Orihuela Costa – Complete Visitor Guide
1. Beaches
Orihuela Costa is home to some of the best beaches on the southern Costa Blanca, many awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness, safety, and facilities. The coastline alternates between long sandy beaches and smaller coves.
Main Beaches
La Zenia – Cala Bosque
- Wide sandy beach, ideal for families
- Facilities: sunbeds, parasols, showers, lifeguards
- Nearby: restaurants, bars, Zenia Boulevard
- Activities: jet skiing, paddleboarding
Cabo Roig – La Caleta
- Picturesque cove with turquoise water
- Ideal for snorkeling and photography
- Close to marina and coastal promenade
Playa Flamenca
- Smaller, more local feel
- Surrounded by cliffs and walking paths
- Good for short visits and scenic walks
Campoamor – La Glea Beach
- One of the largest beaches in the area
- Long promenade with cafés and beach bars
- Volleyball courts, water sports, family-friendly
Mil Palmeras Beach
- Family-oriented and lively in summer
- Calm, shallow waters
- Nearby weekly markets and seasonal events
Aguamarina Beach
- Quiet, residential beach
- Less crowded, scenic cliffs, peaceful atmosphere
Water & Beach Activities
- Swimming & sunbathing
- Jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing
- Snorkeling & diving (best at Cabo Roig and Playa Flamenca)
- Beach fitness: volleyball, yoga, morning exercise classes
- Coastal walks along cliff paths
💡 Tip: Arrive early in summer (before 10:00) or after 17:00 for parking and quieter beaches.
2. Shopping Areas & Supermarkets
Main Shopping Areas
Zenia Boulevard
- 150+ shops (Zara, H&M, electronics, gifts)
- Restaurants, cafés, kids’ areas, seasonal events
- Free parking, open-air design
Villamartín Plaza
- Restaurants, bars, boutique shops
- Popular for evening dining and live music
Los Dolses Commercial Center
- Local hub with small shops, cafés, and services
- Ideal for everyday needs
Dos Mares Shopping Centre (San Javier)
- Shops, cinema, restaurants, open daily including Sundays
Supermarkets
- Mercadona, Consum, Lidl, Carrefour Express
- Most within 5–10 minutes of beaches and residential areas
3. Entertainment & Activities
Theme Parks & Family Attractions
- Aquapolis (Torrevieja): Seasonal waterpark, slides, wave pools
- Pola Park (Santa Pola): Small amusement park for young children
- Rio Safari (Elche): Wildlife park with shows and interactive experiences
- Terra Natura (Benidorm): Zoo and adventure park
Adventure & Sports
- Water sports: La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig
- Go-karting: Tracks nearby
- Quad biking: Guided coastal and countryside tours
- Cycling & hiking: Coastal paths and nature trails
4. Golf (Orihuela Costa & Nearby)
Main Courses
- Villamartín Golf Club: Historic, sea views, near restaurants
- Real Club de Golf Campoamor: Resort-style, wide fairways, spa & gym
- Las Ramblas Golf: Challenging, woodland terrain, for experienced players
- Las Colinas Golf & Country Club: Luxury, award-winning, natural valley
Nearby Courses
- Lo Romero Golf: Famous “island green”
- Vistabella Golf: Beginner-friendly
- La Finca Golf Resort: Full resort experience
💡 Golf Tips: Book early in summer; dress code applies; club and buggy hire available.
