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13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Torrevieja, Spain

ByTina Riegelnegg

The main reasons people visit Torrevieja are the pink lake and the beach, but this coastal city on the Costa Blanca has much more to offer. During my 6-week stay nearby, I discovered some amazing hidden gems while exploring the best things to do in Torrevieja.

Here are my top picks that you won’t want to miss during your visit.

1. Visit the Pink Lake of Torrevieja

A picture of a pink lake with salt hills and a tourist train in the back reflecting in the water surface
I really enjoyed the tour to the salt lake

One of the most unique and popular attractions in Torrevieja is the pink lake, also known as Laguna Salada de Torrevieja or Laguna Rosa.

The vibrant pink color comes from a type of algae and bacteria that thrives in the high salt content of the water and makes the water pink in sunlight.

The best way to visit the pink lake is by taking the tourist train from the city center. This way, you won’t have to worry about transportation, as the lake is located a bit outside the city, and you’ll learn about the fascinating lake and its salt production.

2. Relax at the Beach

A vibrant beach in Torrevieja, Spain, with colorful umbrellas and people enjoying the sun, highlighting Torrevieja's top attractions.
Playa del Cura can get very crowded

Of course, a trip to a Costa Blanca city like Torrevieja wouldn’t be complete without spending some time at the beach. The main beach in Torrevieja is Playa del Cura, which has soft golden sand and calm waters perfect for swimming, but is usually quite crowded.

For a quieter and more relaxing beach experience, head to Playa de La Mata. It’s just a short drive from the city center. The beach is wider and less crowded, making it ideal for a peaceful day by the sea.

3. Do Some Fun Water Activities

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of water activities to enjoy in Torrevieja. You can rent a jet ski, or paddle board, surf, try out parasailing or simple have fun on a banana boat ride.

There are also plenty of boat tours available to explore the coastline and nearby islands.

🤩 This fun tour lets you ride a jet ski without a licence!

4. Stroll Down the Jetée de Torrevieja

A pedestrian walkway next to the ocean in Torrevieja Spain
It’s quite a long pier

The Jetée de Torrevieja is a long pier that extends into the sea and offers stunning views of the coastline. It’s a popular spot for watching the sunset, but it’s also a great place for a leisurely stroll.

At the end is a small lighthouse, but be aware that the walk is long! I planned for a short stroll along the pier, but it took me about 45 minutes with a few breaks to walk to the lighthouse and back.

So, set off early enough if you want to watch the sunset from there and don’t forget to bring water!

5. Go Inside a Submarine

One of the best things to do in Torrevieja in the rain or more likely to escape the heat is visit the floating museum, which consists of three ships.

The highlight of the museum is the Delfín S-61 Submarine, an old Spanish Navy sub that served from 1971 to 2006. You can explore the inside of the submarine and learn about its history as you walk through its narrow corridors.

Another great museum in Torrevieja is the Museum of the Sea and Salt, but as of August 2024 its temporarily closed and I can’t find when it will reopen.

6. Have a Drink at Plaza de Oriente

A square with outdoor seating and palm trees and there's a church in the background
Great place to have a coffee or a refreshing drink

Plaza de Oriente is a favorite spot for locals to relax at outdoor cafes with a drink or tapas, all while enjoying the view of the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús church. It’s a perfect place for a drink and some people-watching.

7. Visit the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción

The facade of a historic church in Torrevieja, Spain, with a water fountain and palm trees, representing a must-see site in Torrevieja.
How picturesque is the church with the fountain in front?

The most picturesque church in Torrevieja is the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción. It’s located near the city center, next to a nice square with a fountain in the middle.

Take some time to rest on one of the squares benches or explore the interior of the church, which is free to enter.

8. Have a Drink (But No Food) at the Cultural Society Casino

This image shows a luxurious, ornate room likely inside the Casino of Torrevieja. The space features intricate gold and green ceiling designs, grand chandeliers, and large classical paintings framed by gold-trimmed columns. In the center of the room, there are small round tables surrounded by orange upholstered chairs, and several blue panels displaying artwork are set up in the background.
The very luxurious interior of the Cultural Society Casino

The Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja is an elegant and historic building that now serves as a cultural center, and restaurant.

