The area of La Zenia is located 9km from Torrevieja and is served by both Alicante and Murcia airports. A welcome break from the bright lights and beer-swilling party scene of Benidorm about 90minutes away, the area of Orihuela Costa is a family destination with a lot to offer.
Famed for its Salt Lakes, award-winning golf courses and is ranked #8 in the healthiest place to live it’s no wonder why the area is a frequent location for ex-pats looking to move to the sunshine in tv’s popular ‘A Place in the Sun’.
Admittedly I’m becoming an expert in the area, given that my mum relocated to her place in the sun. So with that said let’s explore what’s to do near Torrevieja.
25 Amazing Things To Do Near Torrevieja, Alicante
What’s there to do near Torrevieja
Visit the Salt Lakes
As previously mentioned this area is famed for its salt. With salt mining and salt lakes at the heart of Torrevieja, it seems a shame not to absorb the local culture.
The pink lake is a sight in itself and should be viewed while you’re here.
You can also do the salt train which costs around €8-€10 and takes around 1 hour and includes a visit to the Salinas and stops at the store at the end for you to buy some salt to take home.
Departures are from the Paseo de la Libertad located in the centre of the municipality of Torrevieja. The train will leave with a minimum of 6 people.
Mud Baths at the San Pedro del Pinitar
These free mud baths are popular with both the locals and tourists alike. What you’d pay big bucks for in spas is accessible for free. Throw on your bathing suits and head down to the beachfront at San Pedro, only 22km from Torrevieja.
Take a bucket or cut-up bottle to scoop the mud and then lather yourself in it all. We found that the mud next to the steps was the best quality.
Do be advised the smell is not for the faint-hearted as it is a little smelly (think rotten eggs) and will have you retching however let the mud dry and then wash off and you’ll feel the difference on your skin instantly.
Day trip to Elche
Elche is a large town about 30 minutes from Torrevieja, home to over 250,000 Palm trees (Palmeral of Elche) and the oldest palm in the world the municipal park is a sight to see alongside The Basilica of Santa María which boasts baroque and neoclassical features.
Altamira Castle (Alcázar de la Señoría) is located next to the Municipal Park (which is a part of the Elche Palm Grove). It was originally built in Almohad times (A former fortress, in 1913 it became a fabric plant, it has also been used as the town hall and as a prison during the Spanish Civil War, while today is home to the Elche Archaeology and History Museum.
There is also the Palm Groves Museum which is devoted to the history, evolution and characteristics of the Palmeral of Elche.
If shopping is your thing then Elche is a great place for you to visit, an out-of-town mall boasting brands such as Centre Comercial L’Aljub is located at Carrer Jacarilla, 7, 03205 Elx. A stunning shopping location, for when you need to spend a day inside.
If shoes are your thing, then why not visit the home of Europe’s biggest shoe district? Factories sprawl across the area located at the Ruta Outlet where discount outlets from brands such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Oysho, Vans and more are located in the front of the factories or in clusters of stores around the business park.
It is worth noting that the area is expansive so you’re best visiting in a car and planning the stores you wish to visit prior to going otherwise you’ll find yourself on a mad goose chase.
Elche is also home to football side Elche CF, so make sure you check to see if they’re playing at home when you’re there and go and support the boys.
Day trip to Murcia
One of the cities in the area Murcia is a historic town, 70km from Torrevieja, where the Plaza Cardenal Belluga is the city’s architectural showpiece, where the ornate cathedral, with its mash-up of styles from Gothic to baroque. Enjoy lunch in the square and people watch as entertainers play music and try and jeer on a crowd.
The little winding streets are home to brands such as Sephora and El Corte Ingles as well as casinos, florists and authentic Spanish eateries.
ODISEO comes highly recommended for an exciting night out in the casino and bar, where there’s often salsa dancing and a great atmosphere.
If you’re a lover of good food then dining here too should come high on your list. With outside dining in the impressive structure which can be seen from all of Murcia, the food is high-end and impressive.
Top restaurants near Torrevieja
The Plaza
Eduardos
One of the more high-end restaurants in The Plaza, Eduardos offers fine dining. With an extensive set menu or a la carte, this restaurant serves up delicious dishes including a great Sunday Dinner.
With options for everybody and a great atmosphere, especially on evenings when they have live music on, the restaurant is a great place to unwind after a day on the golf course or in the sunshine.
They operate a dress code which means sportswear and sports shoes aren’t permitted. Recently renovated and under new management, please only read recent reviews online as the quality is great.
Address: Villamartin Plaza, 03189 Villamartin, Orihuela Spain
Che’s Argentinian Steakhouse
A tough contender with Browns for the best steak, Che’s Argentinian Steakhouse is a carnivore’s haven.
Delicious steaks are served with tasty sides in this rustic-looking restaurant.
Like all restaurants in The Plaza, the atmosphere and service are great and dining here is a great evening.
Address: Villamartin Plaza, 03189 Villamartin, Orihuela Spain
Fairways
Che’s little brother (or sister) is a great restaurant if you’re looking for something for all. The menu covers fish, meat and vegetarian selections in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Again, offering a set menu as well as an a la carte the food is reasonably priced and their hanging kebabs are the showstopper!
