The promenade

The promenade is the spine of Torre del Mar on the sea side. It runs the length of the town, it is flat and paved end to end, and it is used all year rather than only in season.

What is on it

The chiringuitos, the beach bars where the espetos are cooked over wood fires in beached boats, along with terraces, play areas and the access points down to the sand. At the eastern end is the lighthouse; at the western end the beach continues towards the open coast.

Reading the flags

Spanish beaches fly a flag for bathing conditions: green for safe, yellow for caution and red for no swimming. Red is not advice, it is a prohibition, and the levante wind can raise the sea here quickly in the afternoon. Check the flag before going in, not after.

Practical

• There is very little shade on the sand. Bring your own or use a beach bar.
• The evening walk is a real institution. From around eight the whole town is out here, and it is the best hour to understand the place.
• Dogs have their own stretch of beach, which is listed separately, because they are not allowed on the main beach in season.