The Orihuela Costa
Orihuela Costa is actually some distance (20 kilometres) away from the city of Orihuela itself. The coastline comprises approximately 16km of fine sandy beaches, rocky coves and clear sparkling waters and stretches from Punta Prima (just south of Torrevieja) to Mil Palmeras. This area has become one of the most popular destinations in the region for a summer holiday, attracting visitors from all over Europe. The Spaniards themselves also love this part of the coast particularly those from Murcia who love to go to the Orihuela Costa in August to enjoy the wonderful facilities there and to mingle with other holidaymakers who are attracted by the wonderful, safe "blue flag" beaches and the fine climate.
The Orihuela Costa consists of some well known and popular resorts including Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Punta Prima, Campoamor and Villamartin. These resorts are all situated along the N332 coastal road between Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada and can be easily accessed from this road and from the AP-7 motorway.
The Orihuela Costa enjoys a wonderful temperate climate and has been said to be one of the healthiest places on earth to live! It enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year and has an average temperature of around 20 degrees centigrade and very low rainfall. July and August typically see the highest temperatures when it is not unknown to reach 40 degrees. In winter it rarely drops below 10 degrees.
Cabo Roig: One of the most exclusive and popular of the Orihuela Costa. Cabo Roig is very busy during the summer months but tends to be quiet during the winter time. This resort has plenty to offer! There are 2 fine beaches (Cala Caleta and Cala Capitan) and amazing views over the Mediterranean Sea to La Manga. The famous Cabo Roig strip runs along the N332 through the heart of Cabo Roig and it is where you will find some of the best entertainment in the area. There is a superb marina a spectacular and picturesque cliff walk to La Zenia, and a wide choice of shops, bars and restaurants. For the golf enthusiast it is worth noting that Cabo Roig is just a short drive from 3 local golf courses at Las Ramblas, Campoamor and Villamartin.
Playa Flamenca: This is another very popular area of the Orihuela coast and also has a lovely beach. The seafront of Playa Flamenca has recently undergone some major improvement works including the modernisation of the coastal path and promenade. Playa Flamenca is also a golfers dream with access to the same 3 beautiful championship courses of international prestige. The superb Saturday market at Playa Flamenca is just a short walk from the Mercadona supermarket. It is held from 8am - 2pm and can get very crowded, but this is a great place for bargain hunting and for picking up good quality fruit and vegetables. Playa Flamenca also incorporates the villages of La Florida and Las Chismosas. Playa Flamenca is perfectly located for visiting the whole of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida region and is located very close to the AP-7 motorway for access to the airports at Murcia (San Javier) and Alicante.
La Zenia: This is another well loved resort boasting two fine beaches and great facilities. Both beaches have ‘blue flag’ status and are well cared for and maintained. In the summer months you will find a number of water sports being offer on La Zenia beach. La Zenia is the location of the famous Paddy's Point bar, one of the best known bars along the Costa Blanca, popular with the Irish. La Zenia is located between the towns of Cabo Roig and Playa Flamenca and as such is handy for many of the same facilities. La Zenia is a popular and desirable holiday location. A particularly great feature is the picturesque cliff walk to Cabo Roig, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea towards the sports resort of La Manga. La Zenia currently has a good range of shops, bars and restaurants and a new commercial centre being developed close to the motorway junction. This will greatly improve the range of facilities available for visitors to the area.
Punta Prima: Located towards the Torrevieja end of the Orihuela Costa, Punta Prima is another excellent resort. Recognisable by the landmark water tower along the N332 it is well known for its Go-Kart track and its car boot sales. Punta Prima also has a very pleasant beach area. The sand is fine & white and there are all the usual beach facilities available to ensure a fun time, sun beds and sun shades to rent, pedallos, jet skis, volley ball nets, foot showers and WC's, bars and snack bars for that much needed refreshment.
Campoamor: Boasts two super beaches and excellent facilities, it is close to the fabulous Cabo Roig strip with its great choice of bars and restaurants. With water sports, soft sand, a smooth gradient into the blue sea, beach bars, restaurants as well as a marina. There is no need to stray to the other great beaches in the area. Slightly inland is the famous Campoamor Golf Club. There are football pitches, tennis courts and a Wellness centre which are attracting use by several top football clubs. There is also a nautical club where all kinds of water sports are available.
Villamartin: Villamartin Golf is the most established and best known of the 3 local courses. Villamartin is a championship course and hosted the 1994 Mediterranean Open. The Par 72 course was designed by Paul Pullman and opened in 1972 it has a playing distance of 5,259 metres from the red tee and 6,037 metres from the yellow tee, the green fees start from 56 Euros. The famous Villamartin Plaza has a huge number of bars and restaurants and is the ideal spot for that "special night out". Villamartin also incorporates the villages of Blue Lagoon and El Galan with its variety of older more established properties.
If you are looking to buy a property in Villamartin or any of the Orihuela Costa resorts you will find that there is plenty of choice available and you should have no problem finding a suitable property.