What's it like to live in Orihuela Costa?
This corner of Orihuela is a relatively new construction and has been fine-tuned to meet the needs of residents. The leisure activities here are vast and, in many cases, rather opulent. In the morning, residents might take in a round of golf on one of the challenging courses nearby (Las Colinas Golf and Country Club is one of the most prestigious).
Over at the beaches, restaurants with crisp white tablecloths offer the most incredible views over the ocean. Groups of friends order local rice dishes, like paella Valenciana or an indulgent lobster stew. Go as fancy as you like with the wine: pair with a bottle of organic cava made in a small vineyard outside of Barcelona or pop open a bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne.
In the afternoon, the local shopping centre gets busier as people avoid the midday sun. Centro Comercial Zenia Boulevard is a vibrant shopping hub, with open-air streets, concerts, and the most-loved chain restaurants.
On to the beach, where chiringuitos serve Long Island Iced Teas to a sun-kissed crowd. There are a few tourists here, but it's mostly locals who top up the tan on sun loungers, wade out into the calm sea with Stand Up Paddleboards, or catch waves on La Zenia. Sunsets are magical here, especially off the coast on a surfboard.
Wondering where to live in Orihuela Costa? Cabo Roig is a centrally located neighbourhood, and it's home to some of the most luxurious villas, from glass-walled modern beauties to charming traditional manor houses. Further to the east, La Zenia is a neat grid of seaside houses, separated by palm tree-lined streets and just metres from the beach. Castillo de Don Juan is another leafy urbanización (this word is used in Spain to describe an area of countryside divided into plots for new homes), found to the north and dotted with small bars and restaurants.
