There has been quite a bit of excitement around Paseo del Mar in Torrevieja, and having seen the finished development, I can understand why.
For years, this part of the port was somewhere most people simply walked past. Now it has been opened up and turned into a large waterfront leisure and restaurant area, with shops, cafés, a cinema, bowling and plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by.
Paseo del Mar officially opened on 11 June 2026 although there is still lots of work going on, not all units are filled yet. But it is already changing the way people use this part of Torrevieja. The development has around 10,500 square metres of commercial space and 27 leisure and restaurant units, with an investment of more than €60 million. There is also a large underground car park with more than 650 spaces, but its not free.
But is it actually worth visiting?
I went to have a look at what is there, what you can eat, where you can shop and, perhaps most importantly, what people are saying about it now that the initial excitement has started to settle down.
First impressions of Paseo del Mar
The first thing you notice is that this doesn’t feel like a traditional shopping centre. This isnt really a shopping centre more of a oversized food court that you would find on the top floor of any shopping centre in the UK or upstairs in La Zenia Boulevard.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but honestly I really was hoping for a little more.
When you go in to the centre on the ground floor its all a little empty still. There are Bars and restaurants fully open with a few shops, at one end. But there is lots of space and during the day does seem a little dark inside. Yes its cool and shaded but still feels like its missing some.thing
This wasn’t my first trip I don’t live to far but I gave it a bit of time before really writing what I think. My opinion still may change once the whole thing is fully complete and there is still a lot of work to do here.
What I tried to keep in mind is this is all about the port and the waters edge (which I will come to later), not what’s inside the centre.
The Ground Floor
When you walk in from the promenade the first 2 big chain restaurants you see is Taco Bell and KFC. I think this was a good move to give these companies these units. These was always going to be fast food chains here but when it comes to location they haven’t been able to use money to get prime sea views, keeping people in them longer. (Although McDonalds hasn’t got a bad spot).
The Shops At Paseo del Mar
To the Right is where you find the few shops that are in the centre. There are only a few these include Ale-Hop, Koala Bay, Wave The Wave, And a sweat shop that I forgot to take a picture of.
ALE-HOP
ALE-HOP is probably the shop most people will recognise immediately.
The Spanish retailer has a huge range of gifts, gadgets, home items, stationery, toys, accessories and plenty of things you didn’t know you needed until you walked past them.
Koala Bay
Koala Bay is a natural fit for the location.
The brand is all about casual clothing and the sort of relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle that suits Torrevieja particularly well.
Wave The Wave
Wave The Wave is perhaps the least familiar name to some visitors.
It specialises in jewellery, costume jewellery and accessories, including bags, hair accessories and other fashion pieces.
This is where I think it is important to be honest.
No, I wouldn’t make a special trip to Paseo del Mar if your main objective is serious shopping.
There simply aren’t enough shops, maybe more will open in the few units that are still empty. I would like to remind you that the night market is set to return so there will be more shopping with around 140 stalls. So I may have a different opinion once they are back.
The restaurants are where things get interesting
Past the shops and on to the waters edge and the Paseo del Mar really comes into its own.
There is a childrens play area in the middle over looking the water that is still under construction and will bring a great play area to the City as there are lots of residential houses in the area.
Tobarca Island Mooring
The Harbour houses the mooring for the boat to Tabarca Island making the Paseo del Mar a great place to end a day. there isn’t many cheap places to eat on the island making the centre a great place to end a long day.
The Harbour
The Harbour is aimed more towards the evening crowd, combining food, drinks, cocktails and a sports-bar atmosphere.
This feels like one of the places that could become particularly busy once people have finished dinner and want somewhere to carry on for a drink.
Amorino
Amorino Torrevieja is an artisanal Italian gelato shop. They sell a wide range of posh icecreams
Mocca del Mar
The menu includes pinsa romana, fresh pasta, antipasti, meat and fish, along with Italian wines, spritzes and cocktails.
Second Floor
Back in to the centre and up the stairs and its all still a little dark, although there is a little more light from sky lights letting in some well needed light.
NeoCine Premium Cinema
Neocine has added a modern cinema experience to the port, giving Torrevieja another option for an evening out. There are 4 screens here that are showing all the latest films throughout the day.
Ozone Bowling
Ozone Bowling gives families and groups something else to do, with bowling and other entertainment rather than simply another row of tables.
This is particularly useful in the summer when you have visitors who don’t want to spend every evening sitting in a restaurant. It also gives Paseo del Mar a bit more of a family destination feel.
Come for dinner, go bowling and then have an ice cream afterwards.
Fosters Hollywood
Fosters Hollywood is a Spanish chain that sells American style food. These are all over and the food is okay and resonably priced. Portions are normally fairly large.
Casa Carmen
Another large Spanish Chain is Casa Carmen. From the outside it looks attractive.
It has a good position and the sort of smart appearance you would expect from a restaurant overlooking the harbour. From what I have seen the food looked good but some reviews wasn’t so kind.
McDonalds
Last of the big chain restaurants McDonalds has a prime spot although it still hasn’t a view over the harbour. Although it can be clearly seen from the promenade and has good see views.
Saona
Saona is another Mediterranean option and probably one of the easiest choices for a group because there is a broad menu rather than one particular speciality.
The restaurant combines Mediterranean dishes with more modern influences and also offers set menus, which can make choosing a little easier.
Lateral
Lateral is one of the more stylish-looking options at Paseo del Mar and concentrates on Spanish-style tapas and sharing dishes.
Brasaylena
This is a Brazilian restaurant based around rodizio-style dining, with grilled meats served at the table. Its also all you can eat.
I have eaten here myself and some of the dishes wasn’t as good I had hoped for. The service wasn’t great and items on the menu wasn’t given out when you order them.
I will give them a second chance as the restaurant had only been only open for a couple of weeks when I visited. With the summer out the way I’m guessing staff are a little more battle ready and service will be much smoother.
What About Parking?
Parking has always been something worth thinking about in central Torrevieja, particularly during the busy summer months.
Paseo del Mar has a large underground car park with more than 650 spaces. Meaning you don’t have to drive around the centre of Torrevieja looking for a space before going down to the port.
It is also easily walkable from the town centre, which is probably how I would arrive if I were already spending time around the seafront.
Public Transport
Just a short want from the centre you will find the main local bus stop for all buses in and around Torrevieja. Literally every bus line starts or ends here so if you are out in town and drinking you wont need to drive or rely on expensive taxis. Find out which line best suits you getting into the port here.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Yes, but I’d change the reason why you visit. If you are looking for a huge shopping centre, there are better places to go. However this may change as I said earlier when the market returns. If you want somewhere to spend a few hours, it makes much more sense. There are enough options to make your visit as short or as long as you want.
I will try the restaurants again but I will wait a little longer until the restaurants have had time to get up to speed. If nothing here floats your boat then check out other bars and restaurants in the area here.
