---
title: "Best Day Trips from Torrevieja: 20 Things to Do"
url: https://www.sun.apartments/en/blog/10-best-day-trips-from-torrevieja-by-car/
description: "Compare 20 day trips and things to do near Torrevieja: Tabarca, Pink Lagoon, Aquopolis, catamarans, e-bikes, Guadalest, prices and timings."
updated: 2026-06-15
---

# Best Day Trips from Torrevieja: 20 Things to Do

<figure class="article-image article-image--local">
  <a href="/images/torrevieja-pink-lake-laguna-rosa-sunset.jpg"><img src="/images/torrevieja-pink-lake-laguna-rosa-sunset.jpg" alt="Pink Lagoon near Torrevieja, a short sunset trip from the apartments" loading="lazy" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></a>
  <figcaption>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.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Best Day Trips from Torrevieja: 20 Things to Do Nearby</h2>
<p><strong>Short answer:</strong> if you stay in Torrevieja for 3-7 days, the easiest wins are <strong>Tabarca</strong> for a full-day island trip, <strong>Pink Lagoon</strong> for a 2-hour sunset plan, <strong>La Mata</strong> for nature, <strong>Aquopolis</strong> for families, and <strong>Guadalest & Algar</strong> for a mountain-and-waterfalls day.</p>
<p>This updated guide combines two kinds of ideas: <strong>20 bookable activities</strong> with duration, price and rating, plus <strong>10 classic day trips by car</strong> with approximate distances from Torrevieja. It is designed for families, couples and first-time visitors who want clear numbers before deciding.</p>
<p>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 <a href="/en/apartment-3a">Apartment 3A</a> and <a href="/en/apartment-3b">Apartment 3B</a>.</p>
<nav class="toc" aria-label="Table of contents"><h2>Table of contents</h2><ol><li><a href="#quick-choice">Quick chooser</a></li><li><a href="#top-20">Top 20 activities</a></li><li><a href="#car-trips">10 day trips by car</a></li><li><a href="#itineraries">3 sample days</a></li><li><a href="#families-couples">Best for families, couples and everyone</a></li><li><a href="#faq">FAQ</a></li></ol></nav>
<h2 id="quick-choice">Quick chooser: what to do if you have 2 hours, half a day or a full day</h2>
<table>
<thead><tr><th>If you have...</th><th>Choose this</th></tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>2 hours</td><td>Pink Lagoon at sunset, Crazy Sofa, sunset cruise, Playa de los Locos walk</td></tr>
<tr><td>Half day</td><td>E-bike tour, La Mata Natural Park, catamaran cruise, local wine tasting</td></tr>
<tr><td>Full day</td><td>Tabarca, Guadalest & Algar, Aquopolis, Cartagena</td></tr>
<tr><td>With kids</td><td>Aquopolis, Tabarca, Crazy Sofa, La Mata, glass-bottom boat</td></tr>
<tr><td>As a couple</td><td>Sunset sailing, Pink Lagoon with cava, luxury yacht, wine tasting</td></tr>
<tr><td>Without a car</td><td>Tabarca boat, catamaran cruise, Aquopolis, marina walk</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figure class="article-image article-image--commons">
  <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Playa_Tabarca.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Playa%20Tabarca.jpg?width=1200" alt="Tabarca island beach near Alicante, a full-day boat trip from Torrevieja" loading="lazy" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></a>
  <figcaption>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: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Playa_Tabarca.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">William Helsen / benidormone</a>, Wikimedia Commons, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CC BY 2.0</a>; no changes made.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="top-20">Top 20 activities and excursions near Torrevieja</h2>
<p><em>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.</em></p>
<table class="wide-table">
<thead><tr><th>#</th><th>Activity / trip</th><th>What you see or do</th><th>Time</th><th>Price</th><th>Rating</th><th>Best for</th></tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>1</td><td>Tabarca glass-bottom boat from Torrevieja</td><td>Catamaran crossing, underwater viewing, 6 h free time on Tabarca for swimming, old streets, harbour and seafood.</td><td>7.5 h</td><td>from $37</td><td>4.5/5 (148)</td><td>All / families</td></tr>
<tr><td>2</td><td>Costa Blanca catamaran cruise</td><td>Relaxed boat trip from Torrevieja with swim stop, paddleboarding and morning, afternoon or evening departures.</td><td>2-3 h</td><td>from $64</td><td>4.7/5 (235)</td><td>All</td></tr>
<tr><td>3</td><td>Sunset catamaran with swim</td><td>Short sunset cruise, sea views, swim stop and a more romantic pace than a full-day tour.</td><td>2 h</td><td>from $64</td><td>4.2/5 (98)</td><td>Couples</td></tr>
