Where to See Wildlife in Torrevieja

28th May 2020

Ready to take a walk on the wild side? If you’re an animal lover visiting Torrevieja and the surrounding Costa Blanca, there’s an abundance of wildlife to watch out for. From wild boars and golden eagles to the famous Iberian red squirrel – the coastline, mountains and countryside surrounding Torrevieja is bursting with life.

Here are a few local favourites, and some tips on where to spot them – don’t forget your binoculars!

Iberian red squirrels

Red squirrels once scurried and scampered all over Spain. Today these sweet tree-dwelling creatures are only found in select spots – particularly in areas where they have been actively protected. If you are very fortunate, you may sight “la ardilla roja” in the wild, in heavily wooded areas. However, for a more certain animal encounter, take a trip to Guadamar’s Reina Sofia Park (a 20-minute drive north of Torrevieja). The red squirrels here are tame enough to accept food from visitors’ hands!

Wild boars

Wild boar are extremely common in the Costa Blanca countryside. In fact, the wild boar population around Torrevieja and the local area is so large, it has become a problem for local farmers and gardeners. Walks in mountainous and forested areas (away from the coast) will provide your best opportunities for seeing wild boars, but be aware that these creatures can be dangerous if frightened – particularly if they are with their young. Dogs, particularly, can cause wild boar to become aggressive. If unprovoked, boars are normally harmless.

Eagles

Many varieties of eagle live near Torrevieja and across the Costa Blanca. The most populous eagle in the region is the booted eagle (Spain’s smallest eagle), which sports black and white markings. This eagle is most often found in forested areas. To spot the region’s larger birds of prey, head a little over an hour north of Torrevieja, to the stunning gorges of Monnegre. Here golden eagles can be sighted.

These beautiful birds can be found in many of the area’s other mountainous corners, including the Aitana and Mariola mountains. Closer to Torrevieja, lucky visitors may catch sight of an eagle at the El Fondo nature reserve, which is 30 minutes from Torrevieja by car.

Other animals

There are many, many more amazing creatures to spot across the Costa Blanca. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for:

• Ibex – Nimble mountain goats which are enjoying a resurgence of numbers in northern Costa Blanca’s mountainous areas.
• Flamingos – These elegant pink birds visit the salt pans of Torrevieja to breed in the summer.
• Foxes – Known as “zorro”, these familiar creatures are less common in Spain but can be sighted at night, most commonly on small country roads between villages.
• Marine life – Take a snorkelling trip from the Costa Blanca to encounter rays, octopus and even conger eels.

Discover the wildlife of the Costa Blanca from a self-catered apartment on Torrevieja beach. Book your stay with LosLocosBeach.com today.