Best Day Trips from Torrevieja: 20 Things to Do Nearby

June 15, 2026

Pink Lagoon near Torrevieja, a short sunset trip from the apartments
Pink Lagoon near Torrevieja is one of the easiest short trips: around 15–20 minutes by car and best at sunset. Photo: Sun Apartments, site-owned image.

Best Day Trips from Torrevieja: 20 Things to Do Nearby

Short answer: if you stay in Torrevieja for 3-7 days, the easiest wins are Tabarca for a full-day island trip, Pink Lagoon for a 2-hour sunset plan, La Mata for nature, Aquopolis for families, and Guadalest & Algar for a mountain-and-waterfalls day.

This updated guide combines two kinds of ideas: 20 bookable activities with duration, price and rating, plus 10 classic day trips by car with approximate distances from Torrevieja. It is designed for families, couples and first-time visitors who want clear numbers before deciding.

Sun Apartments are close to Playa de los Locos, which makes a practical base for easy beach mornings, boat trips from Torrevieja marina and day drives around Costa Blanca. See Apartment 3A and Apartment 3B.

Quick chooser: what to do if you have 2 hours, half a day or a full day

If you have...Choose this
2 hoursPink Lagoon at sunset, Crazy Sofa, sunset cruise, Playa de los Locos walk
Half dayE-bike tour, La Mata Natural Park, catamaran cruise, local wine tasting
Full dayTabarca, Guadalest & Algar, Aquopolis, Cartagena
With kidsAquopolis, Tabarca, Crazy Sofa, La Mata, glass-bottom boat
As a coupleSunset sailing, Pink Lagoon with cava, luxury yacht, wine tasting
Without a carTabarca boat, catamaran cruise, Aquopolis, marina walk
Tabarca island beach near Alicante, a full-day boat trip from Torrevieja
Tabarca is the most complete full-day plan from Torrevieja: boat trip, beach time, a short walk through the village and lunch by the sea. Photo: William Helsen / benidormone, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; no changes made.

Top 20 activities and excursions near Torrevieja

Prices, durations and ratings for paid activities are indicative and based on the Torrevieja listings visible on GetYourGuide in June 2026. Always check the latest price, meeting point, cancellation policy and age rules before booking.

