Torrevieja is a coastal city on the Costa Blanca, which breathes fishing and maritime culture. Its salt history is very relevant, since Torrevieja began to be inhabited as a municipality due to the salt mines known as Reales Salinas around the year 1800.
In this city we can find from very touristic areas such as beaches, promenades and various hotel resorts, to natural protected areas where you can breathe the atmosphere of nature away from the hectic pace of the city.
If you want you can set up your base camp in our family campsite in Benidorm and from here you can visit a lot of beautiful villages.
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Torre del Moro
In the area of Cape Cervera we can find the Torre del Moro, which is an ancient defensive building that was built in the fourteenth century and was part of the defense system against attacks by Barbary pirates, which was connected to the surrounding castles and fortifications.
In the 19th century the Torre del Moro was destroyed by a strong earthquake, and it was not until 1960 that work began on its restoration. In 1994 the last of the reforms was carried out, which enabled it for public use.
Today you can visit and climb to its viewpoint, from where we can appreciate an impressive panoramic view of landscapes in the area as the Sierra de Aitana, the Maigmó or even the Manga del Mar Menor.
Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja Natural Park
Parque natural Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja
In the area of Saladar de La Mata is the visitor center of the Natural Park of Las Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja. From here we can start the routes that run through the natural park, which crosses the salt flat, where we will find its characteristic ecosystem.
There are two itineraries in this park. The best known is the yellow one and it is done on foot. In this itinerary we will find a large number of birds typical of this area, especially abundant seagulls, and we will have fantastic views of the lagoon of La Mata. In addition, we will be able to rest during the tour in any of the 3 picnic areas set up along the route.
There is also a bicycle route, which is the red route, which has a distance of 5200 meters and is of moderate difficulty. Here we can contemplate the pine forests of the area and a fantastic panoramic view of the lagoon of La Mata.
Go to the traditional cucaña
On July 16, the day of the feast of Carmen, in the harbor area of Torrevieja we can see the traditional cucaña, one of the traditional games of the area, which consists of maintaining balance on the waves of the sea mounted on a log or a stick, which is smeared with grease to make the task more complex.
The participants who stay on the pole the longest are the ones who win the prizes in this game. It is undoubtedly one of the most typical aspects of Torrevieja that we can discover if we visit the area on July 16, with which to delve into their culture.
La Mata Beach
In the district of Torrelamata we can visit one of the most special corners of the city, the beach of La Mata. It is a white sand beach over 2000 meters long and about 40 meters wide, where you can enjoy the warm waters of the Mediterranean and a variety of maritime activities in a bay with calm waves.
This beach is divided into 4 large coves, all connected to each other and with good accessibility and coverage of services such as showers and footbaths, security and lifeguard, access walkways and children’s areas enabled.
We will also have the option of strolling along its large promenade, where we will find a wide range of establishments where you can eat or enjoy the atmosphere of the coastal area.
Garden of Nations Park
Near the N-332 road we can find the Jardín de las Naciones park. Here we can find a fantastic environment, especially for the little ones, where they can enjoy the fun and picturesque dragon slide, which is always a favorite attraction for the little ones.
In addition, here we will also find a large number of domestic birds of species such as chickens, peacocks or ducks in a fantastic natural environment that will make us forget for a moment that we are in Torrevieja and allow children to interact and enjoy nature.
Water Mill Park
This is one of the best known natural areas of Torrevieja, as it has an area of 17.23 hectares. It is a very well preserved fossil dune system, with typical vegetation of the area, mainly stone pines.
It is known by the name of Molino del Agua (Water Mill) because in the past water was extracted from an aquifer in this area, which is now depleted.
This vast park is located next to the sea, making it an ideal place to go for long walks and disconnect in nature. In fact, there are a multitude of trails and other cobblestone paths throughout the park from which we can reach the most important places.
