Exploring Torrevieja’s Culture and History

Torrevieja, located in sunny Costa Blanca, is a city known for its natural splendor which include Blue Flag beaches, colorful salt lakes, and wide-ranging nature reserves and parks. People living and vacationing in this beautiful town can enjoy a variety of leisure and entertainment facilities it has to offer. Here we look at some of the top museums and galleries found in the city that provide a fascinating cultural and historical experience.

TORREVIEJA’S NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM (Museo de Historia Natural de Torrevieja)

Divided into various sections, Torrevieja’s Natural History Museum contains unique collections of preserved remnants of creatures found in and around Torrevieja, as well as natural artifacts donated by the general public. There are scale models of Torrevieja’s maritime traditions, a unique collection of cat sharks, as well as skeletons of mammals and birds native to the region—among many others.

ADDRESS: Avenida de la Estación, 5, 03183 Torrevieja, Alicante

OPENING TIMES: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; 10:00AM – 2:00PM

ADMISSION: FREE

MUSEUM OF SEA AND SALT (Museo del Mar y de la Sal)

The largest in Torrevieja, Museo del Mar y de la Sal—or the Museum of Sea and Salt—is an ethnological museum featuring the history and origins of the town and its people. In here, one will find a varied collection of objects and artifacts relating to artisanal fishing, riverside carpentry and the salt industry, which were the foundations and roots upon which the town of Torrevieja thrived. Such items displayed in the museum are intriguing samples of salinera crafts (objects made with salt), ship models, navigational tools dating back hundreds of years, and carefully preserved historical photographs.

ADDRESS: Calle Patricio Perez, 10, 03181 Torrevieja, Alicante

OPENING TIMES:

Tuesdays: 10:00AM – 2:00PM

Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00AM – 2:00PM; 5:00PM – 9:00PM

Sundays: 10:00AM – 1:00PM

ADMISSION: FREE

S-61 DELFIN SUBMARINE AND ALBATROS III PATROL BOAT FLOATING MUSEUMS

The Delfin was a Daphne S-61 submarine used by the Spanish Navy that has since been decommissioned and expertly restored to become a one-of-a-kind floating museum in the port since May of 2004. It is quite popular with children, as visitors get to experience being inside an actual submarine. Upon entering, an audio guide is provided to allow visitors to discover more about the different areas and functions of the submarine, as well as the history and experiences of naval officers who used to spend weeks at a time inside it.

Moored next to the S-61 Delfin is the Albatros III, which is a patrol boat formerly used by the Spanish Guardia Civil for over 30 years, and has been put on display as part of the floating museums since 2006. The boat served as an important part of the Guardia Civil’s coastguard and customs operations, and has now become a tribute to the men and women who patrol the seas off the coast of Spain.

Upon paying the entrance fee, visitors are able to visit both the submarine and patrol boat, and audio guides are provided for both.

ADDRESS: MuellePesquero de Torrevieja, Av. del Puerto, 03185 Torrevieja, Alicante

OPENING TIMES:

October – March: Wednesday to Sunday; 9:00AM – 2:00PM

April – September: Wednesday – Sunday; 5:00PM – 9:00PM

ADMISSION: €2

MUSEUM OF EASTER (Tomás Valcárcel Deza)

Since its opening back in 1992, the Museum of Easter has become a well-visited museum in Torrevieja—being especially busy during the Holy Week. In it, one can find an impressive collection of life-size statues, thrones, paintings, banners, and other religious objects usually related to the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The museum is spread across one floor and is easily accessible even for those with limited mobility.

ADDRESS: Calle Formentera, s/n, 03183 Torrevieja, Alicante

OPENING TIMES: Monday – Saturday; 10:00AM – 1:30PM and 5:00PM – 8:00PM

ADMISSION: FREE

LA IMPRENTA EN TORREVIEJA

Personally run and managed by its owner, Miguel Aráez Suarez, La Imprenta en Torrevieja is a small, private museum which features an extensive display of machinery and tools used in the city’s past printing presses. The owner personally gives tours to visitors, as well as provides a detailed background of the history of printmaking in the region during the last 60-70 years. There is also an array of quaint vintage items not relating to printing, including old telephones and music players used in the past centuries.

ADDRESS: Calle Bazan, 53, 03181 Torrevieja, Alicante

OPENING TIMES: Tuessdays; 11:00AM – 1:30PM and 5:30 – 8:00PM

ADMISSION: FREE

MUSEO DE BELENES

The Torrevieja Nativity Scene Museum, or Museo de Belenes, is a private space dedicated to the preservation of artworks relating to religious scenes and figures. The works are done by renowned national and international artists, with pieces that vary from popular representations of nativity scenes, to dioramas of religious events and people. In here one can even find the smallest nativity scene in the world which is carved in dental porcelain. Outside the main museum space is an outdoor exhibit area featuring various traditional crafts and customs, farm implements, as well as a recreated Andalusian house. There is a cafeteria and gift shop, as well as a playground for kids, and an open-air stage for events.

ADDRESS: Avenida Diego Ramírez Pastor, 20, 03181 Torrevieja, Alicante

OPENING TIMES:

Tuesdays: 4:00PM – 7:30PM

Wednesday – Friday: 10:00AM – 2:00PM and 4:00PM – 7:30PM

Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays: 10:00AM – 2:00PM and 4:00PM – 8:00PM

ADMISSION: €6; €5 for Seniors and Groups (minimum 12 adults); €4 for Children between 4-12 years