Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Prospective gay travelers to Torrevieja in Spain can rejoice as not only is this city home to several gay bars and other queer attractions, and you can expect a visit that offers more than just a great night out. Whether you are here for a day or a week, you can expect somewhere new to visit each day that is gay-friendly and exceptionally welcoming to all travelers. Plus, the gay community is so tight that the regular queer events are almost as loud as their annual Pride Parade.
Despite the many things we can celebrate about the gay scene of Torrevieja, there is more to learn about in a city that offers so much despite only having a population of 83,000. Firstly, she is a city located along the southeastern coast of Spain, known for its salt-ming and fishing industries.
However, despite her fame today, before 1802, she was just a guard tower labor house until King Charles IV moved salt-producing offices from La Mata to Torrevieja, and as remained vital to the city’s industry today. The city’s name is a call back to this former history, literally translated to ‘old tower’ in Spanish.
Despite salt keeping many clothed and fed in Torrevieja, the city’s economy has expanded into the tourism industry in recent years, with so many British tourists and residents causing the Spanish to pin the city with the nickname ‘Costa del Yorkshire’. You can expect to see much of this rich history and gay attractions when you visit Torrevieja.
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Attractions in Gay Torrevieja, Spain
As a new visitor to Gay Torrevieja, there are plenty of things to see and do, regardless of your sexual orientation. One of the best ways to experience any new city is to visit some of its most iconic landmarks and attractions, including historical monuments, museums, and art galleries.
We also love gazing at architecture up close, exploring parks and gardens, sampling the local cuisine, visiting local markets, and attending cultural events such as festivals, concerts and shows.
Even as the out-and-proud queer we are, we still love to explore the city and its culture in the same way as everyone else. Doing so allows us to learn more about the city and its people and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. As such, these are our favorite must-see attractions in Torrevieja.
Locos Beach
Named after an old psychiatric residence on site, Los Locos Beach is a famous beach for tourists and residents, standing out from others by the large square building at one end of the bay, a hotel where the hospital resided.
Despite the maddening history behind it, it still holds the name and today is more of a tourist trap during the height of the season. Not only is the beach attractive, but when you get hungry, restaurants satisfy the stomach.
Parc Natural de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja
Located north of Torrevieja is the Natural Park of Les Lasgunas, which can easily be accessed by car or bus. This park is part of the local salt lagoon home to Europe’s most productive salt pans, so if you want to see the salt industry in action, this is the place.
The Pink Lagoon has a pink surface dotted with salt rocks and is one you can’t miss. Moreover, the surrounding park has excellent nature walks with breathtaking views.
The first on the list of things to see and do is a 90-minute parasailing adventure that offers a unique way to get speculator city views as you fly above the tranquil Mederrianian waters.
What is included in this experience is a boat ride with music, complimentary soft drinks, lifejackets provided, and a small group of up to five, making it an intimate experience with plenty of room to take in the whole experience.
Submarine S-61 – Floating Museums
A unique part of Torrevieja’s museum collections is the floating museum on the decommissioned S-61 submarine dated 1973. Visitors can see it popping out from the shoreline as they stop by the portside it rides in, a black bullet with a gleaming yet dangerous history.
Luckily, it has retired today, and now it is open for tours to step inside and explore what it is like to be on a sub. See how the crew lived and operated the ship, and learn a little history about this Daphne class of sub.
Torrevieja: Stand-Up Paddleboarding Lesson
Another great watery activity to try out in Torrevieja is the paddleboarding lesions located conveniently close to the city. Fun for all ages, this class is great for everyone and any experience level, with a great guide to walk you through the process. All you need to do is show up, and they will provide all the gear, offering you lesions in SUP, unspoiled beaches, and a workout like nothing else.
Plaza de la Constitución
In typical Spanish fashion, Torrevieja is home to many amazing squares breaking up the tight busy streets of the city. A favorite is the Plaza de la Constitucion which features a stunning Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción neoclassical church, a stone fountain, dressage of palm trees, and plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Regardless of the time, you can expect this place to be bustling with people, being famous for the abundance of attractions, everyday events, and markets.
