Torre La Mata Lifestyle, Attractions and Top Things To Do

Torre La Mata, or simply La Mata, is a small town located just 5 kilometers northeast of the city of Torrevieja, on the Costa Blanca. La Mata is regarded as a suburb of the city and falls within the municipality of Torrevieja. With a population of 1,234 according to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística, La Mata is considered to be a relatively quiet and peaceful town. Although it is one of the more popular Spanish villages and tourist areas in Costa Blanca, La Mata still retains a traditional Spanish way of life.

La Mata has an abundance of nature and boasts two natural parks, a salt lagoon, cove, and a wide stretch of beach—all of which give La Mata an unspoiled natural splendor despite its small size. The town’s nature-rich environment and the concentration of salt air from the lagoons, all contribute to La Mata’s healthy microclimate, which is often recommended by physicians.

TORRE LA MATA CLIMATE

The town enjoys 320 days of sunshine per year, and average daily temperatures of 18°C. While the summer months of June, July, and August can be very hot in many other places, due to La Mata’s proximity to the coast its daily temperatures average a pleasant 26°C, with the highest peaking only at 31°C. Because of the town’s location right on the Mediterranean coast, and its unique microclimate contributed by its abundance in nature, La Mata experiences pleasant summer days and cooler summer evenings.

Winter months in La Mata are also amiable thanks largely again to the proximity of the sea, and its stabilizing temperatures. Though winter temperatures may drop, the lowest average daily temperature is only 12°C, and even so, the days are still sunny. Because of this, La Mata Beach is still very popular during the winter months for those who want to relax on the shores or take a stroll by the water.

PARKS AND ACTIVITIES

La Mata has three natural public parks which offer an idyllic area to stroll, cycle, enjoy a picnic, or just explore and be close to nature:

·         Parque Natural de La Mata

This is La Mata’s natural park surrounded by a large saltwater lake which forms the Salinas de La Mata. The park is an official Spanish nature reserve and is protected and preserved by the local government. Because of the presence of the salt lagoon, the park attracts a wide variety of birds such as flamingos and waterfowl like ducks and geese. Parque Natural de La Mata is also home to many wildlife species—some of which are endangered. There is a designated picnic area called La Pinada where visitors can relax while enjoying the view under the shade of the pine trees. Because it is a nature reserve, a visitor’s center is stationed in the park, with guides that will show the routes for cycling, walking, and the various lookout points in the area.

·         Parque Molino del Agua

Another park in La Mata is Parque del Molino del Agua, which is a natural park with a large stream running through it. Water runs from the man-made waterfalls to the various ponds that occupy the whole park, and also to the large pool at the bottom which has a fountain. These water structures make for a lovely and cooling walk in the park, which actually leads to the promenade near La Mata Beach. The entire park is also wheelchair-accessible.

·         Parque Pocoyó

This is a children's park and playground located in Calle del Delfín and just a few metres from the beachfront. See the map location of Park Pocoyó.

Besides the parks and the promenade, La Mata provides cycling routes throughout the town. These tree-lined cycling lanes are properly maintained and distinguishable from the main roads. They allow easy access for those who prefer bicycles for transportation or to explore the rest of the town.

TORRE LA MATA BUS ROUTES

La Mata’s bus station and bus stop are:

·         La Mata (N-332)

ADDRESS: N-332, 03188 La Mata, Alicante

·         La Mata Bus Stop

ADDRESS: Av. de Holanda, 49, 03188 La Mata, Alicante

La Mata is served by 2 urban buses. The A-line and A2-line buses depart every hour and half an hour, respectively. Both make a round trip to Torrevieja using different routes. Fare is around €1.35 per person.

TORRE LA MATA BEACH (PLAYA DE LA MATA)

Playa de La Mata, or La Mata Beach, is considered to be the longest beach in the municipality of Torrevieja, spanning a 2.3-kilometer length that runs from the cove of Cabo Cervera all the way to the dunes of Guardamar del Segura. It is one of the Costa Blanca’s holders of the Blue Flag—a prestigious award given to beaches that meet the highest standards in cleanliness, safety, and quality.

La Mata Beach is well-equipped with facilities: a ramp for wheelchair access, foot showers, sunbeds for rent across its entire length, and a tourist information center that can readily assist with beachgoers’ concerns and inquiries. Safety is definitely prioritized in La Mata Beach, which is why lifeguard posts and First Aid stations are available and are on high alert especially during the peak season or summer months. Because the beach is so long, it is divided into three areas—each having their own lifeguard posts and First Aid station: Pueblo, Europeos, and Dulce.

