Guide to Torrevieja's Beaches and Calas

Torrevieja is known for its gorgeous Mediterranean coastline that boasts sandy beaches, secluded coves, natural parks and a healthy microclimate which can partly be attributed to the two large salt lakes in the city. Although, by number, the most popular beaches of Torrevieja are Punta Prima, Playa de Los Locos, Playa del Cura, and Playa de La Mata, the city’s coastline actually offers numerous beaches and coves, running from Punta Prima, to the Torrevieja Port and then all the way to the coastal border of Guardamar. Many of these may be better suited to your tastes and requirements.

Here we offer tips and information about all of Torrevieja's beaches and coves first beginning with those closest to Punta Prima and then running North and East along the city’s coastline and heading to Guardamar. 
Hover over the images for more info.

Situated on the southwestern end of Torrevieja’s coastline, Cala Ferris (Ferris cove) is a beautiful small cove of 200 meters in length and tucked away from the residential areas and establishments that occupy most of the city’s beachfront. Behind the circular rocky shore that makes up the cove are sand dunes, grassy areas, and many palm trees. These make the cove an idyllic and tranquil setting for a quiet stroll or a dip in the refreshing water. Here and at Cala Piteras, about 200m further south, you can enjoy some excellent diving and snorkeling. 

There is plenty of informal parking in the immediate area and because of the serene ambiance and cool air, this is a lovely area to takes pets for walks along the coastline in the early mornings. 

(Note: It's best to familiarise yourself with the laws regarding dogs in public places in Spain - where they can go, proper identification, when they require a non-extendable lead and muzzle, etc. This is a helpful article.)

Playa Torrevieja (Torrevieja Beach)

One of the more popular beaches in the city, Playa Torrevieja has a large grassed area with palm trees between the beach and the residential area behind, and a wide strip of sand leading onto a rocky shore near the water. The lawns are lovely for picnics, sun tanning, reading a book or admiring the lovely views.

At the beach, you are advised to wear slippers or water shoes because of the rocks, although the clear and gentle waves make the rocky walk worth it. There are showers and restrooms off the beach, lifeguard posts and a First Aid Station. It also has a volleyball and soccer playground, a children’s park, exercise equipment designed for the elderly, as well as 2 kiosks selling snacks and refreshments. You will find parking on Paseo de los Conquistadores, or Avenida Mare Nostrum, the roads that run along the coast from Torrevieja.

Playa de Los Naufragos

Characterized as an urban beach, Playa de Los Naufragos (beach of the shipwrecked) is another favorite among locals and tourists in Torrevieja. This is due to the beach’s fine, golden-sand shores backed by many palm trees, and the boardwalk or promenade which features a variety of restaurants and beach bars. Lifeguards keep watch along the beach, and on the shore, you will find restrooms, shower stalls, Chiringuito 333 (beach bar) and a children’s playground.

Playa del Acequión

Close to Torrevieja's Port, Playa del Acequión features a large wharf to one side, where several yachts, sailing, and fishing boats are docked. The beach itself boasts of a wide expanse of fine sand and a gently-sloping shoreline which makes for an adequate area of shallow waters perfect for swimming. To the back of the beach and wharf are rows of big hotels, cafés, bars, and restaurants. Playa del Acequión is a busy beach, especially during summer and the Christmas season.

Piscinas Artificiales and Piscinas Naturales

These two small beaches are located just before the popular Playa del Cura. Piscinas Artificiales, or “artificial swimming pool” is a manmade beach created by a long cemented quay jutting out onto the sea. The quay is fortified by a stone foundation and on one side is an inlet with steps leading into the water, creating what looks like a pool that opens out into the rest of the sea on one side. This is also an excellent location to enjoy diving and snorkeling.

Piscinas Naturales, on the other hand, which means “natural swimming pool”, got its name due to the large rocks that formed literal pools in the sea. This beach is more of a cove, with pockets of natural pools within it. Both Piscinas Artificiales and Piscinas Naturales are unique beaches for those who want a quick dip or swim in the Mediterranean waters. They are also backed by the Paseo Maritimo which is filled with various restaurants, shops, and bars.

Playa del Cura

Playa del Cura (meaning beach of the priest) is a very popular beach in Torrevieja that exudes a rustic look and feel due to it being flanked by high rocky cliffs to the sides, and the sand dunes and trees lining up by the promenade. The beach is actually quite small, with a strip of fine sand and a rocky seabed, and can get really full in Summer. The waters, however, are relatively calm and shallow, so it’s an ideal beach for families. Restaurants and a supermarket are located nearby.

