Quesada Town Hall	96 671 5001
Iberdrola (Torrevieja)	96 571 0248
Telefonica Information	1003
Vega Baja Hospital	96 677 6166
Local Police	96 671 5129
Alicante Airport	96 691 9000

 

Torrevieja		Guardamar
Consumer’s Office	96 570 7888	Ayuntamiento	96 572 8068
Custom Office	96 571 4434	Fire Brigade	96 670 4488
Foreigner’s Office	96 570 6159	Guardia Civil	96 572 9015
Gas Butano	96 571 0937	Health Clinic	96 572 9500
Gas Cepsa	96 678 2138	Iberdrola	96 571 0248
Health Clinic La Loma	96 670 0877	Policia Local	96 572 9600
Health Clinic Acequion	96 670 7143	Post Office	96 572 8388
Hospital San Jaime	96 692 1313	Red Cross	96 572 7000
Official Vet	96 670 0274	Tax Office SUMA	96 572 5602
Proteccion Civil	96 571 3927	Taxi	96 572 8311
Tax Office SUMA	96 670 3744	Tourist Office	96 572 7292
Tourist Office	96 570 3433
		Orihuela
Pilar De La Horadada		Ayuntamiento	96 530 0745
Ayuntamiento	96 535 2225	Fire Brigade	96 530 0080
Consumer’s Office	96 535 2072	Guardia Civil	96 530 0139
Fire Brigade	96 670 4433	Iberdrola	96 674 3430
Guardia Civil	96 676 9143	Post Office	96 530 0795
Health Clinic	96 676 7150	Red Cross	96 530 5151
Hospital Los Arcos	96 857 0050	Tourist Office	96 530 2747
Iberdrola	96 571 1600
Post Office	96 535 1896	Orihuela Costa
Red Cross	96 676 6222	Ayuntamiento	96 676 1250
Tax Office SUMA	96 535 1133	Policia Local	96 676 0000
Tourist Office	96 676 7068	Post Office	96 676 1314
		Tax Office SUMA	96 676 1169
		Taxi	96 676 1088
		Tourist Office	96 676 1250
Emergency numbers
El Altet airport	966 919 000	AECC (Cancer)	965 716 679
Agamed (Water)	965 710 569	APANEE	965 704 405
Ayuntamiento	965 710 250	Library	965 706 164
Fire brigade	965 707 903	Port Captain	965 710 234
Post Office	965 710 679	Red Cross	965 711 818
Bus Station	966 701 068	Guardia Civil	965 710 113
Vega Baja Hospital	966 776 166	Iberdrola (Electric)	965 710 248
Policia Local	965 710 154	Taxi	965 712 277
Tanatorio	966 701 818	British Consulate	965 216 022
Irish Embassy	914 364 093
Emergency number 112

 

 

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Costa Blanca

 

Torrevieja is in truth the name for an old tower (Torre Vieja) which is located some where in the area.

It is most famous for being a seaside town, with all the attractions that go with it. A fantastic seaside walk will take you from the harbour to the end of town towards La Mata to the north, many outdoor bars and cafes fill the sidewalks, and all offer a very acceptable menu at the right price. What more could be better than to stop for a coffee or midday beer, and look out over the Mediterranean Sea, before setting off again on a leisurely stroll? There are a few sandy areas along the way, which are very busy in the summer. A web cam can be found on click here just out side one of the best bars.

If you decide to turn into the town, you will not be disappointed. Great shops and restaurants are everywhere so is the atmosphere of a true Spanish town.

In the evening, the whole area comes to life, but not until after 9 o’clock. There are also many clubs and interesting nightspots in the town.

Just a mile in land, you will see two large salt lakes, Laguna De Torrevieja and its sister Laguna De La Mata. These lakes, one pink and the other blue are due to the extraction of its salt, and have a very special healthy microclimate. It has been said, that this area is now one of the healthiest places in the world to live in, claims made by no other than the World Health Organization. On the side of the main ring road the N332, one can see 20-meter high salt hills, which, when it is packed in bags and distributed, it goes to the dinner tables of the world. This trade has given the town a livelihood since 1668, and even though one of the lakes has seen better days there is still enough salt to go around for many years to come.

