April is mid-spring on the Costa Blanca, with long, pleasantly warm days and only light showers. It's still not quite beach weather, but you might just be able to do a little sunbathing on Torrevieja's fabulous beaches by the end of the month!
Sea temperatures are still relatively cool in Torrevieja, around 16C, though the average temperature is now a very temperate 15C, with highs of around 20C. It's not uncommon for temperatures to reach up to 28C at this time, so while you might think twice before taking a dip in the water, it's not out of the question to catch a few rays on the beach by the end of the month. It's a similar story across the country, with average temperatures of 13C and highs of 18C in Barcelona; it's likely to be slightly cooler inland and to the north year round.
The spring weather tends to include light showers, and while it's much drier this time of year than preceding months, a little rain is common throughout the season. Torrevieja expects around 27mm of rainfall over 5 days in April. Further to the north and inland, however, thanks in part to the more mountainous topography, Barcelona and Madrid expect much greater levels of precipitation. At this time of year, Barcelona, for example, has on average 37mm of rainfall over 5 days (about 10mm more than Torrevieja) and Madrid 50mm over 10 days. Just a few miles up the coast, even Benidorm expects higher rainfall than Torrevieja; around 43mm over 8 days.
The three star Hotel Fontana Plaza, modern and recently refurbished, offers comfortable rooms and a range of basic amenities. With a central location, it's close to all the shops and bars, within walking distance of the beach, and boasts lovely views over both the town and ocean. The restaurant serves a range of Spanish and international dishes, and the outdoor pool, though small in comparison to other hotels in the area, is in an attractively designed area and has plenty of sunbeds. There's a gym on site and the rooms, though the décor is a little clinical, are well apportioned. Of the many three star establishments in Torrevieja to choose from, this is one of the best.
If you find hotels a little impersonal, or simply prefer to go self-catering when you travel, the answer might be one of Torrevieja's many holiday apartment rentals. There are several companies offering a range of different apartments, basic, luxury, large and small, close to the beach and town centre. Most of the blocks offer private pools for residents, and some even have cafes, bars and laundry facilities. Choose from one of the chain Aparthotels, or rent directly from the owner or developer.
Alikatz bar on Calle Heraclio 6 is one of the few British themed bars in Torrevieja, with a friendly atmosphere and welcoming expat clientele. The flags on the walls testify to the different homelands of the customers and with karaoke and music until 4am some nights, it's the perfect spot for a party!
Vista Bar and Grill is a newly opened informal dining restaurant in Torrevieja. The décor is contemporary modern, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The best tables are out on the terrace, with unspoilt views over the mountains. The chef cooks in an open kitchen, providing foodie entertainment while you dine, and with meal nights, menu del dia, and special offers, it doesn't have to break the bank. Try the steaks, they come highly recommended.
Torrevieja Main Market rolls into town on Friday mornings between 8am and 1pm. You won't be able to miss the hustle and bustle of the crowds and all the stalls, but just in case, you'll find it on Salinero Calle (just off Avda. De Las Cortes Valencianas). With around 1,200 stalls, it's the biggest market in Spain, and as you might expect, there are plenty of bargains to be had. Vendors sell everything from fruit and vegetables to shoes, belts, handbags and curtains. For foodies, it's also a great place to check out some really fresh and interesting local cuisine.
Torrevieja Aqualandia is one of the largest water parks on the Costa Blanca. It has plenty of big, splashy slides and log flumes for thrill seekers, with names like Boomerang and Speed, and smaller rides and entertainment for the younger visitors (children will no doubt love paddling in Charmed Lake). They even hold aqua aerobics classes in the pool! Perfect for little children, big kids and a family fun day out!
The Submarine S-61 Delfín Museum on Muelle Pesquero de Torrevieja is open Wednesday to Sunday and is Spain's first floating museum. The S-61 Delfin Submarine once belonged to the Spanish navy and, after being decommissioned and gifted to Torrevieja, is open to the public. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the underwater craft and learn more about the crew and how they lived. If you haven't been on a submarine before, it's definitely an experience not to be missed.
