Things to do and places to see in Spain
Take a look at some of things to do and places to visit within the area. There is plenty to see and do and something to suit everyone.
Villamartin Plaza
Los Dolses Plaza
Orihuela Costa Resort
BBQ's on the Sundeck
Torrevieja
Terra Mitica Theme Park
La Manga Lagoon - Medicinal Waters
Aquapolis Water Park & Safari Park
Go-Carting
Cheers Bar
Stables
Villamartin Plaza
Villamartin Plaza is just a 10-15 minute walk from our apartment.
The plaza contains many restaurants, including English, German, Indian, Chinese, Taiwan, Italian & Swedish. The Winchester bar does English breakfast for 5.95 Euro's. Evening meal prices vary from a 3 course Chinese banquet for 9 Euro each to steaks at various restaurants for approx. 12-18 Euro. See the Hesketh family enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants!
Bars in the Plaza include a sports bar (where betting is available), a karaoke bar, pool & bowling.
Many of the bars have live music and entertainment from ‘Elvis’ to ‘Blues Brothers’ tributes.
There is also a supermarket, banks, clinic and gift shops at the Plaza.
There is a taxi rank at Villamartin Plaza who charge approximately 7 Euro to La Zenia beach and 5 Euro to the apartment. There is a bus service, which operates to various local beaches.
There is also an English resident living on Lomas Del Golf who operates a personal taxi service for the English. His rates are far cheaper charging only 5 Euros to La Zenia beach from the apartment.
The atmosphere is wonderful in the evening and throughout the day parrots sing from the top of the palm trees.
The closest bar to the apartment is ‘Cheers Bar’ which is a 5 minute walk through the stables. There are also more restaurants and bars down at ‘Blue Lagoon’ which is a 5-minute walk from the Cheers bar.
Los Dolses Plaza
This new plaza has a bank, German, Indian, Chinese, Greek and Spanish restaurants, hairdressers, supermarket, bars and more to come.
Orihuela Costa Resort
Just 8 minutes drive from the apartment and 5 minutes walk from La Zenia beach, the Hotel-Restaurant Orihuela Costa is situated in La Zenia Sports centre in playa Orihuela.
With its 16,000 m2 it offers you the possibility of enjoying comprehensive facilities, open spaces, terraces, with bar service and attractive gardens, all this in a typical Mediterranean landscape. The Hotel-Restaurant Orihuela Costa is free to enter and has a gym of about 120m2. Sauna, Massage rooms, three tennis courts, squash court & basketball court.
It also boasts a large swimming pool, kids pool and hundreds of sun loungers available, again free of charge.
In the restaurant, which offers International cuisine, you will eat the best shellfish, meat and fish, and will be able to choose from a selection of 150 wines, which are kept in the Cellar. These have been selected by the best Wine taster of Cava and Champagne.
The main road which runs through La Zenia, Cabo Roig and Campoamar is called ‘The Strip’ and has many bars, restaurants and shops. There is also go-karting and other children’s attractions.
BBQ's on the Sundeck
The side of the apartment or sundeck is an extensive secure area which is ideal for bbq's and parties. The sundeck is a sun trap from approx lunchtime to sunset. Summer temperatures can reach in excess of 35° in this area. Not to worry though you can cool off in the external shower or take a dip in our nearest pool which is a 15 second walk from the apartment. See the owners getting ready for a bbq and a few Sangria's!
Torrevieja
The bustling coastal town of Torrevieja is situated about 45 kms south of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. An old fishing town with it's own harbour and fishing fleet is busy all year round. You will find lots of shops, great restaurants, a large selection of bars and nightlife.
Wonder along the beautiful new Promenade of Torrevieja and enjoy the atmosphere of the evening craft market or sit at one of the pavement cafes and watch the world go by.
The Friday market is one of the largest in Europe and you will find everything here from genuine Spanish handicrafts, to low priced leather goods, shoes, textiles, silver and a huge variety of fresh local produce.
The coast is lined with beaches of fine sand, providing a complete range of beach activities. 7 of these beaches are EU Blue Flag beaches providing clean and safe fun for all the family.