Another sideline from the salt came about in its early years of export, when the ships of Spain reached the far corners of the globe where the Spanish men took their culture with them, and exchanged it for that of the peoples they met. One such exchange was the songs and rhythm of the Habanera that is now a part of the Spanish people.

Fishing also comes into play in the every day life of the locals, though not a major industry. The daily catch can supply the town’s restaurants, not only feeding the people of the area, but its biggest moneymaker the tourist. If you are a fish lover then you will not be disappointed.

 

Beaches

 

Blue flag beaches are everywhere on the Costa coastline, this mark of high quality is known across Europe, it simply means that its facilities are as good as it gets.

 

Guardamar

 

From one end of Guardamar to the other is about 11 km of beach.

Starting from the north end walking south, you will first come across a large breakwater barrier where you could see many fishing. It is a great spot to join in the fun or buy something as fresh as it gets for the BBQ.

Back on the beach with the sea on your left, you can see the most fantastic sand dunes to the right, a great spot to cook your fish. If you do decide to venture up the dunes, you will find the most wonderful nature reserve with trees and plants of all descriptions. Another great spot for that picnic. The park does lead onto the marina, a haven for the boat lover. In addition, of course you will find a bar or two where you could have a rest.

A mile or so further down the sand, you would come across a row of houses on the beach. Some look well kept and lived in, others are falling down. This is due to yet another land law in Spain that states no homes can be on the beach. So if they have not fallen down in the next 8 to 10 years then they will be demolished, what that means also, is that the owners cannot do any repairs on them. After this beauty spot, you come to the town part of the sea front or where the town meets the sea, where there is a lovely promenade with cafes and bars serving Spanish foods of the best standard. If of course you are a true English person on holiday, you will be happy to know that they also do full English breakfasts all day long.

In the summer, you would also come across wooden sheds that are built on the sands that are then opened up as bars and only a few feet from the waters edge. Garden furniture is place around for the customers with the necessary umbrellas. What a wonderful spot to chill out.

Coming to the far end of your walk, you are back in the sand dunes, this time you can find houses built there that have been turned into shops or small painting studios. One such gallery was opened in December 2002 and is now open to the public every Sunday; all paintings on show are for sale and are painted by students in the classes that are held in the week. If you would like to join in for either oil painting or ceramics then contact

Anne 696 876 155

Or

Liv    639 810 387

 

Mata

 

 This must be the longest beach in the area and joins at one end to Guardamar, and at the other Torrevieja. This beach can get a little busy in the summer with parking a nightmare, so get there early. If you are a local or intending to become one, then buy a scooter, which would be great fun for short trips and no problem to park. The beach does form part of the small built up area called La Mata, which is full of shops and restaurants; you will also find rental accommodation for your holiday, some on the beachfront.

 

Torrevieja

 

If you look at the sea front of Torrevieja from the air, you would see that it is in fact made up of three large sandy coves, that are only linked to each other by man made foot paths. The first cove to the north is the start, or if you like the end of the promenade that would take you from one end of town to the other. The beach itself is nice but has rocky areas that are not kind on the feet. A main road runs its full length. If you are staying in town it is walking distance to hotels and apartments, and of course, all the bars and nightlife you could want. Depending on the holiday you are looking for, it could be the best place to be. Walking on to the promenade and to the south, you would come to the next beach and more of the same, only that there is no road and the walkway has been built with the lot of thought. With fantastic cafes and a view across the ocean to the ships and small boats that always seem to be going by, you would find all of this so relaxing you could not help but to stop and linger for a while. Shops have been built along the front and so have the market stalls, which offer all those items that we feel we must buy on holiday but never look at again when we get home. After the beach part of town, you would come to the marina and more sand, in fact quite a lot of sand. In some parts, it must be 100 meters to the water. Lots of space to stretch out, the road still runs along its length but it is too far away to notice.

 Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig Beaches

 

 What you would find at all the beaches on this stretch of the coast line is the same. All are small coves in an urban area, the fine white sand is fantastic and to be honest so are the facilities that are on offer. There are Hotels, shops and even villas for rent. You would find yourself in your own little community with all on offer. These locations cover the area south of Torrevieja over a distance of 5 miles. To reach any of them drive down the N332 with the sea on your left and then take one of the roads to the left marked Playa, (this means beach in Spanish) you would then find a lovely cove.  Parking can be a problem in the summer.