Playa de la Mata
Playa de la Mata is one of several beaches in Torrevieja that is a straight stretch of sandy coast perfect for a walk regardless of the day or night. Many take to the spot for lounging, a dip in the waters, or a stroll come evening. Moreover, many love the beach because of its abundance of space, so even if it’s busy, there is enough to have a private picnic.
Aquopolis Torrevieja
Torrevieja is home to an expansive water park, Aquopolis Torrevieja, popular with tourists and residents. They play host to many pools and slides to have a splash of an adventure and a great time, picnic areas to dry off and take a break, and a jacuzzi for those that prefer a slower water experience. All needs are catered for here.
Parque de las Naciones
The lovely Parque de las Naciones is in the city’s heart, full of trees, water features, and various flowers and other flora. Visitors don’t just enjoy the natural woodlands that have drawn a rich bird population to the space, from ducks to Indian peafowl.
You may even find a flying lizard if you look hard enough: a dragon immortalized as a statue. Amongst the numerous walking tracks and sights of nature, you will even find a moment of peace to kill a few hours with a book.
Habaneras Shopping Centre
Torrevieja offers some incredible shopping experiences, and among them, the Habaneras Shopping Centre is where you will find all your tourist shopping and general purchasing needs. They have stories like Zara and H&M, with several floors of various shops and the top level reserved for food. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the modern, open space offers a taste of 21st-century Spanish architecture.
Torre del Moro Park
A quiet bit of peace in the Torrevieja is Torre del Moro Park, known for its sea views and plenty of places to lounge about. When you stop by this place, you will catch a glimpse of people enjoying a small drink at the bar in the park or children having a blast on the playground, and you will also come to understand why many praise the garden as a great place to take an evening stroll.
However, the highlight of this park is the old medical tower which stands as a prominent feature in the landscape.
Gay-Friendly & Gay Hotels in Torrevieja, Spain
Being gay-friendly accommodation means that the establishment is welcoming and inclusive to guests who identify as LGBTQ+. This can include, but is not limited to, having policies and practices that demonstrate a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ guests, such as non-discrimination policies and providing support and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Some gay-friendly accommodations may also provide amenities specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ community, such as rainbow flags or literature about local LGBTQ+ events or resources. Furthermore, gay-friendly accommodations may be located in an area known for being LGBTQ+ friendly.
While Torrevieja does not have any specifically gay hotels or resorts, these are the most fabulous and pro-actively gay-friendly hotels in Torrevieja. There are also hundreds more hotel and hostel options in Torrevieja if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities or area – but these are the best hotels according to other gay travelers and us.
Whatever your needs are, Torrevieja has you covered.
There is no five-star accommodation inside Torrevieja city. However, if you don’t mind a bit of travel to get there, you can find the fantastic La Finca Resort just thirteen kilometers away. This luxurious resort can be located in Algorfa, next to a golf course in a rural area, allowing you to take in the Spanish countryside and make the most of a quiet time away.
In addition, you can make the most of the outdoor pool during the height of summer, keep fit with the tennis court or gym, and relax in the full-service spa or dining hall. Moreover, you will be treated to classy Spanish cuisine in their on-site restaurant with great views of the golf course from your dining abode.
If you are not making the most of all the services on offer, you will recharge in your private accommodation in one of 120 rooms. Everyone comes with a private balcony, ensuites, TV, and all the other basic amenities you’d expect from a great hotel experience.
The highlight is the excellent views of the surrounding landscapes, from El Cura Beach to the Vistabella Golf and Aquopolis Torrevieja. Plus, despite this distance, it may seem, from the city and other attractions, with on-site parking, this resort makes it all worth it.
Dña Monse Hotel Spa & Golf ☆☆☆☆
The highest-rated hotel in Torrevieja is Dña Monse Hotel Spa & Golf, with four and a half stars. It might be a little way from the beach, but it makes up for this by being situated in the backyard of the pink salt lakes and national park.
