An Introduction to Torrevieja

 

Torrevieja is located on the stunning Costa Blanca South in the south east of Spain. Positioned on the Mediterranean coast, you can expect over 300 days of beautiful sunshine every year. The area has much to offer and is not only home to some of the most beautiful sandy beaches the area has to offer, but also the biggest salt flats in Europe, which are bursting with nature. These two lagoons are a breathtaking site, blue and pink in colour and are now officially nature reserves. They are home to an impressive 250 species of birds alone, including their famous pink flamingos.

The name ‘Torrevieja’ itself translates to ‘Torre Vieja’ which means ‘Old Tower’. Torrevieja was once a tiny fishing village. Remains of the historical Roman docks are situated alongside the old watch tower of La Mata. This tower along with the other ancient watch tower, El Moro, was used as lookouts for pirates in the middle ages.

In recent time Torrevieja has significantly grown in size with high numbers of Europeans having moved there permanently. It is also a very popular destination for those looking for holiday homes for sale in Spain. The area has so much to offer; beaches, nature reserves, traditional Spanish culture as well as all the amenities you could need.

Whether you’re a food fan, history lover, sports buff or a sun worshipper, you will not be short of places to visit or things to do. Torrevieja has something for everyone.

Location

Weather in Torrevieja

Torrevieja  enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer hovers around 30°C (86°F), while winter temperatures typically range between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). The region benefits from over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an attractive destination for those looking to buy a home in the sun. Rainfall is relatively scarce, with most precipitation occurring in the cooler months. The city’s proximity to the sea also moderates temperatures, providing a pleasant coastal breeze that tempers the summer heat and adds to the overall appeal of Torrevieja’s climate.

Airports Near Torrevieja

Travelling to and from your property in Spain is an easy and stress free experience from Torrevieja with two airports less than an hour away. Alicante Airport is around a 40 minute drive to the north and Murcia International Airport is around a 45 minute drive to the south. Both offer excellent parking facilities meaning there really is nothing to worry about.

Both airports have budget airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair operating, offering cheap and convenient flights to the UK as well as other European countries. Flight times to the UK are between two and three hours depending on where you are travelling to.

This means it is possible to make short trips whether it is to your holiday home in Spain or back to the UK from your permanent home in Spain. It also means your family and friends can join you in the sun with ease.

Torrevieja Local Amenities

Torrevieja has all the amenities you could need and is the place surrounding towns travel to for amenities they may not have nearby themselves.

In terms of shopping you will find plenty in Torrevieja to include essentials such as supermarkets and many independently owned shops. There are shopping centres on offer such as Torre Marina Mall and Habaneras Shopping Centre. If you fancy a change you are just a short drive from the famous La Zenia Boulevard boasting over 150 shops covering 161,000m2 including local Spanish brands and global brands such as Primark and Zara.

You will find street markets every day in different areas of Torrevieja and every Friday the city holds one of the largest in Spain. There is also a large indoor market which is open 7 days a week. Markets offer a variety of goods including fresh produce and other food, home goods, clothing, accessories and so on.

You will never be short of a bar or restaurant in Torrevieja with literally hundreds to choose from. A wide variety of bars and restaurants offering different cuisines are available city wide meaning there is always something for everyone.

You will also find all the other amenities you should need including a hospital, lawyers, vets, mechanics, dentists, plumbers, chiropractors, hairdressers and beauty salons…the list goes on.

There is a popular water park perfect for a family day out and of course the beaches offer water sports of all sorts.

Below is a list of other towns and cities you can drive to with ease from Torrevieja should you wish, all with something different to offer.

Alicante – 50 minutes

Benidorm – 1 hour 15 minutes

Cartagena – 45 minutes

La Manga strip – 45 minutes

Murcia – 50 minutes

Mar Menor – 30 minutes

Golf Courses Near Torrevieja

With many high quality golf courses just a short drive away, Torrevieja is a popular location for those buying property in Spain and wishing to play golf. You will never feel that you are short of variety.

Within a short drive you have Las Ramblas Golf, Las Colinas Golf and Country Club, Vistabella Golf, La Finca Golf, La Marquesa Golf and Villamartin Golf to name a few. Villamartin Golf Course is now one of the most recognised golf courses on the Costa Blanca and is just a 15 minute drive from Torrevieja.

In the nearby Costa Calida which neighbours the Costa Blanca and is just a short drive from Torrevieja, you will find even more fantastic golf courses adding to the huge choice you have here.

