Torrevieja

Torrevieja area's salt lakes

The entire area around of Torrevieja and Orihuela are famous for their salt production. Huge salt lakes surround the road down from Alicante, producing annually more than half a million tons.

The city of Torrevieja which gets its name from an old tower (old=vieja ; tower=torre), was first mentioned around 1800. It became famous in 1802, when it took over the salt administration from Orihuela. Apart of the salt industry, tourism and fishing keep the city alive. The harbour is home to 300 fishing ships and over 900 private sport boats. A wonderful view especially when sun sets.

From a sightseeing point of view you best start your way exploring Torrevieja by foot beginning at the harbour. Along with Church of "la inmaculata conception" a visit to the museum of sea and salt (museo del mar y sal) and the fish market.

Markets

There are many street markets around the area where you can buy virtually anything at incredibly low prices, the local fruit and vegetables are particularly good value.

Torrevieja - Friday (Salinero Calle (just off the Avda. De Las Cortes Valencianas)

La Zenia - Saturday

Benijofar - Sunday

Almaradi - Sunday (Avenida de la Constitución)

La Mata - Wednesday (Canal del Acequión)

San Miguel de la Salinas - Wednesday

Guardamar - Sunday (Campo de Guardamar. Guardamar- Montesinos Road)

Water Parks

There are two Water Parks nearby;

Aquopolis

Finca de la Hoya Grande,
03180 Torrevieja

Telephone;0034 902 345 008

Aqua-Park

Ciudat Quesada, Rojales

Telephone;0034 966 718 612

Its worth checking opening times by telephone before going.

Theme Parks

There is a fairground in Torrevieja, next to the marina, open all the year round, although there are more rides during the summer.

If you really want a theme park try the Terra Mitica (a Paramount Park) near Benidorm, about 1 hour in the car, it's a bit like Alton Towers with sun!

Terra Mitica is the first real theme park in Spain. It is not just an amusement Park, it offers all visitors something different: a theme park that recreates the lost civilisations of the Med: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia, and the Islands. Its main rides take you back to the myths and legends of these ancient cultures with state of the art technology, special effects, animatronics and digital imagery.

The daring can experience falling from great heights on the flight of the phoenix and great speed on one of the largest wooden roller coasters in Europe.  The older visitors will enjoy the excitement and entertainment of the virtual dark rides, stories and legends told with the help of technology.  Children will enjoy mini replicas of the main rides in each area. i.e. water flume, roller coaster etc.

Terra Mitica is divided into five areas, four of them surround a lake that symbolises the Mediterranean Sea, from which emerges the fifth area, The Islands:

AREA 1.- "Egypt, Land of Pharaohs".

AREA 2.- "Greece, The home of the Gods".

AREA 3.- "Rome, The Frontier".

AREA 4.- "Iberia, The Warm Shores".

AREA 5.- "The Islands, The Great Journey"

Terra Mitica is a park for all ages due to the wide variety of its thirty rides and attractions.

How to get there;

The easiest way from Torrevieja is to get straight onto the motorway and drive north passed Alicante towards Valencia. Go past the first Benidorm signs, the Terra Mitica is well sign posted from the motorway.

Telephone; 0034 902 020 220

Go Carts

There is a great go-carting track just south of Torrevieja, hey have carts for the little ones as well as competition carts and quad bikes. It has a Cafeteria where you can enjoy a drink and a snack at reasonable prices.

Go-Karts Orihuela Costa

How to get there;

It's easy to find, just drive south on the N-332 from Torrevieja, passed Punta Prima roundabout about half a mile on your right hand side.

Nature Parks

THE NATURE RESERVE OF THE LA MATA AND TORREVIEJA LAGOONS

Covering over 3,700 hectares the reserve includes both the La Mata and Torrevieja salt water lagoons. The Torrevieja lagoon is largest at about 1,400 hectares and the La Mata lagoon is about half that size. The rest of the reserve is down to pasture or scrub land. Connected to the sea by 2 artificial channels (Acequiones) and each other, the Mediterranean flows through to this shallow depression and the warms in the spanish sun. The water in the Torrevieja lagoon is allowed to evapourate and the salt collected ( 1 million tons per year).

The salt marshes and reed beds are used by over 100 species of birds, that feed on the small crustaceans and larvae, that live in this highly salty water.

The lagoons are famous for the flamingos, grebes and avocets that live here.

Why not take a walk or cycle around the lagoons, don't forget to visit the Reception Centre where there is a permanent exhibition.

Information Centre, Nature Reserve of the Lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja.

Casa Forestal. Ctra. N-332, next to the La Mata Lagoon. 

Phone; 0034 966 920 404