The Natural Pools in Torrevieja

The Torrevieja natural pools are located on the Juan Aparicio Promenade, between Playa del Cura and the marina. They were built in 2010 as part of an ambitious renovation project, designed as bathing areas protected from the waves by stone breakwaters.

History

The original project called for the construction of four natural pools, although only three were ultimately built due to budgetary constraints. During the excavation work, archaeological remains from the Roman period were unexpectedly discovered, causing a slight delay while the findings were documented.

These pools marked a milestone by becoming the first in the Valencian Community designed from the outset with wheelchair access ramps, demonstrating a pioneering commitment to universal accessibility.

Fourteen years after their inauguration, the natural pools maintain their original charm while evolving to meet current needs. They remain one of the most beloved and popular spaces on the Torrevieja coastline, where each summer new stories of encounters between the sea and its visitors are written.

Location and access

The natural pools are located in the heart of Torrevieja's seafront, specifically on Paseo Juan Aparicio, between two iconic spots: the popular Playa del Cura to the south and the Marina to the north. This privileged location puts them just a 15-minute walk from the city center, in an area perfectly integrated with the coastal surroundings.

Access to the natural pools of Torrevieja

Access to the natural pools is extremely easy thanks to their excellent connections to the city's main thoroughfares. For those who prefer to walk, the route begins in the central Plaza de la Constitución, from where you simply follow the seafront promenade north for approximately 800 meters. This pleasant, completely flat and perfectly adapted for pedestrians, also offers beautiful sea views throughout the entire route.

If you choose public transport, several city bus lines facilitate access, such as lines A, A2, B, E, and H, with stops located less than a five-minute walk from the pools. For visitors arriving by car, parking can be a problem during the summer months, and the most advisable option is the paid private parking available in the port area.

Torrevieja's natural pools stand out for their universal accessibility, with an urban design that prioritizes inclusion through gentle ramps connecting the promenade with the bathing platforms, wide walkways of over 1.5 meters for wheelchair access, staircases equipped with handrails and low steps, and non-slip flooring in all wet areas to ensure the safety of all visitors. The immediate surroundings offer a complete tourist infrastructure, with the lively Paseo Juan Aparicio located less than 50 meters away, home to various restaurants and beach bars, a convenient kiosk-bar next to the pools open during the summer months, concrete benches under the refreshing shade of Canary Island date palms, and clear tourist signage available in four languages (Spanish, English, French, and German) to facilitate orientation for international visitors.

Features and services

Torrevieja's natural pools feature a carefully planned design that makes them an exceptional bathing space. Their structure is formed by breakwaters that create natural barriers against the waves, generating areas of calm, crystal-clear water perfect for safe enjoyment. The area is divided into three distinct sections: a section with a wooden platform specially designed for snorkelers, another area with beach-like features ideal for families with children, and a natural rocky area that preserves the charm of the Mediterranean coast.

For visitors' convenience, public showers, drinking fountains, and numerous rest areas equipped with concrete benches shaded by leafy Canary Island palm trees are available.

Maintenance services perform daily cleanings to maintain optimal conditions, while nighttime lighting allows you to enjoy the marine environment until the early hours.

Certifications and Recognitions of Natural Pools

Torrevieja's natural pools have received important recognitions certifying their quality and environmental commitment. Among their most notable distinctions is the Blue Flag, a prestigious award granted by the European Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that certifies the excellent quality of their waters, their universal accessibility, and good practices in environmental management. This recognition has been maintained uninterruptedly for several years, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to international standards.

In terms of accessibility, the pools have an official certificate issued by the Valencian Institute of Accessibility (IVAC) that validates their inclusive design for people with reduced mobility. This certificate guarantees that all facilities, from ramps to walkways and bathing areas, meet the technical requirements necessary to be fully accessible. Furthermore, some of the facilities operate under the Environmental Management System according to the ISO 14001 standard, which ensures that their maintenance follows ecological and sustainable protocols.

In the tourism sector, the natural pools received the Valencian Community's Tourism Excellence Award in 2015, in recognition of their innovative model of sustainable coastal tourism. Their popularity is also reflected in the high visitor ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor, where they have earned the "Attraction Travelers' Choice" distinction. The Spanish Ministry of Tourism included them in its "Beaches Without Barriers" project, highlighting them as an example of accessibility and social inclusion.