Torrevieja is a town in the Autonomous Community of Valencia in the province of Alicante in south-eastern Spain, about 50 kilometers south of the city of Alicante. It rains rarely in the area and there are about 300 days of sunshine a year. The average annual temperature is about 18 degrees. The name of the city of Torrevieja means “old tower” (La Torre Vieja). The city got its name in 1803. At the highest point is the watchtower, the current version of which was not built until the mid-1990s. The city of Torrevieja covers an area of 75 square kilometers, of which salt lakes account for about 37 square kilometers.

There are two large salt lakes in the western part of the city. The salt lakes create a microclimate that is unique in the world. It is said that in Torrevieja it is “easy to breathe”. In the mid-1760s, salt was first evaporated from seawater in the area. The Torrevieja salt plant is one of the largest and most important salt producers in Europe worldwide. The smaller of the salt lakes, Laguna de la Mata, is now a natural park that is home to hundreds of different bird species. The larger one, Laguna de Torrevieja, is still in salt use. The refined salt is stored in large heaps under the local name “garberas.” There is no polluting industry in Torrevieja, so the climate and beaches will remain clean in the future. For part of the year, salt production can be explored as the city organizes guided tours. Excursions start from the beach boulevard, by tourist train. In Torrevieja you will find all the services you need. You will receive a service in Finnish, e.g. in some banks, insurance companies and the tax office. In the evenings, there is a wide range of entertainment options for all ages. From the center there is a Tivoli, cafes, discos, bars, etc. The city’s old Casino building at the beginning of the seafront promenade is definitely worth a visit. Its beautiful ballroom hosts small-scale concerts and art exhibitions. Tapas are also in a class of their own. In the city’s capitals, Caballero de Rodas and Ramon Gallud, you will find small boutiques and idyllic cafés.

The city is also a popular destination for those who have moved permanently to Spain from elsewhere in Europe: according to the 2012 census, Torrevieja had a population of 105,876, 46.8% of whom were Spanish citizens. Other large sections of the population in Torrevieja are British (12.5%) and German (3.8%) nationals. Finns live in Torrevieja approx. 1350.Torrevieja is a great place to stay. That is why thousands of people have chosen this city in order to enjoy a pleasant climate and a relaxing life.