Torrevieja
Torrevieja, meaning "old tower", has the most amazing sandy beaches and is a thriving tourist destination for Spaniards and for Northern Europeans. The town of Torrevieja is a lively, bustling centre of activities and still continues to attract buyers who wish to enjoy one of the healthiest climates in the world.
A new access from the motorway to Torrevieja means that when you land at Alicante Airport your journey will take less than half and hour, where you are free to enjoy coastline of the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean where the beaches carry the European Blue Flag ensuring pollution free bathing.
Salt and sea are the two inseparable elements that have marked the history and determined the present-day circumstances of Torrevieja. At the start of the 19th century in the Torrevieja's current location there was only a simple watchtower, an old tower and several houses. In 1802 the administration of the Mata salt-flats transferred to its current location and brought about the speedy development of Torrevieja.
Torrevieja's location as regards the salt-flats and its strategic position as a port exporting salt, fruit and vegetables produced in the area resulted in the rapid development of the port and the town. It gained its independence from Orihuela in 1820 and today it is one of the leading European producers of salt. Approximately one million tonnes is produced annualy, mainly for export.
The lakes have been declared a Nature Reserve due to their wetland ecosystem and for the ecological habitat they provide for migratory and nesting birds. Walks can be taken to the fishing wharf and boat trips taken along Torrevieja's coastline. There are several magnificent sandy beaches, namely, Los Locos, El Acequion, Los Naufragos, El Cura and La Mata, the longest and most northern beach from where excursions can be made to the tourist vantage point of the Moro Tower, one of the medieval towers that give Torrevieja its name. In these areas are found the monument to the Coralista and the Museum of the Sea and of Salt, which explains the history of the sea and salt industry which are representative of Torrevieja's past.
Torrevieja offers many suburbs to its town and it is generally the Northern Europeans who will choose to live in these areas as they prefer the idea of living in a house rather than in an apartment block in the centre.