Orihuela Costa - A Home From Home

People
Orihuela Costa covers a vibrant, cosmopolitan section of the southern Costa Blanca, which has become a popular spot for tourists and foreign investors of all nationalities. The district takes in six principal areas: Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Villamartin, Cabo Roig, Compamor, Mil Palmeras, with several smaller villages dotted in between, and a population of approximately 35 500 people. It has a relatively low Spanish population compared with the traditional and historic centre, with over half of its inhabitants being British, although Spanish culture is still respected and reflected through the many businesses, services, customs and fiestas taking place throughout the year. If you are keen on relocating to a warmer country with a Mediterranean ambience, yet anxious about the language barrier, cultural disparities and distance from all of your beloved home comforts, then Orihuela Costa offers the perfect compromise.

Climate
The coastline enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with cool seas breezes helping to take the sting out of the hot summer, whilst surrounding mountains serve to protect from the cold north winds during the winter. According to official statistics, the area averages almost 3 000 hours of sunshine each year, that equated to 325 sunny days, with average temperatures easily reaching 22 degrees. In 1986, the World Health Organization declared the “White Coast” to be one of the most equitable in the world – neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter, boasting the ideal conditions for a long, healthy life- another great reason to start packing your bags!

Culture
Orihuela Costa is proud of its thriving, multicultural society, welcoming residents and visitors from all nationalities, hailing from all walks of life. Recent media attention has dubbed the area “Little Britain”, although the label is quite erroneous, dismissing not only the native population but also the other 69 nationalities which are represented here, including large numbers of Irish, Russian, Scandinavian and German nationals. This will give you the opportunity to socialize and make friends with a broad spectrum of people, learning about various cultures, not only Spanish, and even picking up some of their native lingo too should you wish. International residents are candidly welcomed to join in with the local Spanish holidays and other activities, as well as being invited to share their own fiestas with the community. Traditions such as St Patrick’s, St Andrew’s, St David’s and St George’s Day, Burn’s Night, Oktoberfest, Halloween and Bonfire night to name but a few, which were not previously acknowledged in the Spanish fiesta calendar are now celebrated with street parades, markets, games, parties and special menus at the local bars and restaurants. It is a truly beautiful sight to see so many people respecting and enjoying each other’s culture and traditions, and something which you will rarely experience to the same degree anywhere else in Europe!

Media
The harmonious image of Orihuela Costa has been blotted by media sensationalism in recent years, with horror stories about the crime rate, sanitation and unscrupulous construction companies, alongside of scandal within the Town Hall being among those that have thrust the area into the spotlight. Whilst many of the early reports did contain some degree of truth there has since been an element of propaganda and exaggerated claims which have only served to disturb the peace and burst the bubble for the hundreds of happy expats that have travelled to make a new life there. Thankfully, many of the issues that arose during the onset of the recession have since been resolved, with residents pulling together again to make their adopted home a happier, safer place to live. The crime rate has witnessed a significant drop thanks to the increased Police presence, greater awareness and invaluable input of the Neighbourhood Watch Association; and the majority of cowboy builders and other illegal/ dishonest service providers have been forced out of business, leaving the genuine companies to create a reliable, competitive market.

Beaches
Whether you are a keen golfer, shopaholic or sun worshipper, you will never be stuck for things to do in Orihuela Costa, with Go-Karting, surfing, hiking, cycling and lazing on one of its many sun-drenched beaches among the activities that it has to offer. The area spans16 kilometres of glorious coastline, with the landscape ranging from rugged rock faces jutting out over deep blue waters, to fine white sandy beaches, and coves providing the perfect conditions for a gentle swim. Orihuela Costa is a popular location for all types of water sports, such as scuba diving, sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing and kayaking, as well as providing a favourable spot for anglers. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, which year after year are awarded with “Q for Quality” flags granting them international recognition for superb consumer standards of prestige, reliability, commitment and distinction. Each of the beaches has something different to offer in terms of characteristics and facilities, and if you wish to make a day of it, they are close enough together to be able to meander between them, enjoying the benefits of each.

Playa Flamenca- Bordered by the Torrevieja beach of Punta Prima in the north and La Zenia travelling south, this is one of the busiest locations in Orihuela Costa’s beach network. It features 150 metres of golden sands, with an average width of 16 metres, making it popular with swimmers and sun seekers alike. The beachfront zone in Playa Flamenca has recently been refurbished to create a pleasant promenade, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants serving international cuisine, with ample parking to make the beach more accessible to all. Useful facilities include disabled access, telephone, play area, toilets and foot-washing facilities, a life-guard tower and a Red Cross station which are attended during the summer. There is also a bus stop and taxi rank nearby.
La Zenia- There is always plenty going on at La Zenia beach, which is a particularly good reference for the practicing of all sorts of water sports. The sandy stretch covers 350 metres of coastline and is 60 metres wide, with disabled access, toilet facilities, foot washing stations, public telephone, parking, play area and a Red Cross station. There is a regular bus service operating throughout the area and taxi rank nearby, with a multitude of shops, bars and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Cabo Roig- Travelling a little further south, you will come to Cabo Roig and its cove shaped beach featuring 420 metres of golden sands, which is accessed by newly refurbished ramps and stairs. The coveted “Blue Flag” is awarded here most every year, with the neighbouring marina also being honoured with the prestigious symbol of quality and cleanliness.
Dehesa de Campoamor- The network of beaches in Campoamor are extremely attractive, and popular with tourists of all nationalities, particularly the Spanish who flock here from Murcia, Alicante and Madrid, throughout the summer. Playa de La Glea, also known as the “Big Beach”, is the largest in Campoamor, and the best-equipped, welcoming hoards of visitors during high season and a constant string of residents from nearby urbanizations throughout the year. Meanwhile, holidaymakers from the interior of the Murcia and Alicante regions, who return religiously each summer making for an incredibly friendly, relaxed atmosphere, typically frequent Playa de Barranco Rubio, or the “Small Beach”.
Mil Palmeras- Finally, Mil Palmeras is a natural beach located close to Campoamor and well known for its fine white sands and recurring Blue Flag status. The beach gains access to excellent car parking facilities, disabled access, toilets and foot-washing facilities, a lifeguard tower and a Red Cross station. It is perhaps the most calm and secluded stretch in Orihuela Costa, with crystal clear waters and rippling rock pools offering the perfect conditions for bathing.

