The Community Website for the Orihuela Costa
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Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
04 ORIHUELA GOLF
Five quality 18-hole championship golf courses right here in Spain
Welcome to Spain! And welcome to the first edition of LaZenia magazine, your definitive guide to everything happening on the Orihuela Costa this year. Whatever your reasons for visiting Spain, you’ll find this handy guide invaluable for making the most of your stay in Spain. Produced by the LaZenia community website team, a group of enthusiast local people who are lucky enough to live in this part of the Costa Blanca all year round. We’re promoting the local area and reaching out to visitors of all nationalities, to help showcase the benefits of choosing this part of Spain for your holidays, or perhaps maybe one day choosing to live here. We hope you have a great time here on the Orihuela Costa, and remember to check out our community Facebook page too. THE LAZENIA TEAM
06 THINGS TO DO
Great ways to spend your time on the Orihuela Costa
08 LA ZENIA’S BEACHES
Blue Flag accredited golden sandy beaches and Mediterranean Sea
10 ZENIA BOULEVARD
A shopping paradise in the heart of the Orihuela Costa
12 EATING OUT
The best bistros and restaurants to visit while you’re here
14 AREA MAP
Getting around is easy with our map of the local area
16 THE TOURIST TRAIN
Travel in style on the Orihuela Costa road train service
18 VILLAMARTIN PLAZA
Discover a summer of live music and entertainment
20 TORREVIEJA
Things to do in the Costa Blanca’s favourite beachfront city
22 ORIHUELA’S BEACHES
Nautical attractions and the best beaches to visit
24 LOCAL MARKETS
Traditional weekly Spanish markets and where to find them
26 LOCAL PHONE NUMBERS
Handy contact numbers to help you during your stay in Spain
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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CAMPO DE GOLF VILLAMARTIN The beautiful Spanish weather, and long dry summers, provide the ideal environment for golf in Spain, quite unlike anywhere else.
And that´s quite some achievement considering that there are 349 golf courses throughout Spain.
Orihuela Costa boasts no less than five exquisitely designed courses, all suited to players of any golf handicap.
The all 18-hole Championship golf courses offer wide fairways, perfectly manicured greens, and challenging layouts, and all clubs are within easy driving distance.
Three of our local golf courses appear within Golf World´s current Top 100 list of the best Spanish golf courses, while Las Colinas Golf and Country Club enjoys the privilege of acknowledgement on Golf World´s list of the best courses in continental Europe.
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In fact, three courses on the Orihuela Costa are located adjacent to each other. Villamartin, Campoamor Resort, and Las Ramblas Golf, are less than 10 minutes away from La Zenia by car.
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
LAS COLINAS GOLF
LOMAS DE CAMPOAMOR
ORIHUELA GOLF With excellent value offered in Spain, a game of golf here isn’t just great value, it’s something you can afford to enjoy every day. Low season for golf in Spain runs from June through to September annually, and with local courses keen to attract players there´s often a bargain to be had when it comes to green fees during the summer months.
GOLF LAS RAMBLAS
LO ROMERO GOLF Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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THINGS TO DO ORIHUELA COSTA
ORIHUELA COSTA GO-KARTS
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Enjoy a family day out with an adrenaline kick included at Orihuela Costa Go-Karts. Perhaps nothing will wear out the little ones more than a frenzied afternoon of fun packed adrenaline-fuelled racing action.
The track is open to all ages, there are special baby karts, and a separate track for 5 to 10 year olds. Adults can choose from a powerful Honda 400cc kart, or special competition karts for the more experienced.
This particular local attraction is immensely popular all year round, and with one of the largest off road karting tracks on the Costa Blanca and great value affordable prices it’s easy to see why.
It is one of the more exciting things to do, but parents need not worry, the venue is super safe and well marshalled by a dedicated team of monitors on and off the track. The perfect summer fun activity for all the family.
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Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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THINGS TO DO ORIHUELA COSTA
LAS COLINAS SCHOOL OF FALCONRY
In addition to an award winning 18 hole championship golf course, Las Colinas offers tennis courts, bike hire, 3 km’s of nature trails that snake through woodland around the course, and an International Falconry School where you and your children can spend some truly magical time with these majestic wild birds.
LA MOSCA MINI GOLF PLAYA FLAMENCA
La Mosca Mini Golf centre is a relatively new addition to the Orihuela Costa. The concept is a simple one, with the added twist that the fairways occupy a rooftop setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. There’s plenty of shaded areas to relax out of the sunlight, with a full bar serving drinks for children and adults alike.
