Torrevieja

Beautiful natural surroundings, year-round sun and a thriving social scene make Torrevieja one of the most popular expat destinations in Spain.

Today it’s a thriving coastal resort, but until the 1980s Torrevieja was built on salt. The town is surrounded by two vividly coloured salt water lakes which were once the most important salt works in Europe. This natural resource was sent as far afield as Cuba; from there exporters returned with music, which is still celebrated in the Habaneras festival every year. You can now visit the lakes as part of a breathtaking nature reserve that is a great place to see the region’s bird life and visit the salt museum on the quayside to find out about their history.

Torrevieja has since quadrupled its population and now stands at 105,000. Despite this rapid growth and an influx of international inhabitants, you will find a friendly and welcoming city which still manages to retain a distinctly ‘Spanish’ atmosphere.

With five blue flag beaches in town, served by numerous restaurants and bars along with more secluded spots in which to while away the days you won’t find much to rival Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.

Winters are warm and summers are hot in Torrevieja, so for respite you might consider taking a stroll along the impressive Paseo de la Dique de Levante. This 1.5-kilometre-long breakwater in the harbour stretches out across a wooden boardwalk and offers soothing breezes in the summer heat.