TORREVIEJA
The name means ancient tower (referring to a Moorish defence) and the town has traditionally been the home of fishermen and salt merchants. It boasts no less than 320 days of sunshine annually with the lowest winter temperatures averaging 15C.

The core attraction is the salt lakes (Laguna de Torrevieja & Laguna de La Mata) which draw the moisture from the air creating a unique microclimate. There is a natural park by the lakes with tracks for walking and cycling and a small visitor centre. The Mediterranean laps stretches of fine sandy beaches which alternate with a series of small rocky coves. Evening walks are always pleasant along the promenades and the part approaching the port has many craft stalls selling jewellery, carvings and leather items and just along a wide range of bars and restaurants. The main shopping area is just in from the port near the central church square Plaza de la Constitucion. The Friday street market is one of the largest in Spain. Night life in various forms is also there for the taking! The area is quite a Mecca for golfers at all levels with golf courses a few kilometres from the town centre. Boat trips, fishing and water sports are all very available too.

EXCURSIONS INTO THE ENVIRONS
This part of the Costa Blanca is in Alicante Province which is part of the Valencia Region .

Alicante, 40 minutes drive North, is the provincial capital city with its old historic quarter around the cathedral below the rocky hill dominated by the castle of St. Barbara. Below are the elegant harbourside esplanade Esplanada de Espana and a wide range of shopping.

Elche, 35 minutes drive inland North, is a peaceful small historic town surrounded by extensive palm groves (why not buy some of the delicious sun dried dates?). The medieval castle, Palacio Altamira, houses an interesting local history museum noted for its ancient Iberian sculptures and artefacts from nearby Roman settlement of La Alcudia. There are pleasant walks along the Segura valley and do not miss the Botanical Garden with its famous collections of palms and cactus.

Orihuela, 35 minutes drive South West, is a small historic town on the Segura with many churches and attractive squares and a 14th century cathedral with a beautiful cloister.

Murcia, just 10 minutes from Orihuela, is a small lively university city long known as "the garden of Spain" with a splendid gothic cathedral and many beautiful examples of baroque architecture.

La Marina, 18 minutes drive North, is great for a different beach experience. Park in the pine wood and walk down to the dunes and onto a wide, natural sandy beach.

Cartagena, 50 minutes drive south on the curve of a deep bay sheltered by fortified promontories was "New Carthage" established by the Carthaginians in the 3rd C BC and then a Roman settlement. Wonderful views from the Castillo Concepcion fort and the nearby ruins of the old cathedral. The city, birthplace of the submarine in 1888, has the famous National Museum of Marine Archaeology and is still a major naval base.

GOLF INFORMATION
All approximately 12 km from Torrevieja: Campoamor Par 72; VillaMartin Par 72; Quesada Par 68; Las Ramblas Par 72; Algorfa

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