CINE DE VERANO CABO ROIG
Quite literally “The Cinema of Summer”, Cine de Verano in Cabo Roig is an open air outdoor cinema that opens only during the height of the summer months. The cinema shows family friendly up-to-date popular movies in addition to classics from Pixar and Walt Disney, with a heavy emphasis on animated movies.
BICYCLE HIRE LA ZENIA
It’s possible to cycle for many miles along the Mediterranean coastline, and the Orihuela Costa area has one of the longest off-road dedicated cycle lanes in Spain. It’s one of our favourite things to do, it’s cheap, safe and family friendly too. It is a great way to explore the area and stop by beaches and coves that you might otherwise have missed. Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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PLAYA DE LA ZENIA ORIHUELA COSTA
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LA ZENIA’S BEACHES La Zenia beach is exceptionally popular with both locals and holidaymakers alike, and there are actually two beaches to choose from with the Hotel Servigroup La Zenia hotel separating the two. Known locally as Playa Cala Bosque, the main beach in particular has become even more popular since the opening of Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, which has contributed to the fast-paced rapid growth of the area. La Zenia’s main beach offers a total length of around 350 metres and an average width of 60 metres to the shoreline, offering space for everyone even in high season. The beach is 100% pure white golden sand, Blue Flag accredited, and the local town hall keep the attraction in first-class condition year round. 8 | LAZENIA.COM
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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PLAYA DE LA ZENIA ORIHUELA COSTA
PLAYA CALA BOSQUE
EATING ON THE BEACH
Sunbeds and sunshades are available for hire, and during the summer season beachside watersports are provided by local companies, with pedalos for families, and high powered jet-skis for thrill seeking adrenaline junkies.
For those with a larger budget, La Mirada restaurant allows you to enjoy traditional Spanish tapas in the sun on a large terrace which overlooks the beach and the sea. The perfect place to stop and refresh.
“Cala” is Spanish for “Cove”, and the shape offers plenty of space for sun bathing, a beach bar, a volleyball court, and a dedicated children’s play area.
La Zenia beach offers access for all, with designated parking spaces for those with limited mobility, ramps and a wooden walkway which is wider than usual to allow easy access for wheelchairs, and a designated toilet and shower. An amphibious bathing chair is also available.
The beach is equipped with an iconic Spanish beach bar (a Chiringuito) serving refreshing sangria, cocktails, and a full bar service with staple favourites such as burgers and chips, pizzas, salads and ice cream cones.
La Zenia beach forms part of the stunning Mediterranean coastal path that runs alongside the coastline, with a beautiful promenade that snakes south along the beachfront and leads to Cala Capitan beach shared with neighbouring Cabo Roig.
Lifeguards provide vital assistance during the summer months, but as with any beach, it’s important not to exceed a safe depth. Services are seasonal and don’t run all year.
Along the way there are some truly breathtaking natural views, and you will frequently see surfers and windsurfers in the sea catching some waves at almost any time of year.
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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ZENIA BOULEVARD SHOPPING CENTRE
SUNSHINE AND SHOPPING orihuela costa La Zenia boasts fabulous beaches and great weather, but the locale is also home to the Orihuela Costa´s largest shopping centre, Zenia Boulevard. A commercial sanctuary for hardcore consumers and casual window shoppers alike, Zenia Boulevard boasts a spectacular 161,000m of retail heaven. More than 150 shops representing local and global brands are spread across a single floor, navigated via spacious avenues that meander around the shopping complex. The upper floor offering a selection of eateries and cafes. Names you will already be familiar with like H&M, Levis, Swarovski, C&A, and Primark; nestle among national Spanish retailers such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Roberto Martin, Cortefiel, and the Al Campo hypermarket chain. Truly international in every conceivable way, Zenia Boulevard features a large sporting 10 | LAZENIA.COM
goods store from French retailer Decathlon, and consumer electronics giant Media Markt (Europe’s largest retailer of consumer electronics), also have a presence at the large open mall-style complex. Catering to the needs of die-hard shoppers and open most Sundays, the centre offers late night shopping until 10:00pm. The mall offers nine cafes, coffee bars, ice cream parlours, and 16 fast food or international fine dining restaurants to choose from. Ample free car parking is available both over and under ground, and Zenia Boulevard offers lift access throughout the shopping centre at all levels for parents with young children and those with mobility issues. Zenia Boulevard runs a perpetual calendar of events throughout the year, including specialty events for children and families. The christmas festivities are especially spectacular. Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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EATING OUT ORIHUELA COSTA
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EATING OUT IN STYLE
THE SUNRISE, PLAYA FLAMENCA The Sunrise is a modern American style eatery in Playa Flamenca. It’s a popular venue due to its’ bistro-style menu and the rooftop terrace that offers commanding sea views. The restaurant has a formal “indoor” dining room, an al-fresco dining room with retractable sides and awning; and an extensive rooftop terrace offering an al-fresco dining experience. The menu offers the usual selection of specialty burgers and prime cuts of steak, but there’s an international flavour at play, and the menu features traditional Spanish dishes, Italian food, and Indian and Mexican dishes. There’s something for everyone’s taste, from meat lovers, to vegetarians and vegans, and the views and location is hard to beat.
