Torrevieja translated is "old" or "ancient tower" which is found on the north side of the town overlooking the sea. Originally a moorish defence now recently restored, with gardens laid around. It is a popular place for wedding couples to be photographed with the blue Mediterranean as a backdrop.
This is the area where Spanish people take their holidays, and many buy a second home.

This really is the healthiest place in the world to live (according to the world health organisation).

The two natural salt lakes are very beneficial for those people with chest problems, arthritis, rheumatism etc. The wonderful winter climate with lowest average temperature of 15ºC together with 320 days sunshine each year, combined with the famous mediterranean diet of fresh meat, fish, vegetable, fruit and even a glass of delicious local wine, go towards making a healthier lifestyle a reality.

EXPLORE THE AREAS OF NATURAL BEAUTY TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE

The beaches of the Southern Costa Blanca are famous throughout Europe. With long stretches of soft white sand and sparkling clear Mediterranean sea. Each stretch boasts the European Blue Flag awarded for clean beaches and totally unpolluted water.

The two salt lakes of Laguna de la Mata and the Salinas de San Miguel which surround Torrevieja create a wonderful micro climate producing our superb Winter weather.

These lakes are also home to a host of wildlife including large flocks of Flamingos.
Laguna de la Mata is now a Conservation Area with many paths and tracks around the lake, perfect for long walks or a mountain bike ride to take you away from it all, and yet a few moments from the town centre.

Torrevieja, situated on the Costa Blanca, was once a lively fishing village, it still maintains a lot of it's original charm, however, the main industry here is now tourism, with many new developments and constructions in the area.

Here you can find plenty of everything, bars, restaurants, shops, banks, and of course a wonderful sandy beach and port.The area is also characterised by the picturesque salt lakes with many species of birds and other wild life.

Monuments and culture

In Roman times, Torrevieja was an important port, the remains of which can still be seen in La Mata, called the embarcadero romano, or Roman docks. Along the coast are the ancient watchtowers called El Moro and La Mata, used in the Middle Ages to warn the coastal inhabitants of attacks by Barbary pirates.
Among the town monuments is the Archpriest's Church of the Immaculate Conception, from the turn of the century, the masonry bridge of the Acequión and the Modernist Casino, with an original Neo-Mudejar salon where numerous cultural activities are staged.

Fiestas

Torrevieja's festive calendar begins in February with the sounds and colourful sight of the Carnival celebrating the arrival of Spring. During Holy Week the locals form processions up and down the streets of the town dressed in spectacular traditional costume and lining the streets with colourful markets. In the month of May, in the Real de la Feria, Torreviejans dance sevillanas, taste the finest sherries from the South, and enjoy riding on horseback. In summer, there are outdoor parties and processions, especially on 16 July, the feast day of Our Lady of Carmelo, the patron saint of sailors, with a traditional sea-and -land procession.

Cuisine

The cusine and gastronomy of the area is mainly fish and seafood, in combination with produce from local market gardens. Meat is also very popular cooked on the "plancha" and served with fresh salads and seasonal vegetables. There are many fine restaurants and tapas bars in the area, and if you miss a good British meal you can also find traditional roast beef, fish and chips and even MacDonald's.

Beaches and the port

Torrevieja has a superb sandy beach which is ideal for sunworshippers and also for those interested in water sports, you can partake in many sports along the beach inluding diving, sailing, windsurfing, sea-fishing and yachting.
The port operated by The Royal Nautical Club and the International Sports Marina has over 1500 berths for sailing boats.

There is always plenty to enjoy

Why not take a medicinal bath in the waters of the lagoon, which are said to have curative properties especially recommended for heart troubles, rheumatism or respiratory ailments. Participate in the numerous festivals held in Torrevieja.
Visit the most important salt works in Europe and see one of the most outstanding natural water preserves in the Land of Valencia.

Stroll round the Street Market held every Friday morning and see what there is to buy. In the evening, you can view the market stalls for local craftsmanship near the Port.
During the day, enjoy the sea and the sun along the beautiful beaches near the town. Night-time is the right time for enjoying local discos, pubs and cafés.
Visit the Holy Week Museum Tomás Valcárcel or the Museum of the Salt and Sea.