Address: Villamartin Plaza, 03189 Villamartin, Orihuela Spain
La Zenia Area
Alejandros
Try and drive past here without singing the Lady Gaga song! Alejandro’s is always busy morning, noon and night with those enjoying good food and even better drinks.
We dined here for the Sunday Lunch, priced at around €17 for 2 courses, which was delicious. However, with only half a Yorkshire pudding on each of our dinner it didn’t win Spain’s Best Roast for us.
Address: urbanizacion Zenia II 2 Avenida Villamartin 2, 03189 La Zenia Spain
Browns
Undoubtedly my favourite place to dine, Browns is a cocktail bar and delicious gastronomy.
With a very Gatsby feel to the decor this destination provides exclusive, quality food that looks amazing and tastes even better.
With a 2-course lunch special for less than €17 a head, it comes highly recommended if you’re looking for somewhere great to eat. The steak or the chicken Shish are my recommendations.
The cocktails pack a punch and their extensive menu will have you wanting to taste test them all.
Address: Carretera Villamartín 1 Puerta 19, Orihuela Costa,, 03189 La Zenia Spain
Paddy’s Point
You can’t go anywhere without visiting an Irish Bar and Paddy’s Point is a great place to visit during the day or at night.
Their Sunday Lunch (priced at less than €10) is a great end-of-the-week choice. The fish goujons from the regular menu are also a great choice.
The bar plays live music at 9pm from local artists and gets the crowd really revved up for a great night.
Address: Calle Flores 13 Local 13, C.C. Zenia Golf, Orihuela Costa,, 03189 La Zenia Spain
Makai Cafe
Think Ibiza beach cafe, the Makai Cafe is a great post-hangover breakfast spot. With a selection of delicious dishes including full English breakfasts, poached eggs and avocado and other macro-based dining options including fresh smoothies and an array of coffees and teas it’s easy to see why the Makai Cafe is always busy.
They offer a lunch menu too and the burrito and quesadillas come highly recommended.
Address: Calle San Antonio Zen 7, Local 14, 03189 La Zenia Spain
Muerde La Pasta
Located in La Zenia Boulevard this all-you-can-eat and drink is an exceptionally great value priced at around €13 for adults.
You can get a discount if you download the app.
With a sprawling salad bar and around 20 different pasta options, and a constant flow of pizzas this is a great spot for fuelling up on carbs.
There’s also wine and beer on tap included in your buffet price and for those looking for somewhere for the kids, there’s also an enclosed play area inside too for la niños to let off steam.
Address: Calle Jade 2 Zenia Boulevard, 03189, Orihuela Spain
La Tagliatella
The famous chain of Italian restaurants offers a selection of ‘choose yourself’ dishes. Select the pasta and sauces from the menu to enjoy.
We opted for a couple of dishes to share which worked well as the dishes are quite large and a tapas style made for a nice change.
Slightly more expensive than other Italian restaurants in the area (and indeed the boulevard) it has a bustling atmosphere and is good to grab something whilst shopping.
Address: Calle Jade 2 Zenia Boulevard, 03189, Orihuela Spain
Che’s
The at-seat style buffet is one of the 4 Che’s restaurants in the area (with 2 located in The Plaza).
Pasta and pizza are brought to your table for you to enjoy buffet style, which gives you a lot of options to try.
Priced at around €10 per diner this is exclusive of drinks but does offer some dessert dishes.
A more relaxed buffet dining experience than others at the Boulevard.
Address: C.C. Zenia Boulevard C/ Jade 2 Local R-116, 03189 La Zenia Spain
Cabo Roig
Mamma Mia’s
If you’re looking for a great Italian restaurant, especially for a bowl of pasta than Mamma Mia’s at Cabo Roig.
A nice atmosphere both indoors and out (local tip: during the summer months the locals sit inside) the menu offers a selection of different choices from your traditional selection of pasta and pizza dishes.
Address: C. Cielo, 5, 03189 Dehesa de Campoamor, Alicante, Spain
Further Out
La Herradura
Let me start by saying the food is typically Spanish and probably my least favourite of any restaurant I’ve dined in here however you don’t go for the food. A set €25 menu is accompanied by some fantastic entertainment during the summer months sitting outside in the courtyard.
With a Spanish duo and a Flamenca dancer to entertain you, it’s a great Saturday night for all ages, with the finale having you waving your napkin above your head in joy.
Address: Prol. Avenida del Mar, s/n Junto gasolinera, 03187 Los Montesinos Spain
Salt & Pepper
A nice rustic-looking restaurant at Pilar de la Horadada (you will have to drive as it’s a little isolated) is a traditional Spanish restaurant with a great choice of food on the menu for all tastes.
With a selection of crustaceans awaiting their destiny as you enter and live music on during the Summer months, this restaurant gets lively later on in the evening.
Choose from a selection of different dishes including lamb, chicken, fish and even vegan options for a night to remember for all.
Address: Carretera Cartagena, km 39, 03190 Pilar de la Horadada Spain
There is plenty to see and do in and around the Torrevieja area which will make your time in this beautiful part of Spain some of the best memories you have. Of course, there’s so much more to explore so if you have any recommendations we’d love to hear your best Torrevieja stories and locations in the comments below.
