Torrevieja lies fifty kilometres south west of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. The town has a fairly recent history having been developed to house those working in the salt industry in the early eighteen hundreds. An earthquake destroyed most of the town in 1829 and much of it was rebuilt including the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Salt water lakes surround the town and this nature reserve is a magnet for birds. Although the economy of the town relies heavily on the production of salt, there has been much investment in tourism and Torrevieja offers an excellent base for an enjoyable and carefree holiday.
A Torrevieja holiday offers guaranteed summer sun, fine sandy beaches, water sports, good restaurants as well as shops and markets. There are also a number of golf courses in the area.
Torrevieja attracts a wide range of visitors every year and is particularly popular with British and Irish visitors. Families with young children, sporting enthusiasts, couples of all ages will find what they are looking for in Torrevieja.
The most popular time to holiday in Torrevieja is from April to October when the temperature ranges from a very pleasant twenty five degrees rising to the early thirties in the height of summer.
Torrevieja is a very pleasant resort south west of Alicante. It is a thriving town surrounded by a nature reserve and salt water lakes, the Salinas de Torreveija, which is also a bird sanctuary. The beaches, including Playas los Locos and Playa del Acequion, are large expanses of soft sand washed by the clear waters of the Mediterranean. Although the beach shelves gently into the sea providing safe bathing for children and less confident swimmers, there can at times be strong undercurrents and notice must be taken of the flags. Never enter the sea when the red flag is flying. The palm-lined harbour is home to the local fishing fleet and pleasure craft.
Torrevieja has a range of good accommodation catering for all budgets and a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes. There are shops providing for all your holiday needs as well as gifts and souvenirs. Additionally, there is a daily craft fair and a large weekly market.
There are some fine buildings in the town including the beautiful church of the Immaculate Conception with its two bell towers. The Museum of Sea and Salt is also well worth a visit.
Golfers have a choice of courses including the championship Villamartin course. Remember to take your handicap certificate as this is sometimes a course requirement.
The Aquapolis Water Park is close by and offers a day of thrills and excitement for all the family. The Black Hole, the boomerang and the Kamikaze are not for the faint hearted.
A Torrevieja holiday has much to offer visitors both in and around the town. In order to make the most of your stay, car hire is recommended.
Torrevieja has a wide range of evening entertainment catering for most tastes. There are many lively venues with music bars and English and Irish style pubs.
Torrevieja has a large number of shops, many of which are aimed at the British visitor. There are the usual gift shops where holiday mementoes and local handicrafts can be purchased. Wickerwork, ceramics, jewellery and leather goods are favourite souvenirs. There is a small craft market on the promenade each evening and a large market with almost one thousand stalls every Friday.
Torrevieja has a wide variety of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets. Traditional Spanish restaurants and tapas bars rub shoulders with those providing fast food and international cuisine. There are many establishments serving Irish and British pub food to accommodate the more conservative palate. An ideal way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
Local wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