Campoamor Beach

This is a very nice place to spend the day doing absolutely nothing. Again, a cove, but its large and the countryside around the beach is very beautiful with wild life and parrots all over the place. A beach bar (shed) in the summer and a few permanent ones for the rest of the season.

You can find villas to rent that are set well back from the sea, with great 5 minute walks though woodlands to get there.

 

Mar Manor

 

I will cover this area even thought it does not come under Costa Blanca, in fact its known as Costa Calida.

The Mar Manor is a huge mass of water that is locked in by a small piece of land a few miles out to sea, called the la Manga strip. There is an opening to the sea of a few hundred meters, so the strip becomes a very big sea wall. Inside, the water is dead still and very shallow. The beach is long and sandy but does not have a tide. The place has become famous for the mud that people cover all over themselves for health reasons, and it has been reported to work. Making this area one of the healthiest places in the world to live, with the average age being 10 years longer than anywhere else.

The La Manga strip has now been built on from one end to the other. Tall blocks of flats can be seen everywhere, the prices are as high as the buildings, with views to the sea on both sides of. The area is open to all, and again it is a good day out if not just for a look at the jet setters in this area. You could always pop in to the La Manga golf club, famous to all golfers, for the rest of us we have seen it on T.V. a few times hosting sports events for T.V. personalities

Markets

 

Markets. Either you can love them, or you hate them. Sometimes it is necessary to visit them, an experience not to be missed. They can also be exciting and full of atmosphere; fantastic smells come from many mobile food stalls offering delights from many countries. It is good to remember Spain on the Costa’s has become home to many different nationalities from all over the world, and the markets have become a general meeting place for them all.

 We have spit roast chickens cooked as you wait that you take away in a box for only 5 Euros, some times it comes with a free bottle of wine. Grab one on the way out with a fresh stick of bread and head down to the beach for a quick finger-licking picnic. On the other hand, maybe you fancy some German sausage, or meatballs served with mustard and bread. Then we have the Moroccan flavours, spices and smells from Africa. For the English people there far too many places offering a breakfast fry up. We have stall after stall selling fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the Spanish countryside. You would also find many stalls selling junk for the tourist. The markets get busy, if its shopping you need go before 10 o’clock and be away within 30 minutes. It is a day out and a meeting place for many. The markets that take place in the streets of the towns and villages are the best, as there are more atmospheres and it is where the Spanish go for their bargains.

 

MONDAY Callosa d’en Sarria Denia Elche La Nucia Orihuela Parcent San Pedro del Pinatar   TUESDAY Altea Alicante Aspe Benidorm Benijofar Callosa d’en Sarria Mil Palmera Orihuela   WEDNESDAY Benidorm Callosa de Segura El Campello Guardamar La Mata Monforte del Cid Muchamiel Ondara   Polop San Miguel de Salinas Santiago de la Ribera

THURSDAY Alicante Aspe Gandia Javen Pego Rojales San Javier Torrevieja Villajoyosa   FRIDAY Alfas del Pi Creviellente Denja Finestrat Gata de Gorgons Los Montesinos Monforte del Cid Moraira Oliva Pilar de Horadada Torrevieja

SATURDAY Alicante Almoradi Benissa Calpe Callosa d’en Sarria Elche Elda Gandia Playa Flamenca Santo Pola Torre Pacheco   SUNDAY Albir/Alfaz El Cisna Beniborm Campo Guardamar Quesada The Lemon Grove La Nucia Torrevieja

 

 

THINGS TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO

 

TERRA MITICA

www.terramiticapark.com

 

MUNDOMAR 

www.mundomar.es

 

AQUALANDIA

www.aqualandia.net

 

SAFARI AITANA

www.safariaitana.com 

 

SWAN PARK 

Located just outside Torrevieja off the N332.  You will see a great place for the small children and a relaxing environment for parents, where there are interesting things to do in the water and things to see.

Once at Swan Park you are in walking distance of the new shopping centre, and all the shops and restaurants that have opened up around it. There is even a casino and a bowling ally. Keep the sea to the back of you and walk over the N332 and you will see it to your right.