<tr><td>4</td><td>Boat rental without licence</td><td>Private self-drive boat for up to 6 people; useful for families or friends who want flexibility along the coast.</td><td>1-4 h</td><td>from $116/group</td><td>4.7/5 (93)</td><td>Families / groups</td></tr>
<tr><td>5</td><td>Parasailing in Torrevieja</td><td>Fly above the coastline and see Torrevieja, beaches and marina from the air.</td><td>1.5 h</td><td>from $75</td><td>4.4/5 (186)</td><td>Couples / active</td></tr>
<tr><td>6</td><td>Fishing trip from Torrevieja</td><td>6-hour fishing trip with equipment, skipper and drinks included.</td><td>6 h</td><td>from $162</td><td>4.3/5 (79)</td><td>Adults</td></tr>
<tr><td>7</td><td>Aquopolis Torrevieja</td><td>Water park with slides, children’s zones, hot tub areas and full-day family entertainment.</td><td>1 day</td><td>from $27</td><td>3.9/5 (211)</td><td>Families</td></tr>
<tr><td>8</td><td>Jet ski tour without licence</td><td>Instructor-led jet ski ride by El Cura, La Mata and coves around Torrevieja.</td><td>30-60 min</td><td>from $98</td><td>4.6/5 (95)</td><td>Active / couples</td></tr>
<tr><td>9</td><td>Crazy Sofa inflatable ride</td><td>Fast 30-minute speedboat-powered inflatable ride along the coast.</td><td>30 min</td><td>from $29</td><td>4.2/5 (128)</td><td>Families / groups</td></tr>
<tr><td>10</td><td>Guadalest and Algar Waterfalls</td><td>Mountain village, viewpoints and Algar waterfalls with time for walking or swimming.</td><td>8.5 h</td><td>from $57-$64</td><td>4.6/5 (10)</td><td>All</td></tr>
<tr><td>11</td><td>Catamaran Apaleo adventure</td><td>3-hour catamaran tour with sunbathing, sea breeze and swimming near Torrevieja.</td><td>3 h</td><td>from $87</td><td>4.9/5 (94)</td><td>Couples / all</td></tr>
<tr><td>12</td><td>3-hour e-bike tour</td><td>Flat 25 km route from urban Torrevieja towards natural landscapes and lagoons.</td><td>3 h</td><td>from $58</td><td>4.8/5 (25)</td><td>Active / older kids</td></tr>
<tr><td>13</td><td>Sundowner catamaran Apaleo</td><td>2-hour sunset cruise: simple, scenic and easy to fit after a beach day.</td><td>2 h</td><td>from $64</td><td>4.9/5 (40)</td><td>Couples</td></tr>
<tr><td>14</td><td>Dolphin watching from Alicante</td><td>Small-group speedboat experience focused on respectful dolphin watching.</td><td>3 h</td><td>from $75</td><td>5.0/5 (13)</td><td>Families / couples</td></tr>
<tr><td>15</td><td>Tabarca, Santa Pola and Pink Lagoon</td><td>Longer day combining ferry time, Santa Pola, Tabarca and the pink lagoon area.</td><td>9-11 h</td><td>from $57-$67</td><td>4.5/5 (108)</td><td>All</td></tr>
<tr><td>16</td><td>Dune buggy tour</td><td>Small-group buggy ride for visitors who want something more adrenaline-focused.</td><td>1.5 h</td><td>from $220/group</td><td>5.0/5 (1)</td><td>Active / couples</td></tr>
<tr><td>17</td><td>Luxury yacht with swim and photos</td><td>2-hour yacht experience with swim stop and photo-friendly coastline views.</td><td>2 h</td><td>from $64</td><td>4.1/5 (8)</td><td>Couples</td></tr>
<tr><td>18</td><td>Sunset sailing + paddleboard</td><td>Sailing, paddleboarding and a dip in the sea; private option available.</td><td>2 h</td><td>from $64</td><td>5.0/5 (47)</td><td>Couples / groups</td></tr>
<tr><td>19</td><td>Local wine and food tasting in La Mata Park</td><td>3-hour tasting experience with local food and wine in the La Mata natural area.</td><td>3 h</td><td>from $44</td><td>4.4/5 (55)</td><td>Couples / adults</td></tr>
<tr><td>20</td><td>Pink Lagoon at sunset with cava</td><td>Short sunset visit to the pink lagoon with cava and photo time.</td><td>2 h</td><td>from $29</td><td>4.4 provider rating</td><td>Couples / all</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figure class="article-image article-image--commons">
  <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_of_the_Guadalest_Castle,_Alicante_(Valencia,_Spain)_I.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/View%20of%20the%20Guadalest%20Castle%2C%20Alicante%20%28Valencia%2C%20Spain%29%20I.jpg?width=1200" alt="Views of Guadalest Castle and mountains in Alicante province" loading="lazy" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></a>
  <figcaption>Guadalest works best as a full-day inland trip: allow around 8–9 hours if you combine the village, viewpoints and Algar waterfalls. Photo: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View_of_the_Guadalest_Castle,_Alicante_(Valencia,_Spain)_I.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">José Antonio JG</a>, Wikimedia Commons, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>; no changes made.</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="article-image article-image--commons">