The beach offers plenty of activities for all types of beachgoers. For the more active, La Mata Beach has 8 beach volleyball courts open to everyone, as well as a beach football pitch. For those who prefer to relax, sunbeds are available for hire by the day. 2 sunbeds and a parasol is priced at €13.50, while the set without a parasol is at €6.50. Paddle-boats are also available for hire, for a relaxed and enjoyable time on the gentle waters.

La Mata Beach is known for having calm and shallow waters, so it is ideal for families with children. Not a lot of watersports can be played, however, the waters are perfect for paddleboarding and boating.

At most times, parking is fairly easy, and beachgoers can park along the length of the beach. During the peak season or summer months, however, it may be best to make use of the A-Line Bus instead of a private car, as searching for a parking space on the beach might be tricky.

TORRE LA MATA RESTAURANTS AND BEACH BARS

·         Alma Restaurant and Beach Club

ADDRESS: Av. Suecos, 2, 03188 La Mata

Alma Restaurant serves full meals of Mediterranean cuisine and has a bar that serves drinks and cocktails. The restaurant has a coastal decor with large glass windows offering views of La Mata Beach.

·         Zana Kebab La Mata

ADDRESS: Beachside, Calle Mayor, 4, 03188 La Mata

Situated right on the beachfront, Zana Kebab features a generous outdoor dining area for guests to be able to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and lovely views of the beach. The restaurant is known to serve Mediterranean cuisine dishes including freshly grilled kebabs at very reasonable prices.

·         Il Bacio Ristorante & Pizzeria Italiana

ADDRESS: Av. De losHolandeses, 2, 03188 La Mata

Il Bacio is an Italian restaurant on the beachfront with spacious interior and ample outdoor seating for guests to enjoy their food and drinks while taking in the fresh sea breeze. The place serves all kinds of Italian dishes, with a few American items on the menu as well. It has a large bar serving various drinks, spirits and cocktails.

TORRE LA MATA NIGHTLIFE

While highly regarded as a peaceful town with a traditional Spanish way of life, La Mata actually has some to offer when it comes to nightlife. This comes in the form of night pubs and bars that serve food and entertainment, with most being situated close to La Mata Beach—offering great views and a lovely ambiance and atmosphere.

·         The Sands Beach Bar & Bistro

ADDRESS: CalleNuestraSeñoradel Rosario, Building Adelaida, Bajo 12, 03188 La Mata

Located right on the beachfront of La Mata Beach, The Sands serves light meals, snacks, and a wide array of drinks and cocktails. The place also hosts entertainment nights which includes trivia, Bingo, and karaoke.

·         La Sonrisa Restaurant & Bar

ADDRESS: Av. De losEuropaos, 41, 03188 La Mata

A lovely Spanish-style restaurant and bar that serves European cuisine and a wide selection of drinks and spirits, La Sonrisa Restaurant and Bar exudes a festive air especially at night when the large terrace is brightly lit and bustling with life. Live music is played at night, and bingo, trivia, and game nights are hosted certain evenings.

Those staying in La Mata can also enjoy Torrevieja’s lively nightlife just a few minutes’ drive away. The city of Torrevieja is only 6 kilometers from La Mata, and can be reached via car in less than 10 minutes. Taxis are available even during the late hours of the night, and a ride from La Mata to the Torrevieja city center will cost around €7.50.

TORRE LA MATA SHOPPING: STREET MARKETS AND SUPERMARKETS

·         La Mata Weekly Open Market

ADDRESS: Av. de Francia, s/n, 03188 La Mata

OPENING HOURS: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Every Wednesday

The spacious open market comprises 250 stalls and is an excellent place to buy fruit and vegetables, clothing, leather items, shoes, handbags, beddings, curtains, and other souvenir items.

·         Supermercados C. Coviran

ADDRESS: Av. de Francia, 38, 03188 La Mata

This is a small but readily stocked supermarket with many items available—from frozen meat, dairy, and bread, to canned goods and hygienic products.

·         Euromarket La Mata

ADDRESS: Calle Mayor, 4, 03188 La Mata

A larger supermarket with a wide selection of frozen meat, poultry, and fish, as well as fresh produce, food, and household items.

TOP-RATED HOLIDAY RENTAL APARTMENTS IN LA MATA

While there are many kinds of accommodations available in La Mata, a few exceptional ones are those that provide comfort, convenience, and the best views and atmosphere La Mata has to offer. These holiday rental apartments are situated very close to the beach, providing cool air during hot summer evenings—not to mention lovely panoramic views of La Mata Beach and the Mediterranean Sea. These apartments are also conveniently located near most shops, restaurants, and supermarkets, making it easier to go around even without a car or having to hail a taxi cab. A few minutes’ walk can already take you to the best restaurants, the promenade facing the sea, and the bars offering nightly entertainment.

·         Modern Apartment on the Beach Dunes with Private Pool

·         Beachfront Accommodations with Garden

·         Coastal Apartment with Bar and Sea Views