#Activity / tripWhat you see or doTimePriceRatingBest for
1Tabarca glass-bottom boat from TorreviejaCatamaran crossing, underwater viewing, 6 h free time on Tabarca for swimming, old streets, harbour and seafood.7.5 hfrom $374.5/5 (148)All / families
2Costa Blanca catamaran cruiseRelaxed boat trip from Torrevieja with swim stop, paddleboarding and morning, afternoon or evening departures.2-3 hfrom $644.7/5 (235)All
3Sunset catamaran with swimShort sunset cruise, sea views, swim stop and a more romantic pace than a full-day tour.2 hfrom $644.2/5 (98)Couples
4Boat rental without licencePrivate self-drive boat for up to 6 people; useful for families or friends who want flexibility along the coast.1-4 hfrom $116/group4.7/5 (93)Families / groups
5Parasailing in TorreviejaFly above the coastline and see Torrevieja, beaches and marina from the air.1.5 hfrom $754.4/5 (186)Couples / active
6Fishing trip from Torrevieja6-hour fishing trip with equipment, skipper and drinks included.6 hfrom $1624.3/5 (79)Adults
7Aquopolis TorreviejaWater park with slides, children’s zones, hot tub areas and full-day family entertainment.1 dayfrom $273.9/5 (211)Families
8Jet ski tour without licenceInstructor-led jet ski ride by El Cura, La Mata and coves around Torrevieja.30-60 minfrom $984.6/5 (95)Active / couples
9Crazy Sofa inflatable rideFast 30-minute speedboat-powered inflatable ride along the coast.30 minfrom $294.2/5 (128)Families / groups
10Guadalest and Algar WaterfallsMountain village, viewpoints and Algar waterfalls with time for walking or swimming.8.5 hfrom $57-$644.6/5 (10)All
11Catamaran Apaleo adventure3-hour catamaran tour with sunbathing, sea breeze and swimming near Torrevieja.3 hfrom $874.9/5 (94)Couples / all
123-hour e-bike tourFlat 25 km route from urban Torrevieja towards natural landscapes and lagoons.3 hfrom $584.8/5 (25)Active / older kids
13Sundowner catamaran Apaleo2-hour sunset cruise: simple, scenic and easy to fit after a beach day.2 hfrom $644.9/5 (40)Couples
14Dolphin watching from AlicanteSmall-group speedboat experience focused on respectful dolphin watching.3 hfrom $755.0/5 (13)Families / couples
15Tabarca, Santa Pola and Pink LagoonLonger day combining ferry time, Santa Pola, Tabarca and the pink lagoon area.9-11 hfrom $57-$674.5/5 (108)All
16Dune buggy tourSmall-group buggy ride for visitors who want something more adrenaline-focused.1.5 hfrom $220/group5.0/5 (1)Active / couples
17Luxury yacht with swim and photos2-hour yacht experience with swim stop and photo-friendly coastline views.2 hfrom $644.1/5 (8)Couples
18Sunset sailing + paddleboardSailing, paddleboarding and a dip in the sea; private option available.2 hfrom $645.0/5 (47)Couples / groups
19Local wine and food tasting in La Mata Park3-hour tasting experience with local food and wine in the La Mata natural area.3 hfrom $444.4/5 (55)Couples / adults
20Pink Lagoon at sunset with cavaShort sunset visit to the pink lagoon with cava and photo time.2 hfrom $294.4 provider ratingCouples / all
Views of Guadalest Castle and mountains in Alicante province
Guadalest works best as a full-day inland trip: allow around 8–9 hours if you combine the village, viewpoints and Algar waterfalls. Photo: José Antonio JG, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; no changes made.
Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls near Guadalest, Costa Blanca
Algar waterfalls add the swimming-and-nature part to a Guadalest day trip; in summer, start early to avoid the busiest hours. Photo: Pernales88, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; no changes made.
Castillo de Santa Barbara in Alicante, a classic day trip from Torrevieja
Alicante is the easiest city day trip from Torrevieja: castle viewpoints, marina, old town and beach in one day. Photo: Eduardo Manchon, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; no changes made.

10 classic day trips by car from Torrevieja

Use this table when you want flexibility rather than a guided activity. Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic, parking and the exact route.

Day trip by carDistance from TorreviejaDrive timeTime on siteBest forWhy go
Alicante + Santa Bárbara Castle~50 km45-55 min3-5 hAllCastle, Explanada, old town and lunch by the marina.
Cartagena~65 km50-65 min4-6 hAllRoman theatre, harbour, military history and compact city centre.
Elche palm grove~45 km35-45 min3-4 hFamiliesUNESCO-style palm landscape, shaded walks and easy city stop.
Guadalest~135 km1 h 45-2 h5-7 hCouples / familiesMountain views, castle village and reservoir photos.
Algar Waterfalls~125 km1 h 35-1 h 503-4 hFamiliesNatural pools and waterfalls; best on warm days.
Tabarca IslandBoat from Torrevieja or Santa Pola7.5 h tour / 9-11 h comboFull dayAllIsland streets, swimming, marine reserve and seafood.
La Mata Natural Park~7 km10-15 min1.5-3 hAllEasy nature walk, lagoon views and birdwatching.
Pink Lagoon / Laguna Rosa~5-8 km10-15 min1-2 hCouples / allBest around sunset for colour and photos; do not swim.
Orihuela~35 km35-45 min2-4 hAllHistoric churches, old streets and a quieter inland city.
Murcia~55 km45-60 min4-6 hAllCathedral square, tapas, river walk and shopping.

