All About Torrevieja – Salt, Sun & Sea Gem

Torrevieja, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is a vibrant coastal city loved for its unique salt lakes, award-winning beaches, lively markets, and rich history.

Situated about 45 minutes south of Alicante Airport and 90 minutes from Benidorm (113 km), Torrevieja offers Mediterranean charm, and plenty to explore.

📜 History & Origins 

The name Torrevieja means “old tower” — A small tower that used to look down over the harbour.

Founded in 1750 as a small fishing village, Torrevieja quickly grew thanks to the salt industry. 

Its history took a dramatic turn on 21st March 1829, when a powerful earthquake destroyed the town, historical records indicate that nearly 400 people died across the affected region of southern Alicante, with Torrevieja itself suffering significant casualties and damage.

It was one of the most destructive earthquakes in the history of the Valencian Community, leading to a complete rebuild of Torrevieja.

Today, Torrevieja is a multicultural city with over 100,000 residents from 180 nationalities, blending Spanish tradition with international influences.

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🏆 One of the Healthiest Places to Live

The World Health Organisation lists Torrevieja among the top 10 healthiest places in the world — thanks to the unique properties of its salt lakes and clean sea air.

🧂 The Famous Salt Flats

Torrevieja is home to two spectacular salt lagoons — La Mata and Torrevieja — covering over 2,000 hectares. These have been in use since the 13th century.

• La Mata Lagoon acts as the “heater” where the sun evaporates water.

• Torrevieja Lagoon is the “concentrator” where salt is harvested — up to 500 tons per hour between June and October.

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The salt is shaped into pyramids to protect it from rain, then sorted for over 14,000 uses — from food production to road de-icing. Major importers include Norway, Italy, Portugal, the UK, the USA, Ireland, and Denmark.

🌸 Why the Lake Turns Pink – The striking pink colour is caused by Halobacterium bacteria and tiny shrimp that thrive in the high salinity.

🦩 Wildlife – The lagoons are a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to 2,000 flamingos in breeding season and over 100 other bird species.

🚫 No Swimming Allowed – Bathing in the salt lakes is prohibited and fines can reach €6,000. However, in 2023, studies began to explore creating an official bathing area to harness the lakes’ health benefits.

🏛 Museo del Mar y de la Sal (Museum of the Sea and Salt)

📍 Address: Calle Patricio Pérez, 10, 03181, Torrevieja

Learn about Torrevieja’s salt-making history, fishing heritage, and maritime traditions. Exhibits include:

• Salt handicrafts

• Historic photographs

• Model boats

• Archaeological artefacts

Admission: The museum remains free to enter (donations accepted)

Opening Hours:

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🏖 Beaches in Torrevieja

All Torrevieja beaches hold the Blue Flag for clean seas and top facilities.

• Playa La Cura – The most central beach (375m long). Gets busy in summer.

• Playa Los Náufragos – Wide, sandy, family-friendly.

• Playa de los Locos – 760m long, popular for sunbathing and swimming.

• Cala Ferris – Palm trees, dunes, crystal-clear water.

• Cala Piteras – Great for snorkelling.

• Natural Pools – Small coves south of El Cura, perfect for bathing or snorkelling.  

🚤 Port & Floating Museums

The port is a mix of luxury yachts and fishing boats — and home to three floating museums:

1. S-61 Delfín Submarine (Floating Museum)

• This historic Daphne-class submarine is open to the public as a museum and remains one of the main attractions in Torrevieja’s floating museum lineup.

2. Albatros III Patrol Boat

• Part of the floating museums display alongside the submarine

3. Pascual Flores Schooner (Pailebote)

• This reproduction of the old Torrevieja sailing ship is part of the floating museum but is not always on display. It often travels for promotions or restoration.

🛍 Markets in Torrevieja

• Friday Market – One of Spain’s largest, selling food, clothes, and crafts.

• Saturday La Florida Market – Smaller but lively.
  Markets run daily across the region.

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💦 Aquopolis Water Park

Perfect for families, Aquopolis Torrevieja offers slides, pools, and family attractions. Located next to the N-332, with parking for 600 cars.

🚗 Getting to Torrevieja from Benidorm

• By Car – Drive via the N-332 or A-7.

• By Train/Tram – No rail connection. Take tram/train to Alicante, then bus.   Torrevieja is the largest city in the Valencian Community without a railway connection. 2025, will be the 55th anniversary since the arrival of the last train with passengers.

• By Bus – Take an ALSA bus to Alicante, then transfer to Torrevieja.

• By Coach – Rosa Tours (pre-booking required).

🌟 Why Visit Torrevieja

From pink salt lakes and Blue Flag beaches to cultural museums and lively markets, Torrevieja offers something for every traveller — whether you’re seeking a relaxing holiday or exploring authentic Spanish coastal life.

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