Torrevieja: Everything you need to know about this popular Costa Blanca seaside town

About Torrevieja

Torrevieja is a bustling coastal city on the southern Costa Blanca, in the province of Alicante, Spain. The city has a dynamic population of between 85,000 and 100,000 inhabitants, depending on the season. What once started as a small fishing village has grown into a modern city with extensive services, cultural attractions and a lively atmosphere. The name "Torrevieja" literally means "old tower", in reference to the historic watchtower that protected it from pirates.

International community and culture

Torrevieja combines traditional Spanish charm with a strong international character. Thanks to the many expatriates from countries such as Holland, UK, Germany and Scandinavia, the city has a multicultural flair. This is visible in the gastronomy, the street atmosphere and the annual events.

Climate and health

The city sits directly on the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by two salt lakes: Las Salinas de Torrevieja and Las Salinas de La Mata. These natural features create a unique and healthy microclimate with low humidity and clean air. As a result, Torrevieja is especially popular with people with respiratory and rheumatic conditions.

Why choose Torrevieja?

• Beautiful beaches and natural areas

• City with international vocation and solid infrastructure

• Healthy climate and relaxing lifestyle

• Excellent medical care and educational opportunities

• Ample real estate and investment opportunities

Medical assistance in Torrevieja

Hospitals and clinics

Torrevieja has excellent medical facilities, including the University Hospital of Torrevieja, a modern public hospital with short waiting times and state-of-the-art equipment. There are also several private clinics such as the San Jaime Hospital and the Quiron Clinic, with English speaking staff, ideal for foreign residents.

Personalized attention

There are many general practices, pharmacies, dentists and physiotherapists scattered throughout the city. There is also a wide range of home and elderly care services, often in several languages.

Wellness and alternative medicine

Torrevieja offers access to preventive health care, wellness centers, spas and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, osteopathy and salt therapy, made possible in part by medicinal salt from nearby lakes.

Education in Torrevieja

Torrevieja offers a wide and diverse educational offer:

• Primary education: Public and international elementary school (British, American curriculum).

• Secondary education: Bilingual education, technical courses and vocational training.

• Higher education: Proximity to the universities of Alicante and Elche.

• Special education: Specialized institutions for children with learning disabilities.

• Language teaching: Language institutes for Spanish and other languages, for all ages.

Shopping in Torrevieja

Shopping centers and markets

The center of Torrevieja, including Calle Ramón Gallud, offers a wide variety of stores. The Habaneras Shopping Center is home to well-known chains such as Zara and H&M. The weekly market on Wednesdays and Fridays is one of the largest in Spain, offering everything from fresh food to clothing.

Local products and souvenirs

On the promenade and around the marina you will find stalls selling handicrafts, jewelry and salty cosmetics. During the summer months there are lively night markets.

Sports and leisure in Torrevieja

Sports facilities

• Infanta Cristina Sports Palace: Basketball, handball, martial arts, group classes.

• Municipal swimming pool (indoor and heated).

• Soccer: FC Torrevieja, soccer academies for young people.

Water sports and golf.

• Water sports such as sailing, jet skiing, scuba diving and kayaking on the coast.

• Nearby golf courses: Las Colinas, Villamartin, La Finca Golf.

Hiking and biking

• Bicycle routes around the salt lakes and natural areas such as the Natural Park of the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja.

• Boot camps, yoga, pilates and paddle tennis courts are widely represented.

Living in Torrevieja

Torrevieja is attractive for families, retirees, expatriates and investors.

Advantages of living in Torrevieja

• Diverse housing offer: apartments, villas, new construction.

• Affordable housing prices compared to other coastal cities.

• Good infrastructure, security and international community.

• Mild winters, warm summers and plenty of outdoor space.

Popular neighborhoods in Torrevieja

• La Mata: Family friendly, beach and nature.

• El Chaparral: Quiet neighborhood, lots of vegetation.

• San Roque: For students and young people.

• El Acequión and Los Balcones: Interesting for investors.

• Aguas Nuevas and Habaneras: For luxury and comfort.

Nature and climate in Torrevieja

The Natural Park of the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja offers:

• Hiking routes through the salt lakes.

• Bird watching (flamingos, waders)

• Unique microclimate with health benefits

In addition, the Parque de las Naciones and the Dique de Levante are popular places to relax and enjoy the sea views.

Moving to Torrevieja

Why emigrate?

• Healthy climate and affordable lifestyle

• Attractive real estate market

• Multicultural society

• Many services in English

Popular neighborhoods for emigration: Aguas Nuevas, Los Balcones, Playa del Cura and El Acequión.

Investing in Torrevieja

Why invest.

• Growing demand for vacation and rental properties.

• Relatively low real estate prices

• High rental income in tourist seasons

• Popular Neighborhoods: Los Balcones, Playa del Cura, Aguas Nuevas

Note: A permit is required for short term rentals.

What to do in Torrevieja

• Las Salinas de Torrevieja: Pink salt lagoon, natural park.

• Tourist train: Tour through the city and nature.

• Aquopolis water park: For families

• Park of the Nations: Natural urban park

• Dique de Levante: Dock with views and sunsets

• Floating museums: submarine and patrol boat as museum

• Torre del Moro: Historic tower with views

• Plaza de la Constitución and Church: Historical center of the city.

• Museo del Mar y de la Sal: About salt mining and maritime history.

• Monumento de Las Coralistas: Cultural landmark on the seafront promenade