my torrevieja diary

The pirates come to town!

It’s incredible how fast a year goes by. As of this weekend, the tapas route is rolling around again in Torrevieja. This year, 61 bars and restaurants participate, competing to win the prize for the best of these so very typical Spanish sacks.

They are divided into two categories: tapas caseras and tapas gourmet. The former cost €2 incl. a drink and the latter €2.50. And I have to say, that the gourmet ones get more and more elaborate. I find nothing wrong with the good, old standby of a juicy piece of tortilla or a saucer of boquerones, but if you fancy green tinted mini burgers nothing stands in your way.

Last year’s tapas route was under the theme of a treasure hunt and this year’s stands under the star of pirates. Most appropriate for a sea side town like Torrevieja, close to the pirate island of Tabarca.

So, it’s not only the tapas you can enjoy but also a pirate themed little market in the Plaza de la Constitucion and Calle Caballero de Rosas.

I went yesterday afternoon when it wasn’t as crowded as it will be today and found plenty of stalls selling trinkets which were much nicer and more unusual than those which abound in the countless markets all over the towns and villages on the Costa Blanca. You won’t have to starve either, grilled sausages, meat, pulpo and sweets are to be found in the plaza.

Given that few people were around, the stall keepers were delighted to pose in their colourful costumes and to let me take pictures of the treasure troves which are their wares.

You can still visit all of next week and sample special tapas this and the  next weekend. On top of it, after so many days of rain, wind, cold and generally miserable weather the sun is shining again.