June sees the start of summer in Spain, and the beginning of the tourism industry's "high season". Torrevieja enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, with long, dry, hot days at this time of year. Perfect beach weather!
The average temperature in June in Torrevieja is 22C, with highs of around 27C. In fact, temperatures are likely to reach well above 30C for several days in the month; the highest temperature ever recorded in the area at this time is 38C. The sea temperature is also rising, reaching a very pleasant 21C mid-month, and with around 13 hours of sunshine each day, it's perfect beach weather! Overnight, temperatures do drop but it should still feel very pleasant, with lows of only around 16C. As the Costa Blanca typically has very low humidity levels, and enjoys cooling afternoon sea breezes thanks to its position on the coast, the high temperatures do feel a little more bearable than inland.
It's a similar story across the Costa Blanca, with average temperatures of 22C and highs of 26C in Benidorm. Again, despite the high temperatures in Benidorm, it shouldn't feel too sticky and unpleasant thanks to low humidity and cooling afternoon sea breezes. Further north and inland, it's likely to be slightly cooler with average temperatures of 21C in Madrid and 20C in Barcelona. However, it can still get quite hot in these areas, thanks to city microclimates; the average high in Madrid is 29C. And, in the cities, the temperatures will feel much hotter in general, with higher humidity and no cooling sea breezes to take the edge off the heat.
Summer is generally quite dry in Spain, and Torrevieja in particular, with average rainfall of 16mm over 3 days in June. Across the country, there's likely to be slightly higher rainfall averages to the north thanks in part to more mountainous topography. In Madrid, for example, they expect around 30mm of rainfall over 6 days in the month. Even just up the coast in Benidorm it's usually slightly wetter, with average rainfall of 37mm over 5 days; more than twice that expected in Torrevieja. When it does rain, during the summer months it usually takes the form of short, violent thunderstorms or light showers. It's unlikely to cause too much disruption.
Marina 2 Torrevieja Internacional, offers three star apartments close to Torrevieja Marina. There's a very pretty, small outdoor pool on site, and the hotel offers cut price tickets for tennis, kayaking, boat trips and other activities. They also arrange watersports and boating classes with local vendors, if you're interested. Close to all the entertainment of the Marina restaurants, bars and shops, you really won't miss the traditional hotel experience with its room service, onsite restaurant, bars, children's clubs and activities.
Aparthotel Atlas offers comfortable apartments in a complex in Los Altos, close to the centre of Torrevieja, not too far from the beach (about a 5 minute drive), and only 600 meters we have the Punta Marina Mall and the shopping area of Punta Prima with supermarkets, restaurants and shops. They have a much more home-from-home feel, with traditional Spanish warm décor and stylish outdoor areas. There's a lovely outdoor pool and guests can request a barbeque from reception, to set up on their private terrace or in the gardens.
Playa Naufragos has won a number of prestigious awards for its cleanliness, safety and amenities, and is located in the San Roque neighbourhood, right next to the salt conveyor belt on the southern side of Torrevieja. 325m long, in the summer months it receives an average of 7000 visitors per day; get there early if you want to grab a good spot! The carpark is delimited and, close to the urban sprawl of the town, transport links to the area are excellent. The beach has three surveillance towers, three lifeguards on duty at peak times, a disability-adapted bathing chair and first aid station. The esplanade is lovely and perfect for a stroll on a sunny day, taking in the sights, if you get bored of sunbathing.
La Mata (otherwise known as "Torrelamata") not only has the much coveted blue flag status, but the honour of being Torrevieja's longest beach (2.3km). Located to the north of Torrevieja, to the south it adjoins the Cape Cervera and to the north La Mata Tower (which has given its name to this district). The esplanade runs the length of the sand, with plenty of shops, chiringuitos and restaurants. At the other end of the beach is the wide sand dune area, once part of the "Parque del Molino del agua" (the waterwheel park). The beach is separated into 3 areas: town, Europeos and Dulce. Each area has its own lifeguards and first aid stations.
Lounge Bar on Aguas Nuevas, (next to Mercadona) offers one of the best nights out in the town. It's lively, and the basket meals are good value for money. The drinks are reasonably priced, its open until the wee hours and the music is loud! The also host some fantastic live music nights and gigs with local musicians.
Monroes Rock Cafe Bar on Caballero de Rodas is the place to be for rock fans. The music is good, the drinks are cheap, and the atmosphere is lively in the evenings. The bar boasts one of the largest rock music collections, if not the largest, on the Costa Blanca, and has a vast collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia which is worth a look all on its own.
No visit to Spain would be complete without some Tapas. And some of the best in Torrevieja can be found at Tasca. The décor is typically Spanish, as is the warm welcome and friendly service. Slightly off the main waterfront stretch, there's a choice of indoor and outdoor seating and a fabulous menu of local favourites. Try the Croqueta de Mojito Cubano; it's absolutely one of a kind.
Alicante is just a short trip down the coast, with all the cultural delights of the big city. MARQ Archaeological Museum is both a professional institution and an important educational space. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the various fascinating methods and techniques associated with archaeology. I mean, how much do you know about underwater dig excavation? Not much, I'll bet! This is the perfect chance to learn. The museum is divided into various thematic sections, dedicated to local history and digs.
Santa Barbara Castle is located on the top of Benacantil Mountain in Alicante, 166 metres above sea level, with amazing views over the city and coast. From the battlements you can see almost the entire bay. The slopes of Benacantil are of particular historical interest and archaeological remains of the Bronze, Iberian, and Roman ages have been found here. The Castle dates from the late 9th century and is now home to The Museum of the City of Alicante, which offers a fascinating journey through the history of the city. The Museum has been extensively redesigned to make it more interactive and modern, and plays host to ten permanent exhibition spaces.