So you won’t need to worry about being unable to walk on foot to the beach; instead, you can stay at your hotel and bathe in one of their many pools, lounge in the sun at the poolside, or relax in the warm waters of their on-site spa. Then when it comes to keeping active, you can use their 18-hole golf course or inside gym.
However, after all this fun, you might need to refresh to return to your private quarters and make the most of their prime private spaces. They offer all the basics of hotel needs, including laptop-working spaces, an ensuite, and a TV.
However, you don’t have to lock yourself away to ease into a lazy afternoon because they have a rooftop terrace, cafe and a Spanish cuisine restaurant with plenty of dining space for all.
Hotel La Laguna Spa And Golf ☆☆☆☆
In the four-star range of hotels, Hotel La Laguna Spa And Golf is a top choice for those booking a stay at Torrevieja. Located along a rural stretch of the local Laguna Salada de la Mata lake, you will get the best of both worlds with excellent access to stunning pink salty sights and a short drive to the city.
With this unique location, you can thus take advantage of the scenery, go for a hike or bike ride, and see what the Spanish countryside is like in this part of the country. Their top services include a terrace, cafe, Japanese garden, full-serve spa, gym, sauna, and more!
Then when it comes to your private room, you will be just as blown away by catering to the height of comfort you won’t want to ask for much more.
Hotel Playas de Torrevieja ☆☆☆
Hotel Playas de Torrevieja is a top three-star accommodation option in Torrevieja’s heart, with access to key nightlife and tourist attractions. Inside you will be treated to a cozy room with everything you need.
However, they also provide many shared services, making it an attractive option for tourists, not just its handy location. So what are these? They host two outside pools, including a children’s pool with a waterslide, a poolside bar, and a buffet restaurant with international cuisine. So it is the perfect central city stay without getting too crazy about all you can see and experience.
Gay Nightlife In Torrevieja, Spain
Without a doubt, Torrevieja is a fabulous destination for gay tourists as their queer community is loud and lively. Here you can experience it at its peak in the nightlife scene with the numerous gay bars, gay nightclubs, and countless gay-friendly venues catering to all types of people and night adventures.
Exploring the gay and gay-friendly nightlife in a new city can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences while traveling – and Gay Torrevieja is no exception. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, but you’ll also get a taste of the local culture and learn more about the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Going out and experiencing the queer and queer-friendly nightlife in a new city can also be a great way to break out of your comfort zone and try new things. Whether dancing the night away at a gay club or mingling with locals at a gay-friendly bar, you’ll have the chance to make memories and create lasting connections.
So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore the gay and gay-friendly nightlife in Torrevieja. You’ll be glad you did!
Gay Parties & Gay Clubs In Torrevieja, Spain
ZOO LGTB is one of several gay disco bars in Torrevieja, making it clear that this city’s queer community thrives on dancing and music. Located in the city’s heart, you will be treated to a welcoming place with a spacious dance floor, live music and old music classics, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy a drink with friends when you want to rest your legs.
The venue is modern and looks like a typical dance club until you spot the flash of a rainbow or the occasional pride flag, and then you know just how gay we are getting here.
Boys is a gay disco club providing a rainbow dance experience every night. Here you will find a diverse crowd with incredible music and equally excellent staff to craft you a great experience in service and drinks.
They often have live music and performances from the usual DJs to visiting players, making every night a fresh experience. Plus, it isn’t just music that you will find here. They regularly host drag queens, cheeky underwear nights, and pub-related social games.
LGBT Pride Month
Every year Torrevieja hosts their Pride Parade involving a festival of rainbows and queer people running about the streets screaming how proud they are of their identities. This festival brings various events to the city, from drag shows and gay quizzes to street parades and markets. Undoubtedly this is the gayest time of year to visit Torrevieja.
Torrevieja is not just home to a great selection of gay bars but also the local gay organization Torrevieja Diversa. They provide a support network for the local queer community with their website giving everyone access to information and education and working to connect the community through their numerous campaigns and events.
