At the beginning of the last century there was only a watch-tower, the old tower and a few houses. In 1802 the La Mata salt-flat offices moved to the present site, bringing about the rapid urbanisation of the former Torrevieja. The proximity of the slat-flats and it being an exporting port both of salt and the horticultural produce of La Vega Baja led to the growth of port and town, which gained its independence from Orihuela in 1820.

Today it produces about a million tons of salt, mostly exported, making it the prime European salt-producer. The International Competition of Habaneras and Choirs, of International Tourist interest, is held in homage to the people of Torrevieja who traded with Cuba, the former Spanish colony and homeland of the Habaneras which the sailors sang on their return. Salt and sea are the two inseparable elements that have marked the history and determined the present-day circumstances of Torrevieja. At the start of the 19th century in the town's current location there was only a watchtower, an old tower and a handful of houses. In 1802 the administration of the Mata salt-flats transferred to its current location and brought about the rapid urbanization of Torrevieja. The proximity to the salt-flats and its position as a port exporting salt, fruit and vegetables produced in the Vega Baja of the Segura River resulted in the rapid development of the port and the city.

It gained its independence from Orihuela in 1820.Today it is one of the leading European producers of salt, with approximately one million tonnes each year, mainly for export. The International Habaneras and Choral Song Competition, which has been declared to be of special interest to foreign tourists, is held in honour of the inhabitants of Torrevieja who traded with Cuba, a former Spanish colony and home to the Habaneras sung by the sailors on their return.

The lakes have been declared a Nature Reserve due to their wetland ecosystem and for the ecological habitat they provide for migratory and nesting birds. Modern day Torrevieja has other significant features including the Modernist Casino and the Church of the Immaculate Conception which are located in one of the commercial and residential areas of the town respectively. In this area can also be found the monument to the Coralista and the Museum of the Sea and of Salt, which explains the history of the sea and of the salt industry which are representative of Torrevieja's past.

Walks can be taken to the fishing wharf and boat trips taken along Torrevieja's coastline. There are several magnificent sandy beaches including Los Locos, El Acequión, Los Náufragos, La Mata and El Cura. The southernmost beach, the Náufragos beach, offers a range of amenities. The Cura beach is situated between the Levante dock and the Punta Carral. Across from the Punta Carral is the Los Locos beach. The longest and most northern beach is the la Mata from where excursions can be made to the tourist vantage point of the Moro Tower, one of the medieval towers that give Torrevieja its name.

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