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Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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ALEJANDRO’S, LA ZENIA Alejandro’s Bar-Restaurante is an established and locally renowned fine dining and casual eatery in the heart of La Zenia on the Costa Blanca in Spain. A firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, the restaurant enjoys a central location with a beautifully decorated dining room and a terrace for outdoor eating year round. The restaurant menu is comprehensive with plenty of choice. The cuisine is traditional Spanish and International in flavour, with something to suit all palates. Food is served all day with English breakfasts from €5.90, and a full a la carte menu served lunch and dinner times. Pizzas are a specialty, and a snack menu offers lighter bites.
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
EATING OUT ORIHUELA COSTA
NAUTILUS, PUNTA PRIMA More than just an established and locally revered traditional Spanish fusion restaurant, Restaurante Nautilus is a local institution. Situated on the beach in Punta Prima, the restaurant is popular due to it’s amazing location, a nautical-themed dining room, and spacious outside terraces. The chic bistro has been welcoming guests since 1975, enchanting diners for more than 40 years with it’s unique mix of panoramic sea views and a modern Spanish menu. With more than 80 dishes on offer, the Mediterranean cuisine is a fusion of traditional Spanish dishes and American ranch-style cooking, with a heavy emphasis on beefburgers and premium steak cuts as a result.
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Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
orihuela costa
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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ORIHUELA COSTA SUMMER TOURIST TRAIN
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CHOO! CHOO!
The Orihuela Costa tourist train runs services along the local coastline each summer. The local attraction is provided by Orihuela Town Hall in association with the established Valencian transport company, Bus Sigüenza. The Orihuela Costa tourist train, or “Orihuela Tren Turístico” offers a super-fun way to see the sights and experience the sounds of the local region. The service operates two routes, one starting out from Campoamor and running east along the Orihuela Costa coastline, and another running return services from Playa Flamenca and travelling in a westerly direction.
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The passenger trains pass many of the local places of interest and make frequent stops along the way, with each train pulling two carriages with covered seating to protect passengers from the sun. Scheduled stops include Playa Flamenca beach, La Zenia beach, Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, the port and beaches of Campoamor, and the renowned Cabo Roig strip. The trains provide a great way of exploring the local area even in the height of summer, as the movement of the vehicle provides a cooling sea breeze even on the stillest of days. Travel time is just 55 minutes each way.
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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ORIHUELA COSTA SUMMER TOURIST TRAIN
A ticket for the trains costs ₏3.00 per person, with discounts available for children and families, and a ticket is valid for travel for the entire day. Services operate daily all summer until the end of September, with trains running every day from 9:00am until 9:00pm. The Orihuela Costa tourist train is expected to prove popular, and the service’s website offers reservations for group bookings. For more information about the new Orihuela Costa tourist train, visit the official website at www.orihuelatrenturistico.com.
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VILLAMARTIN PLAZA ORIHUELA COSTA
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SUMMER NIGHTS
cillamartin plaza
One of the local areas most established urbanisations, Villamartin lies 4.5km inland from the bustling Orihuela coastline. It´s one of the more prestigious municipalities, famous for its first class golf course that´s been contributing to a rich scenic backdrop for the better part of the last half century. Established in 1972 the previously small hamlet is now a vibrant and upmarket town, and it’s well worth taking the time to visit this summer, with a wide variety of local facilities and attractions on offer.
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Villamartin Plaza is a beautifully designed commercial complex with mosaic tiled benches, mature palm trees and a resident population of African rose ring-necked parrakeets.. The Plaza itself is a residential community of apartments built around a central square. The square is flanked on all four sides by terraces which overlook the central area. Each terrace offers a veritable host of services, from casual cafe-bars, local shops, and a variety of international restaurants and bistro style eateries on different levels.
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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The Plaza is renowned for their summer entertainments calendar, providing more than four months of world class live entertainment throughout the season each year. Local musicians provide a packed schedule of live music, performing on stage alongside internationally recognised artists from all four corners of the world. Villamartin Plaza will close the season in style, with a performance by British soft-rock royalty icon and global vocal superstar, Leo Sayer.
