Torrevieja, with about 98,000 inhabitants, is a Costa Blanca city in the south of the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community. Growing fast since the 1970s, it is a favourite with northern Europeans who buy homes for holidays or retirement: almost half the residents are foreign. The climate is dry and sunny all year.
Salt
Torrevieja's history is tied to its salt pans: since the 18th century salt from its lagoons has been extracted and exported worldwide, and it is still one of Europe's most productive salt works. The Museum of the Sea and Salt tells the story. In 1829 an earthquake destroyed the town, which was rebuilt on a grid plan.
The pink lagoons
The La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons natural park includes two large salt lagoons. Torrevieja's lagoon at times turns an intense pink, due to an alga and tiny crustaceans living in the very salty water. La Mata lagoon is a refuge for flamingos and other birds, with trails and hides. The mud and salt water are prized for the skin.
Beaches and sights
- The beaches of El Cura, El Acequión, Los Locos and La Mata, long and with dunes, plus small rocky coves.
- The Paseo de Juan Aparicio and the seafront, with natural rock pools.
- The submarine Delfín, open to visitors in the port, with the patrol boat Albatros III.
- The Torre del Moro and the church of the Immaculate Conception.
- The Palacio de la Música and the auditorium.
The habaneras
Torrevieja has a special bond with Cuba, where ships carried its salt: this trade gave rise to a love of habaneras, nostalgic sailors' songs. The International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest, held every summer since 1955, is one of Spain's leading choral festivals.
Food
Caldero, arroz con costra, fish from the port, marineras, salazón, salt-cured fish, and pastel de carne.
Getting there
Alicante-Elche airport is about 45 km away, Murcia's about 50 km. Buses run to Alicante, Murcia and Madrid. See also San Pedro del Pinatar.