The Forgotten Railway of Torrevieja

Torrevieja, now known as the tourist gem of the Costa Blanca, once had an important rail connection that shaped the local economy and the lives of its residents for many years. Although there is no trace of the tracks today, the history of the railroad in Torrevieja is a fascinating chapter in the city’s development.

Solna Railway: Connection to Alicante

The history of the railroad in Torrevieja dates back to the 19th century, when the city was known primarily for the extraction and export of salt. In 1884, a railroad line connecting Torrevieja with Albatera, and onward to Alicante, was opened. It was a strategic investment—the railroad was used to transport salt, the region’s main export, to ports and further into Spain.

The train also became a means of transportation for residents and tourists visiting the seaside town. The line operated for nearly a century, until it was closed in the 1970s.

After World War II, the importance of the railroad began to decline. With the growth of road transport and tourism in Torrevieja, trains gradually lost their significance. In 1970, the Spanish authorities decided to close the line due to its unprofitability. The tracks were dismantled, and residential buildings were constructed on the site of the former train station.

Will the Railroad Return?

Today, regional authorities are considering the possibility of restoring rail service in the form of a modern connection to Alicante and Murcia. Residents of Torrevieja often complain about the lack of convenient public transportation, and a rail service could ease traffic congestion and become an attractive alternative for tourists and commuters.

Although, given Torrevieja’s dense urban development, it is hard to imagine how a railway could be integrated here again, and the city has not yet obtained direct permission to build one, it has taken steps toward modernizing public transportation, including the creation of a new intermodal station. City authorities have purchased several strategic plots of land that could be used for the development of railway infrastructure in the future. Current plans include the creation of a new station integrating various modes of transportation and the improvement of transport connections, but no official decision has yet been made regarding the construction of a railway line.

Although traces of the old railroad are now almost invisible, its history remains an important part of Torrevieja’s heritage. Perhaps in the future, a train will once again arrive in the city, reviving the spirit of travel from days gone by?