VILLAMARTIN PLAZA ORIHUELA COSTA
The Tavern The Ale House Quesada Fish and Chips The Copper Chimney The Hen’s Teeth Fairways Restaurant and Chill Out Caesar’s Restaurant The Hub Sports & Lounge Bar Steakstones Restaurant Munchies Cafe Max’s International Restaurant The Square Restaurant
THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA
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TORREVIEJA THINGS TO DO ON THE
COSTA BLANCA
The beachfront municipality of Torrevieja is the Orihuela Costa’s nearest destination city, located just 10 minutes north of La Zenia.
Farther afield, Torrevieja is home to two majestic salt lakes, one a vibrant azur blue in colour, and the other a surreal and vivid pink.
With a whole world of facilities to discover, it’s worth taking the time to explore the variety of restaurants and attractions on offer.
A network of walkways and trails wind around the lakes, and the park offers picnic areas for those looking for solitude off the beaten track.
Located immediately adjacent to Torrevieja’s port, you’ll find a palm tree lined promenade that winds along the Mediterranean coastline. It’s the perfect place to spend any time of day, with local shops, restaurants, and cafe bars along the route, all providing refreshments throughout your journey. The coastline is spectacular and naturally rocky, providing plenty of opportunity for children to explore the rock pools. Three small sandy beaches line the route, but be warned, they’re exceptionally popular and rather crowded during the height of the summer months. 20 | LAZENIA.COM
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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THINGS TO DO IN TORREVIEJA
For something more exhilarating, Torrevieja’s Aquopolis waterpark should certainly be on the top of your list of things to do.
And of course, there’s always the beautiful beaches, like Torrevieja’s awe-inspiring Blue Flag accredited La Mata beach.
In addition to the high adrenaline faster rides like Boomerang, Speed, and Kamikaze; you’ll find family favourites such as a lazy river and a large swimming pool equipped with a powerful wave machine.
An outstanding 2,300 metres of pure unspoilt natural beach, the sandy strip stands an average 40 metres wide alongside a traditional promenade that’s wide enough to accommodate wheelchair and pram users.
The tourist attraction features 14 water rides, dedicated facilities for children, six casual eateries, with a bar, an ice cream parlour, and a pizzeria.
That means that even in the height of summer you’ll always find a space on La Mata beach.
Ticket prices start at a very reasonable €15.90 when booked online.
Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
La Mata beach represents the epitome of what a typical Mediterranean beach should be, and for more active sunseekers there are volleyball nets, a football pitch, and pedal boats for hire.
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ORIHUELA COSTA LOCAL & STREET MARKETS
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orihuelaSHOPPING costa AL-FRESCO Orihuela Costa’s local markets are something of a tradition, and a chance to experience some authentic Spanish culture.
Depending on the season, 2kg’s of strawberries can cost as little as €2.00. At other times of the year the same money buys 6kg’s of oranges.
You’ll find the locals buying regional fresh produce to create meals at home, often stopping for a bite to eat and a drink at one of the market’s restaurants or cafe-bars.
You will find stalls selling Spanish cheese, chorizo and Iberian ham. They are definitely worth a try to discover that authentic Mediterranean flavour in your food.
The local markets normally take place from 8.00am and finish at around 1.00pm.
Others will be selling seasonal herbs and fresh breads, and the aroma will entice you in.
The fruit and vegetable stalls are run by local farmers, ensuring the quality and freshness of the locally grown produce.
And of course, you will find locally made Valencian leathergoods such as handbags, belts and high quality footwear.
You will always find a bargain on these stalls, especially if you buy the seasonal fruit.
The smell of tannin hangs in the air, and the quality and price is virtually unbeatable.
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Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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ORIHUELA COSTA LOCAL & STREET MARKETS
Shoes are a veritable bargain with prices from €10.00, and you’ll always get the best advice for sizing to suit your particular requirements. All Orihuela Costa local markets feature lots of stalls offering the spectrum of Spanish kitchenware, cooking pans and pots, seasonal plants such as herbs and chillis, and freshly cut bouquets of flowers. Fashion features at each market too, and the clothes stalls are always worth a look as the fabrics are locally sourced and perfect for the hot weather that the Costa Blanca experiences. Take a close look at the labels and you might be lucky enough to pick up a beautiful Spanish made dress for as little as €12.00.
You can find a traditional local Spanish market in Campoamor on Thursdays, Pilar de la Horadada every Friday, and the big Saturday street market is held on the main high street in the centre of Playa Flamenca. This is the closest market to La Zenia.
No market would be complete without the traditional handmade lace goods the area is renowned for, and thankfully, you’ll find plenty of shawls, table cloths and many other beautifully produced clothing and homewares.
A local market should be on your list of things to do on your summer holiday this year. The experience provides a lovely day out and you just might come away with some genuine Spanish bargains.
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Orihuela Costa and Costa Blanca area guide
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