Calle Ramon Gallud Walk
One of the main roads running through Torrevieja city centre is Calle Ramon Gallud. I find it surprising how few visitors to Torrevieja actually venture into the city, ok let’s face it Torrevieja is a predominantly working city and much of it is high rise apartment blocks, but for those that do drag themselves away from the beach areas, there are a some little gems to discover that may even save you a few cents. Being a new resident in Torrevieja I have been determined to learn as much of my new city as I can, and to do that I stroll the streets in no great hurry, just looking for the kind of places many tourists miss. So far the city’s main road, Avenida de las Habaneras has been a favourite haunt, with its many lovely tapas bars, 2 large supermarkets and handy 24hr mini marts as well as loads of different shops and boutiques. I have only ventured half way along Calle Ramon Gallud but it was well worth the walk.
Starting from Calle Apolo with the beach on your right you find TelePizza on the right, and a bit further, on the left is the famous La Marisqueria de Torrevieja that is easily recognisable by the giant prawn statue outside. They offer fish and seafood of all types but specialise in mouth watering seafood platters in a range of sizes and variations, I’m determined to tackle the one for 4 people but until I get a pay rise, will stick to my favourite tapas restaurant, Euro Mania which is right across the street and has a small sign so look out for the tables and chairs on the pavement. This place is what I’m talking about when I mention gems, with over 100 varieties of tapas starting from 1€ and getting no higher than 3€ you can fill your plate with several tasty treats for 5€ and have to have a rest before attempting to get up !! All the food is cooked fresh, in a glass walled kitchen and their delightful little rolls come out still oven warm with a lovely crunch.
Continuing on, next to Euro Mania is a Dominos Pizza and a bit further is a blast from the past, a Video Club, that actually has DVD’s and is a welcome change from buying dodgy ones from the beach traders. Have a party or wedding to go to, on the left is a Dry Cleaners and after that just dreary old residential buildings, their monotony being broken by the sweet sound of canaries and budgies coming from the rickety balconies above. A couple of blocks on there is a park and children’s play area with an old fashioned tuck shop that I was surprised to find sold beer, but then, you have to keep the adults amused while the kids are playing. Further on is another park with a large ship’s anchor and waterfall as a centre piece, and a rotisserie chicken take away that smells delicious. Calle Ramon Gallud then takes a left bend and becomes Calle la Sal which is right by Los Locos Beach.