Other Gay-Friendly Nightlife In Torrevieja, Spain
Another prime choice for nightlife is the Latino -themed Mango’s Latino, a disco club that boats good music with Latin instruments, as well as a fully stocked bar and great prices. This unique catering bar will hit the spot if you want a disco experience that isn’t a run-of-the-mill club playing popular music.
Murphy’s on The Park is an Irish-themed club with a British feel, whether with the pub design, roast dinners, or Guinness beer. You can enjoy a nice drink and relax, knowing that the Parque de las Naciones is just a short stride away. Murphy’s is picked repeatedly for its classic pub feel without worrying about too much noise or little space, plus the British owners and staff are amiable.
Genius is a popular gay-friendly gastropub, with seating (indoors and out) and abundant food set against a crazy crowd and music. Many praise the friendly staff, excellent food, and generous portions, while others gush about the reasonable prices. Genius is one place to start your evening with a hearty meal and a light drink before you get stuck into the more rowdy parts of the city nightlife.
The Queen is in town, and Queen Mississippi doesn’t disappoint, offering a quirky experience with a beautiful terrace, boat-like structure and incredible views. You can expect a chill venue offering varied food that isn’t typical of the Spanish food in the area.
Moreover, their drinks and cocktails are to die for. Once done, you can enjoy a lovely walk of the surrounding scenery, and it is certainly up there as one of the romantic places to go on a date.
Despite its name, Marina Bar isn’t as close to the sea as you think. However, with the swimming pool being too tight, it isn’t wholly false advertising on their end. You can go for a swim and then a late afternoon or early evening dinner, hoping you might catch the occasional entertainment along the shores.
This place can get busy, but there is plenty of seats and space to have your quiet moment amongst the active disco nightlife of Torrevieja.
Cruising & Gay Saunas In Torrevieja, Spain
The gay cruising scene is small except for the allusive OMD gay bar. If you want to experience fun while in Torrevieja, you will have the best luck contacting prospective partners via dating apps.
However, if you are a bit old school, you can head out to the numerous gay bars and gay-friendly venues around town, and you never know who you might find. Moreover, you should contact the local gay clubs and head to their social events if it matches the dates you stop by this lively city.
When traveling to a new city, it can be exciting to head out for more than just a stiff drink. One aspect of the Gay Torrevieja scene that many queer men enjoy is visiting gay saunas and cruising clubs.
Sure, the sauna culture in Torrevieja is not as hedonistic as in Amsterdam, Barcelona or Berlin, but these venues still offer a chance to meet new people, socialize, and engage in sexual activity – without resorting to gay hookup apps.
However, it’s important to remember that these venues can vary greatly in terms of atmosphere, clientele, and rules, so it’s a good idea to prepare yourself before visiting. If you are apprehensive, we advise studying our guide to visiting a gay bathhouse for the first time, which should help set your mind at ease and always practice safe sex.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of and respect local laws and customs regarding gay venues and sexual activity. With a little bit of planning and an open mind, visiting gay saunas and cruising clubs can be a fun and exciting part of your gay Torrevieja travel itinerary.
Gay Cruising Bar In Torrevieja, Spain
OMD is a gay bar that is a somewhat secretive cruising bar that is hard to find a lot of information about online. However, it regularly hosts a gay crowd who love disco. Apart from providing places to dance and drink, they also have dark rooms, an erotic prison, a smoking terrace, and plenty of places to socialize and meet fellow gay people.
Sex Shops In Torrevieja, Spain
When you are looking for a bit of fun in Torrevieja but lacking certain… equipment, do not fear! The Sex Shop Pacific Blue will have you sorted with their wide range of sex toys and other products.
Saunas In Torrevieja, Spain
Torrevieja doesn’t have a gay spa, but a great option to make up for this is the Aroma Urban Spa, a venue that gives a friendly welcome and service to all. You can lounge in their spa baths and saunas and even get a beauty treatment if you want to return from your holiday feeling a new person.
Gay Map Of Torrevieja
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Torrevieja? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages, and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!