Golf
If you are a golf enthusiast, then Orihuela Costa could be your answer to paradise. There are three exclusive courses in the district: Real Club de Golf Campoamor, Las Ramblas, Club de Golf Villamartin, and an additional eleven fairways located within a short drive away, giving you plenty of scope to perfect your swing! Each course has its own unique charm presenting various challenges, and with so many to chose from it is quite easy for golfers to select a route that best suits their profile, satisfying the needs of even the most advanced players. Real Club de Golf Campoamor is considered one of the best courses in the Mediterranean, annually playing host to the prestigious competition named after HRH D. Juan de Borbón Count of Barcelona. Meanwhile the course at Villamartin is the oldest and most established in the region, featuring few undulations but with a lot of variety. The greens are smooth and fast protected by bunkers on the course, making them quite tough; although with wide, comfortable fairways this course is ideal for players of any handicap.

Zenia Boulevard
If a day on the fairway does not measure up to your idea of a good time, then maybe a trip to the amazing Zenia Boulevard will be more up your street. With over 150 shops and an endless choice of international bars and eateries, the Boulevard is the largest shopping centre in the province of Alicante, providing a great day out for all of the family!

This buzzing metropolis features quaint paved streets, charming squares, fountains and well tended plants and gardens, along with daily concerts, children’s entertainment and other events. With the addition of a free health and fitness park where you can exercise, rest zones for relaxation, a giant LED screen showing all major sporting events and lively funfair to keep the kids happy, it is certainly my definition of a shopper’s heaven! The centre is home to a range of stores to suit every need, from exclusive labels such as Guess, Geox, Vía di Milano (Armani, Dolce & Gabbana), Astoria (Meex, Hugo Boss, CK), Z&A (Tommy and Lacoste), to high street favourites Zara, Lefties, H&M, C&A, Primark and Massimo Dutti. There is also a huge “Alcampo” superstore, Decathlon sports shop, Media Markt and Conforama for electrical goods, an out of hours pharmacy taking care of your health and well being, and Leroy Merlin to support you with all of your DIY projects.

You might prefer to skip the shopping and head to the Boulevard for a bite to eat instead, with the choice of popular restaurant chains offering something to suit every palate, including Muerde la Pasta, Burger King, Lizarrán, 100 Montaditos, Wok Center, Foster´s Hollywood, Good Rices Arrocería y Pizzería, Tommy Mel´s, Subway, Ché! Ristorante Italiano, La Tagliattella and la Tapería Dos Hermanas.

Finally, the Bowling Alley and Casinos del Mediterraneo will provide hours of entertainment and may help to round off your evening on a high note if you strike it lucky.

Shopping, Dining and More!
Zenia Boulevard is not the only venue for shopping in Orihuela Costa, as there are also a series of smaller commercial centres dotted along the coast, each with their own character and charm. Wherever you are in Playa Flamenca, you will not be far away from a shopping zone. Flamenca Beach Commercial Centre is the largest in the network, hosting a variety of shops restaurants and bars, with free live entertainment to be enjoyed seven nights per week during the summer. Next door to this you will find the smaller La Mosca CC and superb Supercor Supermarket, with the friendly Citrus CC hidden just around the corner. There is a further collection of establishments across the road which is called Horizonte Commercial Centre, and additional shops and restaurants scattered throughout Playa Flamenca urbanisation alongside Mercadona and the Town Hall. La Campana CC can be found when heading slightly north on the N332, and is home to a very popular patisserie and various furniture stores. Additional supermarkets in the Playa Flamenca zone include Carrefour, Lidl and Aldi. Playa Flamenca is also the venue for a thriving street market every Saturday morning, where you can purchase a broad spectrum of items, from clothing and leather goods to fruit and vegetables. Villamartin Plaza is a beautiful commercial centre where you may shop, dine and watch the world go by whilst listening to the parrots calling in the palm trees above. Finally, the famous Cabo Roig strip is lined with a multitude of shops, eateries serving all types of cuisine from fine dining to kebabs for the walk home; and bars to suit every occasion, from cocktail lounges to live music venues. Cabo Roig is certainly a town that never sleeps, with the summer months being particularly manic, so if its action that you are looking for then why not start the search for your dream home right here?