sculptor, is celebrated for its religious sculptures that remain integral to the city’s Semana Santa processions at Easter.
