Planning a getaway to Spain’s sun-soaked Costa Blanca? If you’ve chosen the lovely coastal town of Torrevieja, you’re probably looking for a slower pace than somewhere like party-loving Benidorm. Congratulations, you’ve chosen well, because a relaxed, friendly ambience and a very authentic vibe are exactly what you’ll find. Of course, there are still plenty of tourists, and the town is not what you’d class a “hidden gem”. On the contrary: while it most certainly is a gem, set within truly beautiful natural surroundings, some of Torrevieja’s best features are very much in plain sight.
If you’re not familiar with the region, the hour-long transfer journey from the airport at Alicante to Torrevieja takes you past numerous sites that are renowned as some of the best on the Costa Blanca to explore the flora and fauna. Nature lovers, take note and plan some day trips!
1. Santa Pola
Just 20 minutes after leaving the airport on your transfer journey, you’ll pass by the small coastal town of Santa Pola. Set in a picturesque location between the dunes and the mountains, it boasts one of the most diverse landscapes of the region. If you’re into the energetic pursuits of water sports, this is the place for you! You can try your hand at jet skiing, wind surfing, sailing, fishing and paragliding, but even if you prefer your dose of sunshine to be a little more sedate, the beautiful beaches offer more than 4kms of sandy shores and warm, crystal clear waters in which to bathe.
Top Tip: While you’re in Santa Pola, you can visit the fantastic Pola Park, which offers more than 20 attractions in the form of thrilling rides, bouncy castles and mini golf. It’s 24,000sqm of tropical, sun-filled family fun!
Recommended Visit Time: Santa Pola definitely deserves an entire day if you’re going to fit in a few water sports and Pola Park as well.
2. Guardamar del Segura
Another ten minutes down the coast, Guardamar del Segura is a lovely little seaside resort that’s surrounded by a protected natural area. The region includes the 2,000-acre Guardamar Sand Dunes Forest, the La Mata Lagoon Natural Park, and 800 hectares of Mediterranean pine forests. And if all that sounds pretty picture-perfect, it is. Want a few more reasons for a day trip? Well, the resort is fronted by 11kms of golden beaches, backed by magnificent rolling dunes and exotic flora.
Parque Alfonso XIII comprises the aforementioned 800 hectares of pines and is criss-crossed by walking and cycling trails. It’s accessible right from the town centre and allows you to navigate directly to the dunes and beaches. Rena Sofia Park is also part of the pine forests and, along with the proliferation of flora and fauna, includes some wonderful facilities for families.
Recommended Visit Time: If you just want to relax in town, half a day is enough, but if you’re up for some hiking and exploring, set aside the entire day.
3. Torre la Mata
If you’re looking to experience the “real” Spain, even though tourism is slowly finding its way to La Mata (as it’s known by the locals), it’s definitely retained an authentic vibe, making it feel far more off-the-beaten-track than it is. Surrounded by a vast saltwater lake, the Salinas de Mata, this is a fantastic place for bird watching and nature walking. In fact, the entire resort is one big nature reserve and, being so accessible from the town centre means that whatever your physical ability, you can enjoy it in some way. Parque Molino del Aqua is a water park with a difference and, while it doesn’t have the usual slides and rides, its 17 hectares are networked with gentle nature walks taking in sand dunes and cool pine forests.
Recommended Visit Time: La Mata is only 5km from Torrevieja, so even if you only have a few spare hours, you can enjoy its lovely natural surroundings.
4. Parque Natural de Torrevieja
Also known as Las Salinas de Torrevieja, you won’t need any rose-tinted glasses to see the unique blushing beauty of Parque Natural de Torrevieja. Encompassing more than 1400 hectares, this incredible reserve includes a pink-water lake, complete with matching flamingos. The high salinity of the water means that while there’s not too much vegetation, the flora that does thrive there is quite fascinating. The most interesting micro-organisms, which give the lake its rosy hue, are not visible to the eye, but the 2,000 flamingos that come here every year to feed and breed most certainly are. It’s an impressive sight – not to mention an outstanding photographic opportunity.
Recommended Visit Time: How long you spend here is up to you, but if you plan on a full day, you’ll be able to get in some lovely walks and a picnic by the pink lake. Perhaps with a glass of Spanish rosé?
From Alicante to Torrevieja
The drive from Alicante to Torrevieja will take you past – or get you close to – some of the most beautiful natural sites on the Costa Blanca. For nature lovers, this is the ideal time to start planning your holiday day trip itinerary.
About Shuttle Direct
Getting from the airport at Alicante to Torrevieja is a breeze when you make a booking with Shuttle Direct, the most trusted provider of airport transfers throughout Europe and North Africa. Our extensive range of shared and private transfers means that we can get you to wherever you need to go, and back again.
NB. This route guide has been compiled as an aid to visiting the region. Your airport transfer service from Alicante to Torrevieja does not include stops to these destinations.