The easiest way to visit is to have a drink inside. You can get food too, but the reviews are not great to say the least. But it’s worth visiting for a quick drink while you admire the interior.

9. Stroll Down the Promenade

This image captures a striking, modern bench in Torrevieja, Spain, designed with white mosaic tiles and framed by a series of blue, wave-like metal beams that provide shade. Palm trees line the walkway in the background, offering a scenic view, making this bench both a functional and artistic spot for relaxation. Ideal for inclusion in a list of "things to do in Torrevieja," highlighting the city's blend of art, architecture, and leisure.
I love this stylish bench

Right in front of the Cultural Society Casino lies the Torrevieja promenade, perfect for a stroll. Facing the ocean and going left, you’ll find a stylish mosaic-decorated bench to rest on.

Walking towards the Jetée, you’ll pass various market stalls selling clothes and souvenirs. Some stalls are open all day, while others only in the evenings.

10. Explore the Parc Natural De La Mata

A wooden pathway in between a tight wooden fence leading to a viewing point inside a wooden box in a natural park in Torrevieja, in the distance you can see a lake and some greenery
Don’t forget to bring binoculars for bird watching

The Parc Natural de La Mata is a beautiful natural reserve that’s part of the larger Parque Natural de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja, which is home to the famous pink lake.

La Mata feels more like a nature reserve than the pink lake. There’s an information center with a big parking lot, all the paths are clearly signposted and there are plenty of rules on how to behave, especially during nesting season.

You can go for a stroll on one of the walking trails or do some birdwatching. You might even see some flamingos! Remember your binoculars as you can’t get that close to the birds.

11. Shop at the Weekly Market

Every Friday, Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and souvenirs. It’s a great place to explore and pick up some local goods.

The Mercadillo Torrevieja is located outside the city center, next to the Aquopolis Torrevieja waterpark. It’s open every Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

12. Have Some Street Food

Tables with chairs and foodtrucks outside, in the back you can see a tall building with a Mercadona supermarket logo on it
During the day the market is very quiet

A hidden gem in Torrevieja is the street food market near the main bus station. The bus station (Estación de Autobuses) is located on Calle del Mar, and the market is just north of it.

I recommend going in the evening. Officially the market is open all day, but during the day most stalls are still closed. So, the best time to go is around 8pm.

If you prefer all vegetarian restaurants with great vegan options, I highly recommend Kaizen Vegetariano and Beet Vegetariano.

13. Go on a Day Trip

View of Santa Barbara castle in Alicante, you can see a bit of the castle walls, the city, the harbour and the ocean
View of Alicante from the castle

Torrevieja is a great base for day trips to explore more of the surrounding area. Here’s a list of the best day trips from Torrevieja:

  • Alicante: The lively city of Alicante is the largest on the Costa Blanca. Top activities in Alicante include visiting Santa Barbara Castle, exploring the old town, and relaxing on its beautiful beaches.
  • Tabarca Island: Take a ferry from Torrevieja to this small island known for its crystal-clear waters and secluded beaches.
  • Elche: This city is famous for its palm tree groves and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palmeral of Elche. Visit the beautiful botanical gardens, explore the old town, or simply relax at one of the many parks.
  • Cartagena: Discover the rich history of this port city by visiting its ancient Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and a well-preserved theater.

Final Thoughts: What to do in Torrevieja

Overall, I was quite surprised by how popular Torrevieja is. It’s not just popular by tourists but also by expats, who fell in love with this coastal city’s charm.

If you’re ready to extend your adventure in Torrevieja, don’t miss out on the fantastic day trips. To discover more about the best options available, check out my detailed post about day trips from Torrevieja.

Read more about Costa Blanca:

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Tina Riegelnegg

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She started this blog in 2022 to share her experiences in order to help other travellers have the best experience and find the best vegan food while travelling. So far Tina has been to 31 countries on 5 continents.

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