Pascual Flores

Salt, wind, and tales of the sea

The Pascual Flores is more than a ship; it is an icon of the sailing tradition and maritime history of Torrevieja. Built in 1917 and meticulously restored between 2005 and 2008, this floating museum, with its three masts and 400 m² of sail, pays homage to the pailebotes that once transported salt, fruit, and goods across the Mediterranean and beyond.

A Maritime Treasure from Torrevieja

Since the 18th century, the city of Torrevieja has played a key role in the salt trade, thanks to its nearby salt lakes. This "white gold" was so highly prized that it was shipped to faraway destinations. By the early 20th century, the city had become home to the largest sailing fleet in the Mediterranean, with hundreds of vessels, including 64 pailebotes like the Pascual Flores. These ships carried salt across the seas, helping Torrevieja thrive as a maritime hub.

A New Life for an Old Icon

By the late 20th century, the story of the Pascual Flores seemed nearly over. Worn down and forgotten, the ship spent its final days in England. But in 1999, the city of Torrevieja stepped in to save it. Through careful restoration, led by master shipbuilder Antonio Carrasco, every detail—from the masts to the hull—was lovingly restored, returning the ship to its former glory and enabling it to sail the world’s oceans once more.

A Floating Museum Full of Stories

Today, the Pascual Flores sails again, now as an ambassador for Torrevieja. The ship visits ports around the globe, participates in maritime festivals, and shares the story of the salt trade and sailing traditions. With a length of over 34 meters and a 26-meter mast, the Pascual Flores is an awe-inspiring sight in any harbor.