Orihuela Costa

We’ve all heard of the Costa Del Sol, The Costa Blanca and the Costa Verde but how many have heard of the Orihuela Costa?  Well it’s not a Costa in the truest sense, it’s 16km of coast in the very south of the Costa Blanca, Alicante region.

Forty years ago it was farmland and coastal scrub land with a very small collection of properties in La Zenia, now it’s a very large town divided into several separate areas; Dehesa de Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Zenia, Playa Flamenca and Punta Prima along the coast and Los Altos, Villamartin, Los Dolses and Campoamor further back 9plus some others too).  Although often wrongly classified as part of the town of Torrevieja the area actually comes under the control of the town hall in the city of Orihuela, some 20km inland, hence the name.  Its popularity with ex-pats from across northern Europe means there is a diverse population.

With the exception of the Dehesa de Campoamor and some parts of Punta Prima, this stretch of coast is notable for the absence of high rise development and has few commercial hotels.  For those wishing to tailor make their own holidays by renting private villas or apartments the Orihuela Costa is a perfect choice.  A Place in the Sun magazine named it in their top ten places to buy a holiday rental property (but for reasons known only to themselves they called part of Torrevieja!).  The resorts are an all year round destination for holiday makers, thanks to the milder winters, blue flag sandy beaches and the famous golf courses of Villamartin, Campoamor, Las Ramblas and the newest addition, Las Colinas.  There is also a much lesser known ‘course’ for the less accomplished in Playa Flamenca – a 9 hole mini golf course on the roof of a commercial centre with sea views!

The sandy beaches are the main attraction for holiday makers, several have blue flags and there are also some quieter coves, including a ‘playa naturista’ for those who prefer the all over tan.  You can walk along the coastal path for the entire 16km, stopping for refreshment at the small cafes along the route.  The path takes in low cliffs, steps, promenades, natural areas and two sports marinas.

If you like to shop then La Zenia is the place to be!  Zenia Boulevard, the largest coastal shopping centre, opened in 2012.  Boasting 150 shops, bars and restaurants, plus a children’s play zone, several ‘squares’ (one with dancing fountains), a casino, a bowling alley, free parking and free daily entertainment, it has rapidly become the main centre for all events on the Orihuela Costa.  There are plenty of other smaller commercial centres around the area too, including the well-known Villamartin Plaza.

Enjoying a wonderful temperate climate, it is said to be one of the healthiest places on earth to live. It enjoys over 320 days of sunshine every year and has an average temperature of around 20 degrees centigrade with very low rainfall, and in winter rarely dropping below 10 degrees.

Playa Flamenca is also home to a go-kart centre, a small seasonal fun fair, and the largest street market in Orihuela Costa takes place every Saturday.  There is a smaller market in Cabo Roig on Thursdays.  Horse riding is available at Campoamor and water sports at both Campoamor and Cabo Roig marinas.  Sea fishing can be done from several rocky coastal points or you can take a trip on a boat.  From Punta Prima you can walk along undeveloped coast-line alongside a palm plantation to the edge of Torrevieja.

Just a short drive away can be found all the attractions of Torrevieja, including the water park and walks around the salt lakes.  Inland you can find citrus groves, traditional villages and lovely countryside.