January is mid-winter in Torrevieja and it's likely to be wet, windy and relatively cold. Though this is still the Mediterranean, after all, so it shouldn't feel too chilly. Winter on the Costa Blanca is usually pretty mild.
The average temperature in January is 11C, with highs of 16C, and overnight lows of a very cold 6C. Though the highest temperature ever recorded at this time in the area is just over 17C; not too cold at all! With windspeeds of around 7m/s at this time of year, feeling fairly breezy, it will feel cooler afternoon onwards. Sea temperatures are usually only around 15C, and despite up to 7 hours of sunshine each day, it definitely isn't beach weather. Though the Costa Blanca at this time of year is still perfectly pleasant for sightseeing and other outdoor activities; probably more so than the very hot summer months.
It's a similar story across the country, with relatively low temperatures. In fact, inland and to the North it's likely to be even colder. In Barcelona, the average temperature is just 10C, with highs of 14C and overnight lows of just 5C. In Madrid, be even colder, with average temperatures of just 6C, highs of 11C, and lows of a very chilly 2C. There are also fewer sunshine hours in general in Barcelona and Madrid, not to mention the likelihood of significant fog and cloud cover during the winter months.
Winter on the Costa Blanca is comparatively wet, with rainfall averages of 29mm over 5 days. Precipitation is likely to take the form of light, prolonhed showers and should cause minimal disruption. It's a similar story across Spain, with 40mm of rainfall expected over 9 days in Madrid. Being further north and inland, in fact, Madrid is likely to be colder and wetter year-round.
The Hotel Dna Monse is a four star luxury establishment, offering golf and spa experiences. The décor is minimal, chic and modern and the suites, with balconies overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Pink Lagoon, with theatrical UV lighting, are particularly spectacular. The spa offers a range of treatments, including aromatherapy, Finnish sauna and bubble beds, if you're in need of a little pampering. Facilities include gym, three restaurants and a swimming pool bar.
The picturesque three star Aparthotel Ona Aldea del Mar is a more mid-range choice. Located in a residential district of Torrevieja, within 10 minutes walking distance of the beach and town centre. The facilities are well maintained, but limited, and include two outdoor pools and a bar. However, staying in an Aparthotel does offer a little more privacy and independence than the traditional hotel experience.
The streets around the marina boast a wealth of bars and restaurants. Take an evening stroll along the front, soaking in the magical sea views, to seek out the best tapas, sangria and paella. Many of the bars stay open until the early hours and there's always plenty of live music and loud Spanish pop music being blasted out of speakers to keep your entertained.
Christopher's, tucked away in the Urb Mar Azul on the road out of Torre, is a British run restaurant that offers a fusion of delicious international cuisine in a Spanish setting. The service is excellent and the atmosphere relaxed. It's a little more expensive, so ideal for a special occasion. The menu is imaginative and interesting, the food beautifully presented. Check out the dates stuffed with bacon, for something a little bit different. And make sure you book in advance, as tables fill up quickly!
A visit to Torrevieja's salt water lake nature reserves is an absolute must. The park, between Mata and Torrevieja, covers some 3700 hectares, with two beautiful lagoons. The water attracts a variety of bird and wildlife species, including flamingos, avocet and the black-winged stilt. There are carefully laid paths to allow visitors to get up close to the water, and observation towers for wildlife spotting. The pink Laguna Salada de Torrevieja is hard to miss, and let's face it, a pink lake is quite a rare sight. The park also has a visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, so you can learn more about the history of the park and the species you'll find there.
The popular Salt Museum in Torrevieja (in Spanish, the Museo del mar y de Sal), is an excellent way to while away a few rainy hours and chock full of fascinating history. Torrevieja was built on the production and trade of salt, and the town's culture and history is heavily invested in the industry. Tucked away on a side street, it's nonetheless well signposted and shouldn't be too hard to find. It's open most days from 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 9pm.
Guardamar del Segura, close to Alicante, offers 11 kms of pristine coastline. It is an ideal spot for water sports (though probably not in January). The Segura River flows through the town, with some lovely walks, and there are also several cultural highlights, including Las Dunas Caliphal fort. The House Museum of the Engineer Mira is a little different, but very interesting. The museum is dedicated to preserving a record of the process of repopulation in Guaramar del Segura's dunes, including the lives and talents of people who helped make the feat possible. Four exhibition rooms showcase offices of various engineers, intellectuals and artisans, with revolving temporary exhibits displaying objects, images and chattels from the building and repopulation.
Closer to home, Torrevieja has a famous indoor seafood market. If you can stand the fishy smells, it's definitely worth a look! All the wonders of the local catch are on display, and if you've gone self-catering you can pick up some fabulous dinner bargains!