  <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fonts_de_l%27Algar,_cascades.JPG" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Fonts%20de%20l%27Algar%2C%20cascades.JPG?width=1000" alt="Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls near Guadalest, Costa Blanca" loading="lazy" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></a>
  <figcaption>Algar waterfalls add the swimming-and-nature part to a Guadalest day trip; in summer, start early to avoid the busiest hours. Photo: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fonts_de_l%27Algar,_cascades.JPG" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pernales88</a>, Wikimedia Commons, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>; no changes made.</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="article-image article-image--commons">
  <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Castillo_de_Santa_B%C3%A1rbara,_Alicante_-_panoramio.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Castillo%20de%20Santa%20B%C3%A1rbara%2C%20Alicante%20-%20panoramio.jpg?width=1200" alt="Castillo de Santa Barbara in Alicante, a classic day trip from Torrevieja" loading="lazy" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;"></a>
  <figcaption>Alicante is the easiest city day trip from Torrevieja: castle viewpoints, marina, old town and beach in one day. Photo: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Castillo_de_Santa_B%C3%A1rbara,_Alicante_-_panoramio.jpg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Eduardo Manchon</a>, Wikimedia Commons, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>; no changes made.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="car-trips">10 classic day trips by car from Torrevieja</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<table class="wide-table">
<thead><tr><th>Day trip by car</th><th>Distance from Torrevieja</th><th>Drive time</th><th>Time on site</th><th>Best for</th><th>Why go</th></tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>Alicante + Santa Bárbara Castle</td><td>~50 km</td><td>45-55 min</td><td>3-5 h</td><td>All</td><td>Castle, Explanada, old town and lunch by the marina.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cartagena</td><td>~65 km</td><td>50-65 min</td><td>4-6 h</td><td>All</td><td>Roman theatre, harbour, military history and compact city centre.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Elche palm grove</td><td>~45 km</td><td>35-45 min</td><td>3-4 h</td><td>Families</td><td>UNESCO-style palm landscape, shaded walks and easy city stop.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Guadalest</td><td>~135 km</td><td>1 h 45-2 h</td><td>5-7 h</td><td>Couples / families</td><td>Mountain views, castle village and reservoir photos.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Algar Waterfalls</td><td>~125 km</td><td>1 h 35-1 h 50</td><td>3-4 h</td><td>Families</td><td>Natural pools and waterfalls; best on warm days.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Tabarca Island</td><td>Boat from Torrevieja or Santa Pola</td><td>7.5 h tour / 9-11 h combo</td><td>Full day</td><td>All</td><td>Island streets, swimming, marine reserve and seafood.</td></tr>
<tr><td>La Mata Natural Park</td><td>~7 km</td><td>10-15 min</td><td>1.5-3 h</td><td>All</td><td>Easy nature walk, lagoon views and birdwatching.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pink Lagoon / Laguna Rosa</td><td>~5-8 km</td><td>10-15 min</td><td>1-2 h</td><td>Couples / all</td><td>Best around sunset for colour and photos; do not swim.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Orihuela</td><td>~35 km</td><td>35-45 min</td><td>2-4 h</td><td>All</td><td>Historic churches, old streets and a quieter inland city.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Murcia</td><td>~55 km</td><td>45-60 min</td><td>4-6 h</td><td>All</td><td>Cathedral square, tapas, river walk and shopping.</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2 id="itineraries">3 sample days in Torrevieja</h2>
<h3>Day 1: easy Torrevieja — beach, promenade and boat trip</h3>
<table class="schedule-table">
<thead><tr><th>Time</th><th>Plan</th></tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>08:30</td><td>Breakfast near Playa de los Locos or in the apartment</td></tr>
<tr><td>09:30</td><td>Beach time at Playa de los Locos</td></tr>
<tr><td>11:30</td><td>Walk the promenade towards the marina</td></tr>
<tr><td>12:30</td><td>Lunch by the sea</td></tr>
<tr><td>14:00</td><td>Rest / rooftop pool / siesta</td></tr>
<tr><td>16:30</td><td>2-3 h catamaran cruise or short sea activity</td></tr>
<tr><td>19:30</td><td>Sunset walk by the marina</td></tr>
<tr><td>20:30</td><td>Dinner at a seafront restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Day 2: Tabarca full-day island trip</h3>
<table class="schedule-table">
