Torrevieja - A Place We can All Call Home

It is difficult to find a Spanish city that represents a truly multicultural society better than Torrevieja. So as a foreigner thinking of moving to sunnier climes, you can rest assured that you would fit right in!

People
Torrevieja has a longstanding reputation as being THE “Boom Town” of Spain, with hundreds of expats, predominantly Brits, Irish and German nationals, snapping up properties here throughout the nineties and early noughties. During the peak buying period, the population soared to over 100 000, increasing by 50 000 people in the space of just seven years, although this figure has dropped slightly since the recession which has forced many expats to retreat to their former homelands, currently leveling off at about 92 000. It is this massive influx of foreign residents, which has made Torrevieja one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, with people from over 160 different countries being proud to call it “home”. The impact of the recession saw the property market slump considerably across the Costa Blanca, with Torrevieja being particularly badly hit. And whilst things have began to move forward again now, property sales remain slow as confidence in the market recovers. Buying trends in the city have also witnessed some change, with larger numbers of Scandinavian and Russian nationals being the principal buyers, whilst simultaneously making an impression on the business world. Many companies now employ Russian speaking staff, and signs in many public areas convey messages in the Russian language, as well as in English.

Community
To give you a better idea of the scale of things, less than half of the city’s total population is Spanish, although that is not to say that the nation’s culture and traditions cannot be seen and heard in each of its four corners. In this sense, rather than storming in and overpowering local custom, foreign residents have respected the age-old rituals and been welcomed to join in with them, often adding aspects of their own culture to proceedings. Expats have founded almost 200 clubs, charities and associations with a multitude of interests, which have become an integral part of various significant events such as the Carnival, Holy Week and King’s Day parades. British and Irish residents are also responsible for establishing several lively chat forums, such as www.torrevieja.co.uk and www.torrevieja.com which offer the perfect arena for meeting new people, contracting the services which you require, and generally finding the answers to the multitude of questions which you are bound to have when you arrive. If you cannot find the information which you want, residents are fortunate to have access to a Foreign Residents’ Office, which is situated beside the Town Hall and incidentally was one of the first to open in the country. Here an advisor will be happy to help you with queries relating to things such as National Identity numbers, residence requirements, health care and a wealth of other matters, and all in your native tongue. Furthermore, in a bid to stamp out crime, which like the population saw a sharp increase during the past decade, there is even a Neighbourhood Watch scheme operating throughout the Costa Blanca. This works closely alongside of the Police and is the first officially recognized citizens’ crime scheme in the country. To set your mind at ease, official figures now show that the crime rate is decreasing, and all areas have a strong Police presence to ensure citizens safety.

Culture
You will never be short of things to do in Torrevieja, and with its pleasant, Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy spending much of your spare time outdoors. The Municipal Theatre, Cinema and Cultural Centres dotted throughout the city host a plethora of shows, films and exhibitions, including several with English translation. Torrevieja is extremely proud of its heritage and culture, evidence of which is shared within its five museums: the fascinating Semana Santa (Easter) Museum, Nativity Museum, Sea and salt Museum, the new Natural History Museum and the Ricardo Lafuente Aguado museum, which pays tribute to Torrevieja’s famous protagonist of Habaneras music. The Palace of Music houses the Municipal Conservatory and an auditorium which plays host to various music events and concerts, as well as offering instrumental and vocal tuition. There are several other venues, such as the “Eras de la Sal” arena and Antonio Soria Park, which have welcomed international superstars Estopa, Dover and Shakira amongst others, and hosted world famous festivals such as “Torrevieja Fishing Reggae Fest” and “Electromar”.

Shopping
Shopaholics will be extremely satisfied with the choice of outlets which Torrevieja has to offer, with everything from DIY superstores to designer boutiques located right on your doorstep. The city centre streets are lined with shops to suit all needs, such as international clothing chain stores, sports shops, shoe shops, book stores, perfume stores and pharmacies, alongside of butchers, bakers, and fishmongers. Many of them are members of “APYMECO”, the Association of Small and Medium Businesses, which works closely with the Town Hall to provide increased consumer assurance as well as various exciting bonuses and discounts throughout the year. There is also an indoor market operating in the centre where you can purchase a range of fresh, locally grown produce at extremely low prices. Countless lovely cafes, bars and restaurants will offer a welcome break, and opportunity to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the beautiful sunshine while you shop. The venues situated along the promenade are popular with residents and visitors alike, providing the perfect pit stop- with sea views, great food and plenty of ice-cold refreshments. Just on the outskirts of town, you will find the Habaneras Shopping Centre- an open air shopping heaven spread over three floors. This is open throughout the day and late at night, which is great news if you find that you are short of something during siesta times, and offers free underground parking to shoppers. There is also a bustling market taking place near the city centre every Friday. Here you can purchase a wealth of items from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothing and leather goods, and all at a very reasonable price with a bit of haggling!

