Excursiones on the Costa Blanca

Torrevieja

Torrevieja is the touristic center of the southern Costa Blanca and one of the fastest growing cities in Spain. The city is in the province of Alicante and is approx. 40 km away from the capital of the province, on the coast and between two natural lagoons.

The city owes its surname "Salt City" to the two salt lakes of Torrevieja and La Mata. For centuries and still today salt has been mined here, which is then transported to several for a variety of purposes such as use as condiment, for industrial use and for winter usage on roads, etc. The typical souvenirs from Torrevieja, the small salt ships, hark back to this tradition and as a former fishing village and today, as a modern port, Torrevieja has a special relationship with the sea. Torrevieja´s long promenade which runs down the whole coastline was transformed a few years ago and is now a designated pedestrian zone, where one can walk for several kilometers, eat ice cream, laze on the beach or simply observe the world passing by - all accompanied by the sound of the waves, the yelling of the sea gulls and the cries of street traders and musicians..

Torrevieja offers a very healthy climate with many sunny days and strong salty air. This is an ideal place for many older European visitors who suffer from rheumatism, skin disorders or asthma, who have established themselves here and now half the population is of foreign extract. In order to create room for all these sun-hungry people, the city has been expanded along the salt lagoons and the number of inhabitants has increased until today´s figure of 100.000. However, in summer months it is estimated that the number of people living here is more than one million.
Two marinas, new shopping centers, a large sports center and many cultural meetings - particularly in the summer months - provide the visitors with all they need.

In 1994 the two salt lakes were designated a nature reserve, where the trails are well signed and one can go walking and observe the birdlife - the pink flamingos are particularly remarkable.
On Fridays there is a large weekly market and once a year, the city celebrates the "Feria de Mayo" at the beginning of May, which remembers the town´s Andalusian traditions and history.

On the downside, however, the increasing population during the summer period does have an effect on traffic flow and parking facilities. The mayor is beeing investigated for corruption and there have been protests over the amount of building activity in the area, but nevertheless the city certainly is still a popular point of attraction for tourism and has something to offer all ages.

Other Excursions:

• The Palm City: Elche
• La Manga and Mar Menor