Torrevieja Beaches

Torrevieja beaches offer something for everyone, with many beautiful blue flag beaches to offer along its stunning coastline on the Costa Blanca South. Most of the beaches here are family friendly and easy to access and all are kept immaculately clean. They are very popular among the Spanish as well as the many Europeans who now live locally and you have a choice of large open beaches or more secluded coves. There is something for everyone.

One of the most popular beaches in Torrevieja is La Cura Beach – a favourite for both holiday makers and locals. Playa La Cura is located just north of the beautiful marina and has a long promenade lined with bars, restaurants and shops. The beach itself is almost 400 meters long and nearly 30 meters wide and does get rather crowded in the summer months due to its popularity. The sand is soft and the waters are clear, perfect for a summer dip.

Los Naufragos is located south of the marina and is a convenient location for many. It boasts a lovely sandy beach with palm trees offering shade. There is also a small water park for children to enjoy.

Further south is Cala Ferris – located at the southern end of Torrevieja Cala Ferris is less well known than other beaches in the city. It is said to be a good spot if you enjoy snorkelling.

10 Km away at the northern end of Torrevieja you will find another very popular beach. La Mata Beach is also the largest at an impressive 2,363 metres long and 47 metres wide. It boasts long golden sandy beaches and is very accessible with many ramps. It is popular for families and also those wanting to enjoy water sports. There are several beach bars on La Mata Beach for a cold refreshing drink in the hot summer months.

As you can see there are many beautiful beaches in Torrevieja with much to offer. Some more we have not mentioned include Cala Piteras, De Los Locos and Cabo Cervera, all with something to offer.

Torrevieja Salt Lakes

Torrevieja’s salt lakes, known as Las Salinas de Torrevieja, are a distinctive and fascinating feature of the region. These vast, pink-hued saltwater lagoons are among the largest in Europe and have been central to the local economy for centuries due to their extensive salt production. 

The pink coloration of the lakes is caused by the presence of certain algae and bacteria, which thrive in the high-salinity environment. 

Beyond their economic importance, the salt lakes are also a popular tourist attraction, known for their unique beauty and the therapeutic properties of their mineral-rich waters and mud. 

The surrounding natural park is a haven for wildlife, especially migratory birds like flamingos, making it a favourite spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The blend of economic, health, and ecological significance makes the salt lakes an integral part of Torrevieja’s identity.

Culture in Torrevieja

Torrevieja boasts a rich and diverse cultural tapestry, influenced by its maritime heritage and the influx of international residents. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Habaneras and Polyphony International Contest, which celebrates its deep-rooted connection to seafaring songs. 

Local cuisine is a vital part of the culture, with fresh seafood and traditional Spanish dishes featuring prominently. 

The city’s numerous museums, such as the Sea and Salt Museum, offer insights into its historical and economic development. 

Additionally, Torrevieja’s multicultural environment is reflected in the variety of cultural centres and activities available, catering to both locals and expatriates. This blend of traditions and modern influences makes Torrevieja a vibrant and culturally rich community.

Property For Sale in Torrevieja

The demand for properties in Torrevieja and surrounding areas means that building continues to take place and you will find a fantastic variety of new build properties available here. In fact, construction is underway for one of the largest projects in Torrevieja and the Alicante Region, set to encompass over 7,000 new properties across a sprawling 1.8 million square metre area known as La Hoya, Torrevieja. However, the name La Hoya for the urbanisation itself remains uncertain.

This highly anticipated development in a fantastic location, includes both commercial and residential plots, offering a wide array of amenities such as shops, restaurants, schools, and communal green areas. A significant portion of 350,000 square metres has been designated for green spaces strategically positioned near the protective perimeter of the Torrevieja and La Mata lagoons’ natural park.

Lagoons Village emerges as the pioneering project to reveal property and development specifics at the La Hoya, Torrevieja location, a topic we explore further below. Featuring 19 blocks of contemporary apartments, villas, and bungalows, Lagoons Village occupies a stunning position on the outskirts of the cherished coastal city.

For more information about what you can expect from property for sale in Torrevieja, use the link to view our handy guide.

If you are looking for new build properties in Torrevieja then browse our fantastic range of available properties below. We have a selection of stunning brand new property developments including the new La Hoya development discussed above. Whether you are looking for something within walking distance of the shops, bars, restaurants and beaches or something a little quieter, we have something available for everyone! 

If you have any questions about Torrevieja, other places to buy in Spain or anything else please do not hesitate to contact us – we are always here to help!