Torrevieja: A Complete Guide

Torrevieja is a fantastic town on Spain’s Costa Blanca, known for its salt lakes, lovely beaches, and year-round sunshine.

If you’re thinking about visiting or even moving to this Spanish town, I’ve put together this guide with supporting articles to help you have the most brilliant time here.

Where is Torrevieja?

Torrevieja sits on the southeastern area of Spain, in the province of Alicante, about 50 kilometres south of Alicante city. It’s part of the beautiful Costa Blanca and is just a 45-minute drive from Alicante Airport – read my latest guide you’re looking for ways to get from Alicante airport to Torrevieja.

You’ll find cities nearby including Murcia, Alicante and Elche if you want a day trip from Torrevieja. There is also a boat to Tarbarca island, the only inhabited island in the Valencia region.

Getting to Torrevieja from Alicante airport

Most visitors to Torrevieja fly into Alicante Airport, and you have several options for getting here. I’ve written a detailed guide on travelling from Alicante airport to Torrevieja that covers all your transport options.

The quickest way is definitely by car – it takes about 45 minutes and gives you the freedom to visit nearby towns during your stay. Alternatively, there are regular buses and private transfer services that can get you here comfortably.

Beaches in Torrevieja

Torrevieja has some wonderful beaches along its 20 kilometres of shoreline – I’ve written a guide to Torrevieja beaches that covers them all in detail.

Here are some of my favourites to get you started:

• Playa del Cura: This is the main town beach and it’s perfect for families. The sand is golden, and there are plenty of facilities including sun loungers, showers, and beach bars.
• Playa de Los Locos: A bit less crowded than Playa del Cura, this beach has lovely fine sand and clear water. It’s popular with both locals and tourists.
• Playa de La Mata: This is the longest beach in Torrevieja, stretching for over 2.5 kilometres. It’s less built-up than some of the other beaches and has a more natural feel.
• Cala Piteras: If you prefer smaller, rocky coves, head to Cala Piteras. It’s great for snorkelling as the water is very clear.

All beaches have Blue Flag status, which means they meet high standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.

Torrevieja centre (Torrevieja old town)

Unlike many Spanish towns, Torrevieja doesn’t have a traditional old town with ancient buildings and narrow medieval streets. The heart of Torrevieja centres around the Plaza de la Constitución, which is the main square where you’ll find the town hall and the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

This is where locals gather, and it’s surrounded by cafes and shops – perfect for people-watching with a coffee.

You can find the centre here:

Torrevieja’s port and promenade

The harbour area is one of the main parts of Torrevieja, called the Puerto de Torrevieja. This is where you’ll find Marina Salinas, the departure point for most Torrevieja boat trips and tours.

The promenade that runs alongside it is perfect for an evening stroll before or after your boat trip – it’s lined with restaurants, ice cream shops, and bars where you can grab refreshments.

The 1.6 km long Dique de Levante breakwater provides protection for fishing and leisure vessels, and a walk along this Mediterranean promenade is one of the most popular activities in the city. It gives you fantastic views of both the town and the sea.

In the evening, the promenade comes alive with street performers and market stalls selling handmade crafts. The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed.

Near the harbour, you’ll also find the Submarine S-61 Delfín and the Patrol Boat Albatros, both of which have been turned into floating museums that you can visit.

Parque de las Naciones

This is a lovely park near the centre of Torrevieja with a lake shaped like the European continent.

It’s home to various birds including swans, ducks, and peacocks. The park has play areas for children and plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the greenery.

Water activities and water parks

Being right on the Mediterranean means there are loads of water activities to try. You can go sailing (Torrevieja has a large marina), try jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, or snorkelling in the clear waters.

• Sailing: Torrevieja has a large marina and is a popular spot for sailing. You can take lessons or hire a boat for the day.
• Jetski: There are plenty of excursion centres offering jet skiing in Torrevieja
• Paddleboarding and kayaking: Perfect ways to see the shoreline from a different angle.
• Scuba diving and snorkelling: The clear waters make this area great for underwater activities.
• Aquapolis: Torrevieja’s water park that’s brilliant for families with children of all ages.

For families with children, I’ve put together a detailed guide to Torrevieja water parks that covers all the best spots for aquatic fun. Aquapolis is the main water park and it’s brilliant for families with children of all ages.