It is worth mentioning that this park has a main square where there is a reconstruction of the old windmill used to grind grain and salt. In short, it is an ideal place to visit and be in contact with nature, flora and fauna, and where we can enjoy a picnic or its beautiful trails.
La Mata Tower
The Torre de La Mata is declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and Historical Heritage of Spain. It is a coastal watchtower located in the Plaza del Embarcadero on the beach of La Mata.
The Tower was built in the 14th century, along with a series of coastal watchtowers. These towers were used to watch the coasts and to warn of possible attacks or invasions by, for example, pirates or barbarians. Likewise, they were not only used for guarding, but were surrounded by a wall, thus creating a small defensive enclosure against attacks.
In 1982 it was restored by the City Council of Torrevieja, so if we visit it we will find it completely standing and restored. In addition, in the area we will have several informative posters that tell us the history of the Torre de La Mata and its impact on Torrevieja.
Aquapark Flamingo
If we visit Torrevieja with family or friends in hot seasons like summer, a great option to visit and have fun is the water park Aquapark Flamingo.
Aquapark Flamingo is open from the end of May until September from 11:00 to 19:00 and is ideal to go with children. The park has all kinds of water attractions with different pools, a variety of slides and a solarium area with a quieter pool.
In addition, it also has multiple services such as free parking, cafeterias, refreshment and ice cream stands, free hammock areas, changing rooms, showers, lockers, etc.
It is one of the best rated water parks in Spain on Tripadvisor in 2019, in fact, it is in the third position. One of the main reasons is its economic entrance with different prices according to the type of public:
- Children (from 4 to 12 years old): 12,70€.
- Adults (from 13 to 59 years old): 14,70€.
- Pensioners (over 60 years old): 12,70€.
- Children (under 4 years old): free of charge
You are allowed to bring food as long as it does not require tableware and cutlery, i.e. you may bring in sandwiches, fruit, snacks, etc., and any non-alcoholic beverages in plastic containers. In addition, there is a special area for eating.
Playa del Cura
It is one of the most central beaches of Torrevieja, so it usually has in summer season a high level of occupancy. It is the typical holiday beach, so if we go to Torrevieja in summer looking for a busy beach where you can do many activities and with restaurants nearby, this is the ideal beach.
Playa del Cura has an approximate length of 500 meters, with fine golden sand. It has a beach cleaning service, as well as other important services such as disabled access, toilets, lifeguards, beach umbrella and hammock rental, footbaths, beach bars, etc.
As we have already mentioned, there is a promenade behind the beach where we can find a multitude of restaurants, souvenir stores, ice cream parlors, pubs, etc..
Being centrally located, it is easily accessible by bus, so if we want to enjoy a summer day at the beach, this is the ideal place.
Archpriestly Church of the Immaculate Conception
Iglesia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción
The Archpriestly Church of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Parish, is located in the very Constitution Square of Torrevieja. It is the main parish of the patron saint of Torrevieja, La Purísima Concepción.
It is worth a visit, even if only from the outside, as it is a very remarkable building right in the center of the city, which was rebuilt after the fire it suffered during the Civil War.
Inside, it houses a completely detailed decoration, as well as works of art such as carvings, columns with Corinthian capitals, sculptures such as Jesus Yacente, and of course, the patron saint of Torrevieja, which leaves this parish for the processions.
Levante Dock
The Dique de Levante is located in the port area of Torrevieja. It was built to protect fishing and salt extraction boats from storms, although today it has been converted into a port, including various marinas.
Around the year 2000 the Paseo del Dique de Levante was built, which is a promenade built over the old wall of the dike. This promenade is approximately 1.4 kilometers long, and also has a bicycle lane. At the end of the route is the lighthouse, from where we can admire the views and generate a wonderful panoramic view.
In short, we have seen that Torrevieja is a coastal city that has a lot of history and culture, both fishing and salt mines, where we can enjoy both architectural and cultural visits, as well as natural visits. The Costa Blanca is an ideal destination for your vacations.
