Holiday rentals in Torrevieja

Torrevieja is a small seaside resort town nestled along Spain’s southeastern coastline, around an hour south of Alicante and an hour east of Murcia. The town is surrounded by five beautiful beaches and is sandwiched between the inviting waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Laguna Salada de Torrevieja, a rose-tinted saltwater lagoon.

As much of the area was destroyed by an earthquake in 1829, there are just a few pre-disaster historical buildings left in the town. The town’s palm-fringed beachfront promenade offers sweeping views of the cerulean waters and the golden sand of Playa del Cura. With calm waves and soft sand just steps from downtown, this is a popular spot for a relaxing evening swim before a moonlit tapas feast.

If you’re keen to head further afield, La Mata Beach spans more than 2.6 kilometres and is lined with laid-back beach bars and volleyball courts. If you’re more of a spectator, late afternoon is a great time to watch the windsurfers over a cold drink.

Southern Spain’s moderate year-round weather makes villas in Torrevieja popular whatever the season. Summers tend to be very hot and dry, which is great for basking in the sun and getting out on the water — just remember to pack plenty of sun protection. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and consistent sunshine without extreme heat, and you’ll have more space to explore. By winter, the town is at its quietest, giving you a chance to soak up some peace and quiet on the surrounding beaches. Torrevieja hosts a lively carnival during the month of February, featuring music, dancing, parades, and colourful costumes. Keep in mind that some shops and eateries may be closed outside the summer season and for religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, which are important events in Spain.

Museo del Mar y de la Sal

This tiny museum pays tribute to the two things that put Torrevieja on the map long before travelers made their way here: salt and the sea. The exhibits showcase interesting items such as model ships, buildings, and dioramas made completely out of salt, including an old bathing station that highlights the impact beach tourism has had on the development of the city.

Laguna Salada de Torrevieja

This striking salt lake on the edge of town is famous for its pink waters, tinted by bacteria and microalgae. There are small mounds of sparkling white salt all around the lake — the area produces nearly as much as the Dead Sea — and it is home to flamingos along with many other species of birds, including glossy ibises in winter. Here you can smother yourself in salty mud as a natural spa treatment, or follow the walking trail to soak up the kaleidoscopic scenery.

Palmeral of Elche

Although it may look like a modern grove of date palms, this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site around 45 minutes’ drive north of Torrevieja was planted by the Moors nearly 1,000 years ago. This example of Arabic agricultural practices in Europe features beautifully landscaped gardens dotted with cacti, bubbling fountains, and crisscrossing footpaths.