Basking in the year-round sunshine of the Costa Blanca, the popular city of Torrevieja was named after the `old tower`, built by the Moors in the 14th century to warn of invasions of pirates from North Africa. Today the tower is long gone but what remains is a vibrant, cosmopolitan resort with great beaches, restaurants catering for every taste, a fantastic range of lovely accommodation, fabulous shopping and lively local markets.
Along the western fringes of the town and around La Mata to the north lie Torrevieja`s salt lagoons, vast stretches of wetland where the most common sight is the shimmering pink of flamingo colonies congregating together in the haze of the afternoon. Not only have these enormous lakes been designated official nature reserves, they have also been key to the town`s development and the basis of the local economy for hundreds of years. It was in 1802 that King Carlos IV moved the administration of the area`s salt mines from La Mata to what was then just a small settlement but which grew on the prosperity of the salt trade into the town of Torrevieja.
Torrevieja today is a town popular with ex-patriots as well as tourists from all over Europe, but which still retains a very Spanish identity. Local families still congregate in the evenings in the town`s picturesque main square, and take their evening strolls along the wide, paved seafront. This is the perfect place for people-watching from the relaxed seafront restaurant terraces, while nearby tempting market stalls vie for the attention of passers-by. Across the way, the distinctive blue and white mosaic stone sofas provide a welcoming place to rest alongside the refreshing fountains opposite the port. On Fridays the town comes alive with a enormous local market selling a fabulous range of bargain boutique clothes, fine quality leather goods and jewellery.
The resort of Torrevieja is just a two hour flight from the UK, with a 45 minute onward journey from Alicante airport. Although it still very much retains the charms of a small town, recent expansion has covered a vast area where lovely individual character villas stretch for miles alongside salt lakes and pine forests. Nowhere else will you find such a wide variety of villas and apartments to rent on the Costa Blanca, to take advantage of all the attractions the area has to offer. Travel north to Spain`s largest theme park Terra Mitica or let the dolphins and sea-lions provide the entertainment at the exotic bird and marine life centre Mundomar. Challenge yourself to an afternoon`s horse-riding through rocky terrain and pine forests from one of the many well-equipped equestrian centres, or enjoy a relaxing round of golf on the narrow fairways of Las Ramblas golf course. If relaxation is all you have in mind, simply unwind on the fine sandy beaches of Guardamar and the beaches that stretch south to Cabo Roig and the sheltered waters of the Mar Menor.
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Around Costa Blanca 