Torrevieja

The salt and the sea are the inseparable elements which have marked the history and determined the present-day reality of Torrevieja. At the beginning of the last century there was only a watch-tower, the old tower and a few houses in Torrevieja.

In 1802 the administration of La Mata salt flat offices moved to the present site, bringing about the rapid urbanisation of the former Torrevieja. The proximity of the salt-flats and it being an exporting port both of salt and the horticultural produce of La Vega Baja led to the growth of port and town, which gained its independence from Orihuela in 1820. Today it produces about a million tons of salt, mostly exported, making Torrevieja the prime European salt-producer.

The International Competition of Habaneras and Choirs, of International Tourist interest, is held in homage to the people of Torrevieja who traded with Cuba, the former Spanish colony and homeland of the Habaneras which the sailors sang on their return. Salt and sea are the two inseparable elements that have marked the history and determined the present-day circumstances of Torrevieja.

The lakes near Torrevieja have been declared a Nature Reserve due to their wetland ecosystem and for the ecological habitat they provide for migratory and nesting birds. Modern day Torrevieja has other significant features including the Modernist Casino and the Church of the Immaculate Conception which are located in one of the commercial and residential areas of the town respectively. In this area can also be found the monument to the Coralista and the Museum of the Sea and of Salt, which explains the history of the sea and of the salt industry which are representative of Torrevieja's past. Walks can be taken to the fishing wharf and boat trips taken along the Torrevieja coastline. There are several magnificent sandy beaches including Los Locos, El Acequión, Los Náufragos, La Mata and El Cura. The southernmost beach the Náufragos beach offers a range of amenities.

The Cura beach is situated between the Levante dock and the Punta Carral. Across from the Punta Carral is the Los Locos beach. The longest and most northern beach is the la Mata 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.

Torrevieja meaning in plain English is Tower Old or Old Tower

Torrevieja is part of Comunidad Valenciana

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