Playa Canina (Punta Margalla)

Literally meaning "dog's beach", this beach is preferred by many pet owners as it is a dog-friendly place (they do change the rules so check with the local authorities as to which times of the year pets are allowed) where the beachgoers’ beloved canine companions can paddle in the water or run along the shore. It is a rocky beach, however, so it is advisable to wear swimming shoes. A few restaurants are located behind the beach so beachgoers and pet owners can stop by for some food and drinks after a refreshing dip or stroll.

Cala del Palangre

A lovely cove near the street where a few residential properties are located, Cala del Palangre (meaning cove of the long fishing line) offers a pool-like beach engulfed in sandy shores and small rock formations. This forms a small pocket of shallow waters ideal for families with children to swim and wade.

Playa de Los Locos

Playa de Los Locos literally translates to the “beach of the madmen”, and its name derives from the old mental asylum that used to stand next to the beach. Today, Playa de Los Locos is one of Torrevieja’s most popular and highly-developed beaches. At many points along the beach, ramps have been installed to give access to people of limited mobility. The beach’s fine white sand, crystal clear waters and beautiful promenade with lamp posts and rows of beach bars make it a well-visited favorite among locals and tourists. Lifeguard posts are situated on-site, as well as a first-aid center, children’s playground, restrooms, and showers.

Cala Cornuda

Cala Cornuda, literally meaning "the horned cove", is a small, rocky cove that can be reached by walking further north from the end of the Playa de Los Locos’ promenade. It can also be accessed via a car and offers parking places just off Avenida Alfredo Nobel and behind Tropic 222 beach bar and restaurant and the apartment block that faces playa de Los Locos. The cove is sheltered by big rocks—some of which visitors can even sit on to admire the lovely views of the sea and cliffs and to feel the fresh and cool breeze. Many would visit this cove to fish while relaxing on the rocks.

Cala de Los Trabajos

Meaning cove of the works, Cala de Los Trabajos has stairs and a long concrete ramp leading down to a narrow strip of fine sand which provides an ideal place to lie down and relax while listening to the sound of waves and feeling the fresh sea breeze. People of limited mobility can visit and enjoy Cala de Los Trabajos, as the concrete ramp is wheelchair-friendly and therefore provides access to everyone. The cove has a rocky seabed, however, and the waves can get a little strong, so it is advised to take caution when swimming here. This is, however, a good snorkeling location for experienced swimmers.

Cala Tía Roqueta

Meaning Aunt Roqueta's cove, this rocky inlet is sheltered by cliffs and large rock formations. Cala Tía Roqueta is a serene place where all one can hear are the crashing of waves against the rocks. It is especially lovely in the evening when the cove becomes a vantage point for the bright city lights in the distance. Visitors should be extra careful when visiting the cove, however, as the rocks can be slippery.

Cala del Gambote

Cala del Gambote (Gambote's Cove) is a large cove surrounded by huge rock formations with cave-like recesses where the waves crash, forming sea pools within the cove. Visitors can drive up to the top of the cove, where a large clearing provides ample parking space, and take a stroll while enjoying the view and feeling the occasional spray of mist from the waves.

Cala Redonda

Meaning Round Cove, this quaint little Cala is characterized by two rocky quays sitting on each side, creating a pool of azure shallow sea waters, with a small channel leading to the rest of the ocean. The cove boasts of white-sand shores, with a sandy seabed that allows even children to safely swim. Palm trees line the back of the cove, where a few hotels and apartments are situated. There is plenty of informal parking on top of the cliffs above the beach.

Cala de la Higuera

Cala de la Higuera, meaning cove of the Fig tree, is a lovely and peaceful cove situated in a semi-urban location, featuring a convenient cemented access ramp leading straight to the beach area for people of limited mobility. The shore is composed of a mixture of fine sand and smooth pebbles, with some vegetation growing on the sandy slopes. Cala de la Higuera has several rock pools to explore and take a dip, and due to the quality of the clean and crystal clear waters, this is also a popular diving and snorkeling location. Restrooms can be found on-site. The cove offers gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea and Torrevieja's coastline.

