Torrevieja is a very historical part of Spain with its humble beginnings relying on the salt trade for its economic survival. At the beginning of the 19th century the city was a little Spanish fishing village with just a watch tower and a few houses which were inhabited mostly by fishermen, it had a population of roughly 2,000 people. Torrevieja meaning "Old Tower" become independent from the town of Orihuela and set-up its own ayuntamiento (Town Hall) in 1830.

 

Torrevieja continues to be noted for its export of salt as it has done for many centuries, exporting hundreds of thousands of tonnes of salt worldwide each year. The salt lakes are not only a source of income for the area but also a popular place for sightseeing as many rare species of rare birds visit the lakes each year so this makes great photo opportunities for visitors. The salt lakes are protected by the Spanish government and even received national park status in 1996, the climate produced by the salt lakes is said to be one of the healthiest in the world due to the year round warm temperatures and the rich minerals produced by the lakes.

 

Many visitors flock to Torrevieja each year, the population increases ten fold throughout the summer time with many Spanish driving to the coast for their holidays to enjoy the many beautiful white sandy beaches. In recent decades the British and Europeans have fallen in love with the region, making Torrevieja their home too, and with many properties having beautiful views and surroundings this comes as no surprise.

 

Torrevieja is definitely a very popular town to own a holiday home, there are many developed apartments and town houses within the town centre, with small urbanisations all around the town boasting villas and bungalows.

 

Regardless if you are going to Torrevieja for the day, purchasing a vacation home or living in Torrevieja permanently - there's plenty to do and see, including walking along the promenade to go to the markets, additionally there is a large market within the town centre on Friday's which starts early morning until 2pm. There are a large number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, local shops for those who enjoy bargain hunting, a seafood market, the harbour and the beach for relaxing on. The 3 storey Habaneras shopping centre which is situated just a short distance from the town centre boasts many high-street shops with the large shopping chain of Carrefour alongside the shopping centre. Just outside the entrance of Habaneras is a 10 pin bowling alley, multi screen cinema, dance hall, casino, smaller shops, bars and restaurants. The newest shopping highlight for the area is Zenia Boulevard in which you can find the latest in fashion, services, design, accessories or decoration at very competitive prices such as those of Primark, Alcampo, Decathlon, Leroy Merlin, Norauto, C&A, H&M, Zara, Zara Home, Lefties, Mango, Stradivarius, Bershka, Pull and Bear, Springfield, etc. The Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre offers a broad range of commercial and leisure activities, and with all the main commodities. From the first day of opening, clients will discover an abundance of services designed to improve their shopping experience.

 

For the more active person there are lots of sports and sports clubs to join in Torrevieja including sailing, diving, tennis, bowls, athletics, football, gyms, golf as well as cricket and rugby! There is even a waterpark for great family days out.

 

Other places of interest include: Go karting and paint balling on the Orihuela Costa, cinema in Pilar de la Horadada, salt museum, boat outings from Torrevieja, fishing outings and more weekly markets in surrounding cities and towns. For a day out from Torrevieja, Alicante and Murcia are only around 30-40 minutes drive each way. So while you are in Torrevieja looking for a permanent home, holiday home or simply just visiting there are many things to experience in the city.