3 sample days in Torrevieja

Day 1: easy Torrevieja — beach, promenade and boat trip

TimePlan
08:30Breakfast near Playa de los Locos or in the apartment
09:30Beach time at Playa de los Locos
11:30Walk the promenade towards the marina
12:30Lunch by the sea
14:00Rest / rooftop pool / siesta
16:302-3 h catamaran cruise or short sea activity
19:30Sunset walk by the marina
20:30Dinner at a seafront restaurant

Day 2: Tabarca full-day island trip

TimePlan
08:00Breakfast and pack swimwear, water, hat and sunscreen
09:00Walk or drive to the departure area / marina
10:00Boat to Tabarca; the glass-bottom option is listed as about 7.5 h total
11:00Arrive, walk through the small streets and harbour
12:30Swimming or snorkelling time
14:00Lunch: fish, seafood or rice dish
15:30Photos, viewpoint walk and relaxed free time
17:00Return boat
18:30Rest at the apartment
20:30Light dinner near Playa de los Locos

Day 3: choose nature close by or mountains further away

TimeOption A: La Mata + Pink Lagoon
09:00Breakfast
10:00Go to La Mata Natural Park
10:301.5-2 h walk, lagoon views and birdwatching
12:30Lunch in La Mata
14:00La Mata beach or rest
17:30Pink Lagoon at sunset
19:30Return to Torrevieja
20:30Dinner
TimeOption B: Guadalest + Algar
08:00Breakfast and early start
09:00Leave Torrevieja or join a tour
11:00Guadalest viewpoints and old streets
13:00Lunch
15:00Algar Waterfalls: walk and swim if conditions allow
17:30Return towards Torrevieja
20:00Dinner near the apartment

Best choices for families, couples and everyone

Best for families

  • Aquopolis: easiest full-day option with children.
  • Tabarca glass-bottom boat: island + boat + swimming in one plan.
  • Crazy Sofa: short, memorable and not a full-day commitment.
  • La Mata Natural Park: low-cost, short and flexible.
  • Guadalest & Algar: good for older children who can handle a long day.

Best for couples

  • Sunset sailing: simple 2-hour romantic plan.
  • Pink Lagoon with cava: easy sunset photos without a long drive.
  • Luxury yacht: best for a special occasion.
  • Wine and food tasting: good when you want something slower than watersports.
  • Parasailing: quick adrenaline with coastal views.

Best for everyone

  • Tabarca: the most complete full-day trip.
  • Costa Blanca catamaran: easy for mixed groups.
  • Pink Lagoon: short and photogenic.
  • Alicante: castle, old town and shopping in one day.
  • Cartagena: history, harbour and Roman theatre.

FAQ: day trips from Torrevieja

  • What is the best day trip from Torrevieja?
    For most first-time visitors, Tabarca is the best full-day trip because it combines a boat ride, island walk, swimming and lunch. If you prefer mountains, choose Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls.
  • Can you do good day trips from Torrevieja without a car?
    Yes. The easiest no-car choices are boat trips from Torrevieja, Tabarca excursions, catamaran cruises, Aquopolis, guided tours and local activities around the marina.
  • What is the best short trip from Torrevieja?
    Pink Lagoon and La Mata Natural Park are the best short trips: both can work in 1-3 hours depending on how much walking you want.
  • What is best for families with children?
    Aquopolis, Tabarca, La Mata Natural Park, the glass-bottom boat and short water activities are usually the easiest family choices.
  • What is best for couples?
    Sunset sailing, Pink Lagoon at sunset, luxury yacht experiences, wine tasting and parasailing work especially well for couples.
  • How many days do you need in Torrevieja?
    A practical first stay is 3-7 days: one day for Torrevieja and beaches, one for Tabarca or a boat trip, and one for nature or a city day trip.

Where to stay for day trips around Costa Blanca

Staying near Playa de los Locos makes it easy to combine beach mornings, marina departures, restaurants and road trips without changing accommodation. See our family apartments in Torrevieja: Apartment 3A and Apartment 3B.

Back to blog