Beaches
Aside from the weather, one of the main things that interests Expats is the quality and proximity of the beaches, after all, these are one of the principal attractions of living on the coast. As one of the largest cities along the “White Coast”, Torrevieja prides itself on its wonderful sandy stretches, which each fly a Blue “Q” flag for the quality of their facilities. There are several beaches to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics, giving bathers the option to head for a secluded relaxing bay, or a bustling beach with plenty of activities for the kids to get involved in.
Playa del Cura– With 375 metres of golden sand, this is the city’s most central and most popular beach. Offering a prime location just to the north of the marina, the beach is lined with souvenir shops, bars and restaurants serving international cuisine throughout the day and evening, making it an ideal choice if you are planning a full day out. With a number of kiosks serving ice creams and cold drinks, it is great for families too. If you are not a fan of being “on” the beach you have the option to admire it from a distance, during a pleasant stroll along the promenade.
Playa de los Locos– This “Beach of the Crazy Ones”, was named after a former hospital which was situated close by, and is a little further along the coast than Playa del Cura. It spans 760 metres of coastline, with ample parking and plenty of amenities within easy walking distance. It does tend to get quite busy especially during the main summer, but if you are an early riser you can probably enjoy a quiet swim before the Spaniards are out of bed! It is worth noting that on a windy day, this beach is a popular location for surfers who are not always conscious of innocent bathers!
The Natural Pools- Slightly south of the Playa del Cura, you will find two beautiful natural swimming pools, featuring calm waters and perfect conditions for a relaxing swim. Surrounded by a series of breakwaters and rocky areas, the bathing area is well shielded from the elements allowing less confident swimmers to swim safely. A line of palms, making it the perfect location for a picnic, shades the intense blue waters.
Playa los Náufragos- Heading south past the marina, you will find the family friendly beach, Los Náufragos. A long beach covering 325 metres and 77 metres wide, it is also quite central so does get extremely busy during high season. As well as being close to a selection of great bars and restaurants, the beach is dotted with palms providing much needed shade during the hottest part of the day.
Cala Ferris- If you are looking for a serene spot to bathe and soak up the sun, Cala Ferris is a great choice. This tranquil oasis featuring lazy palms, gentle sand dunes and calm conditions is particularly popular for snorkeling and paddling, as a variety of fish can be seen through the crystal clear waters. It is home to a large number of parrots and other species of birds, which can be heard squawking in the trees overhead.
Cala Piteras- Another perfect location for bathing and snorkeling, Cala Piteras is home to one of the most impressive Posidonia meadows on the coast. An important element of the coastal ecosystem, Posidonia seagrass thrives in clean water, so if you are looking for a fresh place to bathe this is one of the best in the med!
Las Calas- The coastline is dotted with some wonderful places for diving and snorkeling, where you can catch sight of a variety of colourful fish and other marine life. If you head north from Torrevieja towards La Mata you will stumble across the quaint rocky coves of Las Calas where you can absorb the peace and tranquility of the seaside.
Cabo Cervera- A sandy cove with sparkling clear waters, Cabo Cervera is one of the most attractive stretches in Torrevieja’s beach network. It spans 100 metres of unspoiled sands, bordered by a multitude of bright Mediterranean blooms.
La Mata- This is the largest of the city’s beaches, covering a staggering 2 363 metres and 47 metres wide. However, that does not mean that you are guaranteed a spacious pitch here as it is immensely popular, particularly among holidaymakers from Madrid and Northern Spain. The beach is praised for its high quality facilities, such as wheel chair ramps, eight volleyball pitches, a football pitch and pedal boats to enjoy a spin along the coast. La Mata beach has something to offer at any time of day, from a gentle morning stroll, to lunch with sea views, or tapas and a few beers while you watch the sun setting over the sea.

December Celebrations
In keeping with Spanish tradition, Torrevieja loves its fiestas, and with Christmas just around the corner, you will not be short of opportunities to join in. Some of the most significant events in the cultural programme take place during December, including the city’s patronal fiestas in honour of the “Inmaculada Concepción” which is a national holiday. The occasion is marked with a grand procession and offering of flowers, which are laid in front of the church before being arranged around a stunning archway erected over its entrance. The spectacular nativity scene “Belén” is unveiled following the parade, and if you have never seen it is certainly well worth a visit. The display depicts the entire Christmas story, broken down into distinctive scenes with moving parts, and is a real delight for children and grownups alike! On the evening of Friday 16th December, expats have the opportunity to celebrate the coming of Christmas following their own traditions, with a very popular Carol Concert taking place in the square. This is a huge event, welcoming some 3 000 families of all nationalities, as well as many of the local clubs and societies, and singing is usually accompanied by a brass band. Song sheets are available in English and a collection bucket passed around to help to raise funds for a nominated local charity. Following the concert, visitors are invited to leave non-perishable food parcels at the church, which are distributed amongst those families in most need during the festive season. An international mass then takes place inside the church, dedicated to foreign residents of all nationalities.

Torrevieja is certainly a fun, welcoming place to live, where you can expect strangers to smile at you in the street and neighbours to regard you as friends from the moment that you move in. If you are in search of a great social life with never a dull moment, you will feel right at home in this vibrant Mediterranean city.