Torrevieja has an average of 320 days a year of sunshine. The World Health Organisation recommends Torrevieja as having one of the healthiest climates in the world. This is caused by the combination of constant year round warm temperatures and the two huge salt lakes at the edge of town, rich in minerals. The natural salt lakes dry the air, therefore reducing humidity and producing a healthy atmosphere, especially to arthritis suffers.
Torrevieja has a superb selection of sports for the enthusiast, including sailing, diving, tennis, bowls, athletics, football and a gymnasium. With several Championship golf courses around Torrevieja, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a golfing holiday. You can take a boat ride to the island of Tabarca where you can scuba dive or sail along the coast. Boat rides are available from the port of Torrevieja, as well as fishing trips.
There are no package holidays to Torrevieja, all properties in the area are privately owned villas and apartments.
Torrevieja, situated next to the sea in the south of the Valencian Community is surrounded by two beautiful and large natural saltwater lagoons which form the well-known "Salterns of Torrevieja" considered the biggest in Europe and second in the world. 47 Kms. from Alicante, the provincial capital, and about 35 Kms from the international airports of El Altet and San Javier it stands out for its conversion in recent years into a first-class tourist centre.
The typical plate par excellence in Torrevieja is the "Caldero", the ingredients of which are basically fish of different types and rice with the juice of the fish and this you can eat anywhere in town.
Other dishes with typical sea flavour are rice with fresh anchovy, cooked codfish, red bream, mackerel, ray and other fish, which are prepared with love in the different restaurants.
As far as the international kitchen is concerned, all of them are represented in Torrevieja: the Italian, French, German, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Scandinavian, Serbien, Croatian, Mexican, etc. in numerous specialized restaurants.
There are also specialized restaurants that represent the kitchen of the different Spanish regions.
BENIDORM is only approx. 1hour 15 mins from the apartment. It is known as the ‘Blackpool’ of the Costa Blanca with many attractions and masses of entertainment including:
- Bars, restaurants & night-clubs
- Live Music
- Comedians
- Fun Fairs
- Quad Biking
- Go-Karting
- ‘Sticky Vicky'
- Hypnotists
- Children’s Entertainers & Clowns
- Waterparks
- Terra Natura – Much more than a Zoo
And much, much more……
Terra Mitica Theme Park
The biggest theme park in the Mediterranean. Terra Mitica has something for everyone. Terra Mitica is a theme park unique in the world. A fascinating journey through the Mediterranean's five most legendary civilisations: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and the Islands.
La Manga Lagoon - Medicinal Waters
Take a medicinal bath in the waters of the lagoon at La Manga, which have curative properties, recommended for heart trouble, rheumatism & respiratory ailments.
Aquapolis Water Park & Safari Park
If the kids get bored just playing by the pool or on the beach why not visit the Aquapolis water park, safari park (near Santa Pola), caves (at Canelobre), a boat trip or there is a funfair by Torrevieja marina throughout the summer. Why not try a day in the beautiful countryside with the mountains, plains, pine woods, olive and almond trees, orange and lemon groves plus 2 large salt lakes. Aquapolis is a great day out for all the family. It has Rapids, Kamikaze & Zig Zag water slides. Wave Pool, Swimming Pools & Infants Pool. Jacuzzi, Mini Golf, Restaurant, Cafeteria & lots more.
Go-Carting
Just 10 minutes drive from the apartment on the N332. A fantastic track with cafe-bar, viewing gallery and fun fair for the little ones! The go carts cater for ages from 3 years old plus. 400cc Honda's are available for adults. Be warned they are seriously fast! See the Bingham family at the finishing line.... Chris Bingham has put both his son in laws to shame! (I thought scouse lads are supposed to be good behind the wheel?)
Cheers Bar
'Cheers Bar' is a lively English owned bar with very friendly staff, just a short walk from the apartment. All sports events are shown here! They have great entertainment on throughout the summer months nearly every night of the week. It overlooks the San Miguel Bowls Club so it's a nice venue during the day to chill out if you fancy a quiet one.
Stables
The stables are situated at the front of the apartment. It is lovely to see the horses trot past as you are enjoying a cold beer at the side of the apartment. The kids love the stables! Go see Mustafa who is very friendly (speaks English) to arrange trekking through the orange and lemon groves. Only approx 25 Euros.
