In and Around Torrevieja

 

By Road: Torrevieja is situated on the Mediterranean coast in the province of Alicante, 35 km from Alicante, 195 km from Valencia and 455 km from Madrid. You can drive via the Mediterranean motorway (A-7) or on the coast road (N-332) in the direction of Cartegena, south of Alicante.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is situated in Alicante and is connected with most important cities in Spain and Europe. More information about routes and timetables: call. 00 34 96 592 38 50.
By Air: The nearest airport is situated in Alicante, the airport of El Altet, 35 km from Torrevieja. It has daily connections with the most important cities in Spain and Europe. If you want more information call 0034 96 691 94 00 or 0034 96 691 91 00.   An alternative airport is Murcia, lying to the south of Torrevieja, and about 30 km by road.

Weather

The region is blessed with one of the best climates in Europe with an average of only 20 days rain per year (that's less than 2 days rain per month!), winter shade temperatures of over 16C (60F) and summer temperatures in the 30s C (90s F). The weather chart below provides information on average temperatures you should expect throughout the year.

The 'weather magnet' to the right shows you the weather forecast for today!

For a five day weather forecast of Torrevieja, click on this link

A Sample of Torrevieja History!

Torrevieja, a seaside town lying to the south of the Valencian Community, is surrounded by two large and beautiful natural salt-water lagoons, the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja, which occupy more than half the municipal district. Declared a natural reserve, they are considered Europe's largest salt-producing lakes. Their combined effect is to give the municipal district the appearance of a salt island.  Why not visit our Photo Gallery to see more photos and postcards of the local area.

The high concentration of salt and the existence of their most typical inhabitant, the Artemia salina, a species of small crustacean, lend them a pinkish tinge, especially noticeable in the case of the Lagoon of Torrevieja. The local microclimate is a particularly healthy one and has been recommended by medical specialists the world over.

The town owes its name to an Old Tower (Torre Vieja) formerly sited in the vicinity of the Eras de la Sal or Salt Flats. Although it has a relatively recent history, since the first urban settlement only dates from the 18th century, it was granted the status of a city in 1931 by King Alfonso XIII. With its long maritime tradition and its privileged climate and beaches, it has become a leading tourist destination.

Dynamic and hospitable, it is embarking upon the new millennium with every confidence in the innovative projects that, added to the existing range of cultural, leisure and sports activities, will serve as an added inducement to visit it.

Located just 35 Kms from Alicante airport, the town of Torrevieja is on the coastal plain of Valencia and faces the Mediterranean with its back to the nature reserve of the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja.

The quality and cleanliness of its waters is endorsed by the fact that practically all its beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag.  Along Torrevieja's more than 12 km of coastline, and from north to south, the first sandy beach we come across is that of La Mata, the largest, stretching for over 2 km.  At its southern end a large area of sand dunes has now been reclaimed, known as the Molino del Agua (Water-mill) Municipal park.

Continuing southwards we come to Cape Cervera with its lookout tower, the so-called Torre del Moro or Moor's Tower (14th C). From here on we are confronted with a succession of secluded inlets, such as El Mojón, Zorra, Higuera, Redonda, Gambote, Trabajos and Cornuda, until we reach Salaret Ponit, behind which shelters the Playa de Los Locos, (Madmen's Beach), one of the most popular beaches.

Local attractions include the water park called Aquopolis. This is located close to the town centre of Torrevieja. Their web site can be visited from here.

As well as some of the cheapest golf courses in Europe, sports facilities abound; sailing schools, diving clubs, riding stables, bowls, tennis and gymnasiums are all available. For those who like theme parks a visit to the newly opened Terra Mitica Theme Park near Benidorm is an absolute must

If you prefer indoor sporting activities, look no further, Torrevieja has a very large indoor sports centre, which provides all the usual indoor sporting activities, plus an indoor swimming pool of Olympic size.

The region is blessed with one of the best climates in Europe with an average of only 10 days rain yearly, winter shade temperatures of over 16C (60F) and summer temperatures in the 30s C (90s F).

The old fishing port of Torrevieja still retains much of its original charm and character, having its own harbour and fishing fleets. Torrevieja is not a package holiday town, but in the centre you will find numerous shops, restaurants, bars and cafes together with an indoor market selling a huge variety of seafood at unbelievably low prices.

There is a permanent seafront market for leather goods and clothing which, like the restaurants, bars and cafes is open until the early hours and on Fridays an open air market selling everything from Spanish handicrafts including ceramics and shoes to clothing and jewellery and a wonderful variety of fresh local produce.

Dining out is extremely cheap with many restaurants offering a Menu of the Day (menu del dia), which consists of three to four courses, including wine, for approximately £6.50 per person (€ 9-10).

In addition to Spanish food there is an infinite variety of international cuisine, including Chinese, Italian, Indian, German, Mexican, and of course English restaurants represented.