Torrevieja
Until 1802 Torrevieja was exactly what it means - an ancient guard tower (Torre – tower, Vieja – old).
In 1803 King Karol IV moved the salt mines from La Manta to Torrevieja, which contributed to the development of the city. In 1829 the settlement was completely destroyed by an earthquake, but it was rebuilt and continued to prosper like thousands of similar places in Europe, benefiting from the development of the industry (salt mines). Main product of the area (salt) was exported to Holland and Sweden. Even today the salt mines of Torrevieja are a very important branch of local industry. Tourism, of course, is number one.
In 1931 king Alfonso XIII attributed city rights to Torrevieja. Until the end of the 60's it was a small fishing town, and then it was "discovered" by the Swedish and the Norwegians, who started to settle in the are in great numbers, spending the cold and harsh winters of northern Europe in the sun of Costa Blanca. Torrevieja today is a vivid city with 110 thousand of residents and over 500 thousand of tourists every year.
Unique location of the city between 2 salty lagunas and the sea creates a very healthy and unique microclimate. This region has been listed by the World health Organization as one of the healthiest regions in Europe.
Torrevieja is famous for its beautiful shoreline and sandy beaches. Going north you will find sandy beaches spreading miles long. In the areas of Guardamar and La Marina there are nude beaches (Playas Libres). Salty lagunas are also nature parks with many species of unique birds. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area.
What is worth seeing:
- museum of sea and salt (Mar y de la Sal)
- National Park (Paraje Natura)
- huge pier, built around a very modern and beautiful marina
- Las Salinas – salty lakes, west of the city
- little old church Iglesia Arciprestal de la Immaculada Concepcion, placed in the city centre
- city park – Parque de la Naciones
Torrevieja