 

CALOSSA 

If you love the outdoor life, a day out walking up the Callosa Mountains is a must. It is not a hard walk, but it becomes narrow and steep near the top, but as long as you take your time then its safe enough. With many picnic areas on the way which have small tables and chairs where you can take in the world below at you leisure. Located in the village of Callosa you only need to park up and look for one of the many footpaths that lead to the mountains.

 

LES FONTS DE L’ALGAR

This is a fantastic beauty spot where a natural waterfall drops into a large pool where the visitors can have a fantastic swim, thought to have healing powers it can get busy but once again, it is really worth a visit. Head towards the village of Callosa den Sarria and you will pick up the signs.

GOLF

 

LA FINCA

Located about 15 kilometers inland of the town of Torrevieja and 4 kilometers from the small town of Algorfa.

This is a bit of a challenging 18 hole course. Set in a fantastic setting, if you have the time to look up from your ball you can take in the full impact of the surrounding mountains in all their glory. The course itself is a championship course built and designed by Jose Gancedo in 2002, its hilly in places and has a rolling landscape, the wind can effect your game as it blows hard where the course is raised.

Par 72,  6032 meters from the yellow and 5411 from the red tee.

Green fee is 75 Euros as of 2005

 

Booking

Tel 0034 96 596 70 58

Or

Mail caddie@golfafinca.com

 

 

QUESADA

Known better as La Marquesa you will find this interesting course set in a valley 18 holes regarded as a White Card, flat with very wide fairways without that many obstacles. A few canals do cross the course that is there to take the water from the surrounding hills

but there is enough space to aim for to avoid them. The course was designed by Justo Quesada in the late 80s, and was opened in 1989.

Par 72, 5990 meters from the yellow and 5094 from the red tee.

Green fee is 55 Euros as of 2005. Its is possible to buy a membership for a short or longer period on this course.

 

Booking

Tel 0034 96 671 42 58

Or

Mail golfmarquesa@ctv.es

 

VILLAMARTIN

The oldest and probably the most famous course in the area. It’s a very interesting course but not that difficult, the rolling landscape means a round can offer you many variations ton your game to enjoy. Opened as far back as 1972 by Paul Pulman?

Par 72, 6037 meters from the yellow and 5259 from the red tee.

Green fee is 55 Euros as of 2005

 

Booking

Tel 0034 96 676 51 70

Or

Mail cadimaster@golfvillamartin.com

 

LAS RAMBLAS

Go in land from the beach of Campoamor and you will not only find this fine course but next to it you have the fabulous campoamor course, 2 for the price of one.

Las Ramblas is regarded as probably the most difficult in the area. Narrow with many trees, some say too many add to that the traps that have been designed to be difficult and you have the makings of a hard day out on the course. The advise from those who have gone before is bring a lot of extra balls you will need them. The rolling landscape makes for easy and enjoyable walking, most though take a buggy as they spend so much time looking for their balls.

Opened in 1991 by Jose Gancedo the same as La Finca

Par 71, 5679 meters from the yellow and 4761from the red tee.

Green fee is 50 Euros (it’s cheaper than the other courses to help pay for the balls)

 

Booking

Tel 0034 96 532 20 11

Or

Mail caddie@golframblas.com

 

CAMPOAMOR

Campoamor has a lot to offer on and off the course. The fantastic new clubhouse stands like a monument on top of the hill at the centre of the complex. This area has been built with the needs of the golfer in mind from start to finish. From the club house you should take time out to take in the view, 100 meters above sea level you are able to see Santa Pola from the north to La Manga in the south and the mediterranion sea in the middle.

The wide fairways and large greens of this course makes it very popular and isn’t regarded as that hard to play, but can hold a few surprises. If you have a handicap of 10 or 28 you will still have a good day out.

The area is developing all the time with a new 18 hole course being built and many new apartments in the complex going up all the time, if you are golf mad you don’t have to leave the resort.

Designed by Carmelo Garcia and opened in 1989

Par 72, 6056 meters from the yellow and 5094 from the red tee.

Green fee is 40 Euros for women and 43 Euros for men.

It is possible to buy membership that covers a period of one month to one year, and gives the possibility to play up to 3 times per week.

 

Booking

Tel 0034 96 532 13 66

Or

Mail info@lomasdecampoamor.com