Spian - Torrevieja

SPAIN - AREA INFORMATION - TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja gets its name from an old tower (Torre Vieja).
Besides being a costal town it is surrounded by two large natural salt lakes, Laguna De Torrevieja and Laguna De La Mata. These salt lakes create a very special healthy microclimate, and the city has been selected by WHO (World Health Organization) to one of the healthiest place in the world to live in. The salt lakes, through the extraction and exporting of the salt, have given Torrevieja a livelihood since 1668.

Indirectly, the salt has had another big influence on the culture of Torrevieja and beyond, when, in the 19th century, it was shipped to Cuba and other Caribbean points. The sailors on the boats and their songs, called "Habanera", were greatly influenced by the text and rhythm they encountered there. Habanera was soon spread all across Spain, and now you can often experience a real "Habanera" concert here in Torrevieja.

Besides fishing and salt, Torrevieja gets its livelihood from tourism. With 14 km of coastline and many nice beaches, lots of culture and activities as well as a rich city life, tourism thrives here.

There are lots of things to do in and around Torrevieja. For more see pages "things to do" If you only want to relax, take a walk along the promenade. Here you will also find many restaurants and bars if you want a break, and the view of the ocean is beautiful.

Torrevieja became officially a city in 1931 and grew quickly. In 1960 the population was about 10,000, and in 2005 there will be over 100,000 permanent residents living here, many of them from other parts of the world.

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