5. Sports & Leisure
Padel & Tennis Clubs
- Villamartín Sports Club, Zenia Padel Club, Cabo Roig Sports Club, Campoamor resort courts
- Facilities: equipment rental, coaching (English & Spanish), social tournaments
Other Activities
- Mini golf (Playa Flamenca)
- Bowling (Zenia Boulevard, Torrevieja, Quesada)
- Fitness classes: beach yoga, group workouts
6. Nightlife & Entertainment
Main Areas
- Cabo Roig Strip: busiest nightlife area
- Villamartín Plaza: live music, evening dining
- La Zenia & Playa Flamenca: pubs, bars, and lounges
Options & Events
- Beach bars (chiringuitos), cocktail lounges, Irish pubs
- Summer festivals, beach parties, outdoor concerts
7. Restaurants, Cafés & Bars
Popular Restaurants
- Fig and Olive: Modern Mediterranean
- Rogues Kitchen: Creative cuisine
- Quisine Kitchen: Fine dining
- Restaurante Leonardo: Italian
- Uvarara: Authentic Italian
- La Mafia se sienta a la mesa: Italian, Cabo Roig
- Taste of India: Indian cuisine
- Gong: Asian fusion
- Nautilus: Seafood, sea views
- Patio Andaluz: Spanish cuisine
Cafés & Brunch
- Milk & Honey Bar Bistro
- Coffee del Mar
- Cafeteria Express
Dining Areas
- Zenia Boulevard: casual/family-friendly
- Villamartín Plaza: lively evenings
- Cabo Roig Strip: nightlife dining
- Playa Flamenca: relaxed atmosphere
💡 Tip: Book ahead in summer; try “menu del día” for value.
8. Markets, Culture & Day Trips
Weekly Markets
- Playa Flamenca (Saturday) – largest
- Campoamor (Thursday) – smaller
- Torrevieja (Friday) – traditional
Cultural Trips
- Torrevieja: marina, museums
- Cartagena: Roman ruins, naval history
- Alicante: castle and old town
Nature & Outdoor
- Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar (salt lakes, flamingos)
- Laguna de La Mata (nature reserve)
- Coastal cliffs and walking trails
Boat Trips & Excursions
- Depart from Cabo Roig or Torrevieja
- Options: fishing, sunset cruises, snorkeling tours
9. Cinemas (Nearby)
- Cinesa Habaneras (Torrevieja)
- Cinesa Dos Mares (San Javier)
- Multicines Aqua (Alicante)
- Cineplex Gran Vía (Murcia)
🎬 Some screenings available in English (VO)
10. Public Transport
- Blue Line: Coastal route (La Zenia → Campoamor → Villamartín)
- Red Line: Connects to Torrevieja Hospital
- Frequency: ~hourly
- Cost: ~€1.30
💡 Renting a car is recommended for flexibility.
11. Nearby Destinations
- Torrevieja: seaside town
- San Pedro del Pinatar: mud baths & nature parks
- Cartagena: historic port city
- Murcia: inland cultural city
- Alicante: airport, beaches, nightlife
- Benidorm: theme parks & skyscrapers
12. Maps & Navigation Tips
Area Overview
- Coastal strip north → south: Punta Prima → Playa Flamenca → La Zenia → Cabo Roig → Campoamor → Mil Palmeras
- Connected via N-332; AP-7 runs inland
- Most attractions within 5–15 minutes
Key Hub: Zenia Boulevard
- GPS anchor for Orihuela Costa
- Address: C/ Jade 2, La Zenia
- Bus: Blue & Red Lines; direct connections to Torrevieja
- Driving: 10–15 min from Torrevieja; AP-7 exits 763
Coastal Route (Beaches)
- Playa Flamenca → La Zenia → Cabo Roig → Campoamor
- Walking/cycling: continuous sea views
- Driving: 5–8 min between beaches
💡 Parking: side streets, early arrival recommended
Golf Map
- Courses clustered inland: Villamartín, Campoamor, Las Ramblas, Las Colinas
- Travel 5–15 min from coast
Day Trips
- Torrevieja: 15 min north (N-332)
- San Pedro del Pinatar: 15–20 min south
- Cartagena: 45–50 min (AP-7 south)
- Alicante: 45–60 min (AP-7 north)
Getting Around
- By Car: recommended for flexibility
- By Foot: good within beach promenades
- Taxi: €8–€15 for short trips
From Alicante Airport
- By Car: 50 km, 40–45 min, AP-7 or N-332
- By Bus: Airport → Torrevieja → Orihuela Costa