Markets in Torrevieja

Torrevieja has some brilliant markets where you can find everything from fresh produce to clothes and souvenirs:

• Friday Market: This is the largest market and highly rated by locals and tourists alike – I recommend making the trip if you’re there on a Friday. It’s huge and sells fresh produce including veg and fruits, meats, homemade baked goods (they have fresh churros!), clothes, accessories, and household items.

• Mercadillo de los Hippies de Torrevieja: Another market open everyday, much smaller but still good to have a look around.

• Central Market: Located in the town centre and open everyday, this indoor market sells fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.

If you’re a fan of tapas, you’ll be glad to know that Torrevieja hosts a Tapas Route twice a year, where participating restaurants offer more than 100 different tapas dishes to sample. It’s a fantastic way to taste lots of small dishes and find your favourite spots in town.

Salt Lakes (Lagunas Rosa) of Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s salt lakes form part of a larger natural park that’s great for walking and bird watching. This protected wetland is revered locally for its beauty and ecological value. They really are pink – its quite the marvel to see!

The park is home to thousands of migratory African birds, including the majestic Greater Flamingo. You might also spot avocets and other water birds as you walk along the various trails that take you through different habitats.

Food and drink in Torrevieja

Being a Spanish town on the Mediterranean, Torrevieja has fantastic food, especially seafood. Here are some places to try:

• Restaurante El Callejón: This restaurant serves traditional Spanish dishes with a modern twist. Their paella is outstanding.
• La Cantina: Right on the harbour, this restaurant specialises in fresh seafood. Try the grilled octopus or the seafood paella.
• Los Aljibes: Located in a building that was once used to store water, this restaurant offers a mix of Spanish and international cuisine.

For a more casual meal, there are lots of tapas bars in the town centre where you can sample small dishes like patatas bravas, albondigas (meatballs), and gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns).

Don’t forget to try some local wines – the Alicante region produces some excellent reds and whites.

Shopping in Torrevieja

Torrevieja has several shopping areas. Habaneras Shopping Centre is the main shopping mall, with a good mix of Spanish and international brands.

Zenia Boulevard isn’t in Torrevieja itself, but this large outdoor shopping centre is just a short drive away and has a wider range of shops.

The town centre streets around the Plaza de la Constitución have many small shops selling clothes, souvenirs, and local products.

Best time to visit Torrevieja

Torrevieja enjoys over 320 days of sunshine per year, making it a fantastic destination year-round. Here’s what to expect in different seasons:

Summer (June to September) is peak tourist season with temperatures often hitting 30°C or higher. The beaches are busy, and the town has a lively atmosphere. If you love the heat and don’t mind crowds, this is perfect.

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November) are my favourite times to visit. The weather is warm but not too hot (around 20-25°C), there are fewer tourists, and you can really soak in the local vibe.

Winter (December to February) is mild here, with daytime temperatures usually between 16-20°C. Many northern Europeans come to escape their cold winters, and while it’s quieter than summer, the town still feels alive.

Best places to stay in Torrevieja

Depending on what you’re looking for, here are some areas to consider:

Town centre is great if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and the beach.

La Mata is a bit quieter than the centre but still has good amenities and a lovely beach.

Los Balcones and Los Altos are residential areas popular with expats and have a more suburban feel.

Tips for visiting Torrevieja

• Language: While Spanish is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak English. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is always appreciated, though!
• Currency: Spain uses the Euro (€).
• Tipping: Tipping is not as common as in some countries, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is typical.
• Siesta: Many shops close in the afternoon for siesta, usually from around 2-5pm, especially in summer.
• Water: Tap water is safe to drink, but many locals prefer bottled water for taste.
• Internet: Super-fast fibre-optic broadband is almost universally available, and most bars and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
• Transport: Local scheduled bus services run throughout the city and connect Torrevieja with neighbouring communities like La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, and Campoamor.

Is Torrevieja worth visiting?

Absolutely! With its relaxed pace of life, friendly locals, and plenty to do in the area, Torrevieja is a place truly worth visiting. You can enjoy the Spanish lifestyle without breaking the bank, with beautiful beaches, great weather year-round, and fascinating natural features like the famous pink salt lakes.

It’s the perfect destination if you want authentic Spanish life with all the amenities you need for a fantastic holiday.