Cala de la Zorra

Surrounded by rocky cliffs, Cala de la Zorra (meaning vixen's cove) is ideal for both viewing from the top, and swimming in the waters below. Access is via a cemented stairway and numerous tide pools can be found in the cove’s rocky shore, where sea creatures brought in by the waves can be observed during the low tide. The rocks also provide an ideal place to sit and relax, read or even fish.

Cala del Mojón (Cairn Cove)

Located directly below the road, Cala del Mojon, meaning Cairn cove (cairn = landmark of stones), features a sloping and narrow pebble and sand shore with vegetation growing in various areas and calm blue waters. The area is ideal for adventurous walks up and down the rocks at the bottom of the sloping shore, although it is advised to wear swim shoes in order to avoid slips and injuries.

Cala del Moro

A unique and beautiful cove, Cala del Moro (meaning cove of the Moor) boasts of a grassy field towards the back end of the shore where wildflowers grow. Stairs provide access from higher ground to the beach. Cala del Moro derives its name from the watchtower situated nearby which dates back to the time when the Moors used to inhabit the area. Near the cove is a park offering lovely views of the sea. A sculpture of a boat surrounded by flowers can be seen in the cove’s area as well, adding to Cala del Moro’s serene environment.

Playa de Gallina (Cabo Cervera)

Popular for its wind sheltered (Southerly and Westerly Winds) large sandy shore Playa de Gallina (meaning Hen's Beach) is a quiet cove. There is no sand below the waterline, just smooth rocks, so you not ideal for small children, and you will need beach shoes to enter the water. The beach is clean and well maintained. 

Advantages: Beautiful sunrises, generally quiet and uncrowded, good diving spot.
Disadvantages: Can't erect a beach umbrella as the sand is not deep enough, and sits above a layer of rocks.

Playa de La Mata

Stretching for about 3 kilometers, Playa de la Mata, meaning beach of the shrubs or bushes (it's backed by lots of greenery and also the Molino de Agua Park) is a popular beach in Torrevieja often frequented by locals and tourists alike due to its long strip of sand and well-maintained facilities. The fine sandy beach offers plenty of space for beachgoers to relax. Sunbeds are available for rent, and lifeguard posts, restrooms, and showers are located in various areas along the beach. Playa de la Mata also has a beautiful promenade that runs the beach’s entire length, and where one can find a variety of Chiringuitos (beach bars) and restaurants. A wide array of water sports can be enjoyed by more adventurous beachgoers.

Playa Les Ortigues

Playa Les Ortigues (meaning beach of the nettles) can be described as a tranquil and clean beach that is seemingly isolated from the rest of the city due to its location. The beach is nestled in a secluded area beyond the sand dunes and pine trees that make up most of the back of the shore. It boasts of a long stretch of fine, white sand, and crystal clear shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. Lifeguards man the beach towers, and a beach bar serves ice cream, cocktails, and light meals. There are no showers but portable toilets are located on-site.

Playa del Camp

This last beach, situated close to Guardamar del Segura is a spacious, sandy beach with rich vegetation growing among the sand dunes. A sturdy wooden walkway runs through the natural park leading onto the beach area, where visitors can often be found taking a good stroll or jog. The beach is a quiet place with a soft, sandy seabed for comfortable swimming, and a wide shore for relaxing under the sun.

BEST TORREVIEJA BEACHES BY CATEGORY & REQUIREMENTS:

MOST SECLUDED AND TRANQUIL BEACH / COVE:

-Cala Ferris

-Playa les Ortigues

BEACH / COVE WITH THE BEST SERVICES:

-Playa de Los Locos

-Playa de La Mata

BEAST BEACH / COVE FOR CHILDREN:

-Playa Torrevieja

-Playa de los Naufragos

MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH / COVE:

-Cala del Moro

-Cala Ferris

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR WALKING DOGS:

-Playa Canina (Punta Margalla)

-Cala del Moro

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR SWIMMING:

-Playa del Acequión

-Playa del Cura

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR SUNSETS:

-Cala Tía Roqueta

-Cala del Gambote

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR LONG WALKS:

-Playa de Los Locos

-Playa de La Mata

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR SUNBATHING AND RELAXING:

-Playa del Cura

-Playa del Camp

BEST BEACH / COVE FOR CHIRINGUITOS OR BEACH BARS:

-Playa del Acequión

-Playa de La Mata