Torrevieja is a city built on the coast and has a population of approx 108,000- for most of us this is where it all began- in my case on a property inspection trip back in 1998.
It is 48 kilometers from Alicante City and was originally built for fishermen of the region and to harvest the salt from the two great salt lakes nearby. It has a very healthy climate due to the over 300 days of sunshine per year and the micro climate it enjoys. Torrevieja has many popular beaches including Los Locos, Los Naufragos, La Mata and Playa del Acequion, all with a unique history. It has now developed into a multi cultural city with many nationalities calling it home, and over a thousand bars and restaurants to choose from. The seafront has been built to incorporate a marina and a wonderful long promenade which is very popular with the local population. There are many water sports on offer including Jet Ski hire and there is a regular boat trip to the Tabarca Island which lies about 30 minutes off the coast. I highly recommend this trip on any sunny day- its is much fun there, and my kids are still talking about the pirates on Tabarca.
The Torrevieja museum of Sea and Salt is located at the water’s edge and shows the history of Torrevieja through the ages. Managed by the Sea and Salt Museum and located in the harbour is the "Albatross III’ a floating museum which once guarded the waters outside the city. This is a very interesting unusual museum to visit and a novel way to display historical memorabilia. Each evening beside the Torrevieja promenade the market huts open to sell their wares to the hundreds of visitors to the area. Street traders offer their wares including ” real designer’ bags and watches and street artists abound. Tourism is now one of its biggest industries and the city has grown in response to this. Property sales in Torrevieja are big- there are hundreds of estate agents all or mostly all selling very good value new builds around the general area.
It is a good shopping town with a large partly outdoor shopping centre called La Habanaras which houses modern fashion houses, jewellers and other retail outlets and restaurants. In the city centre near to the church, along the main street Ramon Gallud and smaller offshoots, there is an abundance of designer and boutique shops that cater to the affluent and those seeking some unique Spanish pieces. Torrevieja celebrates many religious festivals and holy days with parades and events around the city. From Torrevieja there is a network of good bus connections within the Costa Blanca from Cartagena to Alicanta, National networks and international networks. Buses are frequent and inexpensive out to La Zenia too. If you buy property in Torrevieja, you are in fact entitles to free bus travel!
The Friday market which is cantered around the bus station is one of the biggest markets in the region and here you can buy leather goods, hand crafts,clothing, vegetables and all sorts of souvenirs. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back.
In April and October Torrevieja celebrates the Ruta de la Tapas. This festival sees the involvement of more than 50 bars and restaurants providing regular and gourmet tapas for approx 2.50 for a tapas and a glass of wine. Entrance is free and the participants are given a free map of the restaurants and what tapas they are offering. It is great fun and an adventurous way to discover new restaurants, make new friends and try some different tapas in genial company. Really you could grannies a Spanish holiday around this event alone.
There are several language schools in Torrevieja so there is no excuse not to learn a little Spanish while you’re in town! I attended the Konigen school when I moved to Spain first. There is a wide choice of sports available in Torrevieja including football, tennis, paddle and a vast number of gyms offering many different types of keep fit classes.
Torrevieja is a short trip to La Zenia and as the prices on New Developments is slightly less than it is in Cabo Roig for example, its a great alternative for those thinking of buying new property in Spain with a more restricted budget.
One thing for sure, whether you invest here or not, Torrevieja is a lovely day out.
