March sees the start of spring on the Costa Blanca, with longer, warmer days. It's still likely to be a little showery and wet, but all in all the weather is much more pleasant in Torrevieja at this time of year.
While it's still not quite beach weather, sea temperatures are a low 15C and the average temperature is a tepid 14C, with average highs of a slightly more tempting 19C, and around 9 hours of sunshine each day, it's quite an improvement on the colder winter days of the past few months. In fact, it's not uncommon for temperatures to reach above 20C for a few days in the month at this time of year. Overnight, the temperature will fall significantly to around 8C, however, so it will be a little chilly in the evenings.
It's a similar story across Spain, with average temperatures of 12C and highs of 16C in Barcelona; further north and inland, with the more mountainous topography of the region, it's likely to a few degrees cooler year round.
Spring is still quite wet in Torrevieja, with around 27mm of rainfall expected over 4 days. Visitors can expect a few light showers, but it's unlikely to be too wet and any clouds should clear fairly quickly. Rainfall causes very little disruption in general in this area, and the worst of the storms are reserved for the autumn and winter. It's usually a little wetter inland year round, with around 30mm of rainfall over 8 days expected in Madrid, and 33mm over 4 days in Barcelona.
Hotel Cano with only one star, is a comfortable budget establishment. Family run, in the heart of the city, it's a few meters from the beach and does offer all the benefits of a central location. The rooms are plain, but with all the basic amenities, and the hotel has a 24-hour reception and small bar.
For something a little more luxurious, but still very much mid-range, try the three star Apartamentos Turisticos Fresno. Apartementos offer a little more privacy and independence than the typical hotel experience, and with modern, comfortable apartments located close to Los Locos beach, all the lively entertainment of the town's restaurants and bars are on your doorstep. The hotel has a café and bar on the ground floor, with a TV in the lounge, and at least partial sea views from all rooms. The Apartementos specialise in longer stays, though they're happy to take short term guests at peak season. For something truly special, rent the penthouse with its 40m terrace, complete with sunbeds and a gorgeous ocean view.
There are several wonderful ice cream parlours along the sea front, with a variety of traditional (and some more surprising) flavours to try. Perfect to help you cool down on a hot day, or a just as a treat on a cold one!
El Pescador is quite unusual, and will definitely appeal to the more adventurous foodie. They're well known for their excellent fresh, local seafood dishes and paella. However, the menu also includes such rarities as ostrich burgers and traditional local fish, baked with a sea salt crust.
Foster's Hollywood, in the Habaneras shopping centre, with fun cinema themed décor, serves American classic burgers, chips and giant sandwiches. The menu isn't going to tickle your taste buds with delight, but it is a great place for a family meal. Children will love the novelty décor, chips, milkshakes, and lively atmosphere.
If you fancy a bit of retail therapy, or the airline loses your luggage, the Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja has about thirty chain stores. Opened in March 2005, it's a modern facility with outlets selling everything from electronics to clothes. There's a cinema, boasting English-speaking films (as well as Spanish, in case you want to test your language skills) and the café / terrace bar is the perfect place to take the weight off mid-spree.
The Park of Nations in Torrevieja has been called "an unexpected oasis". Located right next to a busy road, despite the location it's surprisingly tranquil. The park has been thoughtfully landscaped with green lawns, a large lake, rustling palm trees and trickling fountains. The lake covers six thousand sqm, and took more than 6000 cubic metres of water to fill. It's home to geese, ducks and around 3000 coloured carp. At the back of the park there's a children's playground and animal centre with iguanas and tortoises. The exhibition rooms house various art installations, and there's petanca and a hermitage dedicated to San Emigdo.
If you're looking for something a little more active, visit Los Salinas mini golf. With food and drinks available at the bar and a fun, colourful course, the whole family can have a go!
If you fancy going further afield, why not take a trip to Barcelona? When you arrive, look for Calatrava Tower. You can see it from almost everywhere in Barcelona, and it was the symbol of the 1982 Barcelona Olympic Games. It's a great photo op, and according to its creator, Santiago Calatrava, in "pointing towards the sky, it opens the way to new galaxies".
