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Torrevieja: Salt, Health, and Habaneras

Torrevieja is fantastic! During the hot summer months, her fine sandy beaches are the preferred spot on earth for the people of Madrid and other inland cities. In the winter, this "City of Salt" becomes a sanctuary in the sun for many Europeans from colder latitudes.

The zone is famous for its healthy climate. Statistics points at up to 330 sunny days per year and the average temperatures for the coldest months are the best in continental Spain, with an amazing 16°C in January, for example. The nearby salt lakes (Salinas de Torrevieja and Salinas de La Mata) are a central factor in the local micro-climate. Many North-Europeans suffering from asthma, rheumatism, and other health problems have tried the area - and moved in for good.

The salt industry of Torrevieja is among the biggest in Europe. Already in the 19th century, salt was being shipped from here to Cuba, and returning ships would typically carry cigars and rhum. The sailors entertained themselves by singing "Habaneras", songs they had learned in Havana. This sweet music with a two-beat lilt became emblematic for Torrevieja, and the tradition is still blooming: Each year in July-August, an international Habaneras choir contest is held in Torrevieja.

The Torrevieja-Orihuela coast is dotted with international marinas and many beaches here fly the Blue Flag, the international award for cleanliness and high service standards. The town centre of Torrevieja has underground rubbish containers and public transport is based on supermodern, environment-friendly buses, which are free of charge to the registered inhabitants. Orihuela, too, is known for its dynamic planning: The Town Hall recently opened a branch at Playa Flamenca to serve the coastal residents.

The Torrevieja area is also a golfer's paradise. There are four established 18-hole golf courses, playable throughout the year (Villamartín, Las Ramblas de Orihuela, Campoamor, and La Marquesa), and a half-dozen or so new courses are to be opened in a few years' time. All these present and future golf courses can be reached in 15 to 30 minutes from the centre of Torrevieja.