<thead><tr><th>Time</th><th>Plan</th></tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>08:00</td><td>Breakfast and pack swimwear, water, hat and sunscreen</td></tr>
<tr><td>09:00</td><td>Walk or drive to the departure area / marina</td></tr>
<tr><td>10:00</td><td>Boat to Tabarca; the glass-bottom option is listed as about 7.5 h total</td></tr>
<tr><td>11:00</td><td>Arrive, walk through the small streets and harbour</td></tr>
<tr><td>12:30</td><td>Swimming or snorkelling time</td></tr>
<tr><td>14:00</td><td>Lunch: fish, seafood or rice dish</td></tr>
<tr><td>15:30</td><td>Photos, viewpoint walk and relaxed free time</td></tr>
<tr><td>17:00</td><td>Return boat</td></tr>
<tr><td>18:30</td><td>Rest at the apartment</td></tr>
<tr><td>20:30</td><td>Light dinner near Playa de los Locos</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Day 3: choose nature close by or mountains further away</h3>
<table class="schedule-table">
<thead><tr><th>Time</th><th>Option A: La Mata + Pink Lagoon</th></tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>09:00</td><td>Breakfast</td></tr>
<tr><td>10:00</td><td>Go to La Mata Natural Park</td></tr>
<tr><td>10:30</td><td>1.5-2 h walk, lagoon views and birdwatching</td></tr>
<tr><td>12:30</td><td>Lunch in La Mata</td></tr>
<tr><td>14:00</td><td>La Mata beach or rest</td></tr>
<tr><td>17:30</td><td>Pink Lagoon at sunset</td></tr>
<tr><td>19:30</td><td>Return to Torrevieja</td></tr>
<tr><td>20:30</td><td>Dinner</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table class="schedule-table">
<thead><tr><th>Time</th><th>Option B: Guadalest + Algar</th></tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>08:00</td><td>Breakfast and early start</td></tr>
<tr><td>09:00</td><td>Leave Torrevieja or join a tour</td></tr>
<tr><td>11:00</td><td>Guadalest viewpoints and old streets</td></tr>
<tr><td>13:00</td><td>Lunch</td></tr>
<tr><td>15:00</td><td>Algar Waterfalls: walk and swim if conditions allow</td></tr>
<tr><td>17:30</td><td>Return towards Torrevieja</td></tr>
<tr><td>20:00</td><td>Dinner near the apartment</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2 id="families-couples">Best choices for families, couples and everyone</h2>
<h3>Best for families</h3><ul><li><strong>Aquopolis:</strong> easiest full-day option with children.</li><li><strong>Tabarca glass-bottom boat:</strong> island + boat + swimming in one plan.</li><li><strong>Crazy Sofa:</strong> short, memorable and not a full-day commitment.</li><li><strong>La Mata Natural Park:</strong> low-cost, short and flexible.</li><li><strong>Guadalest & Algar:</strong> good for older children who can handle a long day.</li></ul>
<h3>Best for couples</h3><ul><li><strong>Sunset sailing:</strong> simple 2-hour romantic plan.</li><li><strong>Pink Lagoon with cava:</strong> easy sunset photos without a long drive.</li><li><strong>Luxury yacht:</strong> best for a special occasion.</li><li><strong>Wine and food tasting:</strong> good when you want something slower than watersports.</li><li><strong>Parasailing:</strong> quick adrenaline with coastal views.</li></ul>
<h3>Best for everyone</h3><ul><li><strong>Tabarca:</strong> the most complete full-day trip.</li><li><strong>Costa Blanca catamaran:</strong> easy for mixed groups.</li><li><strong>Pink Lagoon:</strong> short and photogenic.</li><li><strong>Alicante:</strong> castle, old town and shopping in one day.</li><li><strong>Cartagena:</strong> history, harbour and Roman theatre.</li></ul>
<h2 id="faq">FAQ: day trips from Torrevieja</h2>
<ul><li><strong>What is the best day trip from Torrevieja?</strong><br>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.</li><li><strong>Can you do good day trips from Torrevieja without a car?</strong><br>Yes. The easiest no-car choices are boat trips from Torrevieja, Tabarca excursions, catamaran cruises, Aquopolis, guided tours and local activities around the marina.</li><li><strong>What is the best short trip from Torrevieja?</strong><br>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.</li><li><strong>What is best for families with children?</strong><br>Aquopolis, Tabarca, La Mata Natural Park, the glass-bottom boat and short water activities are usually the easiest family choices.</li><li><strong>What is best for couples?</strong><br>Sunset sailing, Pink Lagoon at sunset, luxury yacht experiences, wine tasting and parasailing work especially well for couples.</li><li><strong>How many days do you need in Torrevieja?</strong><br>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.</li></ul>
<h2>Where to stay for day trips around Costa Blanca</h2>
<p>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: <a href="/en/apartment-3a">Apartment 3A</a> and <a href="/en/apartment-3b">Apartment 3B</a>.</p>