Costa Blanca is famous for its beaches, none more so than the beaches found within striking distance of Casa Nabucco. Although Villamartin is located slightly inland it is only minutes from the coast where there are many beautiful white sandy beaches including La Zenia (nearest), Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca, Campoamor. Mil Palmeras and Rio Mar. All of these beaches have been awarded the European Blue Flag which signifies high standards of water cleanliness, safety and good family facilities. It is approximately 2.5 miles to La Zenia beach by car. A walk can take you about 60 minutes. Once at La Zenia Beach there is a lovely coastal path which stretches for a few miles down to Cabo Roig and Campoamor Beaches. Paths are good but are a little up and down. There is a very nice Restaurant on La Zenia Beach called the Mirador. We often take time out to have a lovely lunch here on a fabulous terrace area overlooking the Beach and the sea. Well worth a visit.
Not far away are the bars and Restaurants at Mil Palmeras. Just a ten minute drive from Casa Nabucco. A beautiful spot with its lovely sandy beaches. One of our favourite spots and not to be missed. A great place for a walk along the beach and then finish it off with a few beers in the quaint bars of Mil Palmeras.
Villamartin Plaza is a major attraction within the locality, with over thirty bars and restaurants which cater for every taste. It is centered around a beautiful sunken central plaza with mature palm trees and a water fountain, it is the ideal place to relax and watch the world go by. It is a 10 minutes walk from Casa Nabucco.The Plaza is a huge attraction in the region and in the summer months is full of holidaymakers and buzzing with life, while regular live acts provide an array of entertainment for all to enjoy. We have dined at most of the restaurants over the past two years and never had a poor meal. Our favourites are Eduardo's, The Hen's Teeth Pub, Fairways, The Copper Chimney - Indian Restaurant, Quesada Fish and Chip Restaurant - great value, The Steak House and De Vinces. There are numerous bars all selling traditional and local beers including a couple of Irish Bars. During January, February and March the Plaza takes a breather and therefore is rather quiet with about 50% of establishments open.
Just a five minute stroll away from Casa Nabucco, we have our own little "Amen Corner" with the Drivers Bar - a traditional British Pub, but in the sun, owned by a Brit. Often call and have a pint of Alambra Beer during happy hour from 4pm - 8pm. €2.50 a pint. Next door we have one of the best Italian Restaurants for miles - La Dolce Vita. It offers a fabulous menu and great service, with prices from €8. The staff are excellent and this one we highly recommend. Great value for money. Then next door again Chemmies Lounge which is a modern Sports Bar with several big screens all hosting sky Sports. Once again, brilliant service - I often walk in and ask the guys behind the bar to put a particular match on one of the screens. Not to be missed - see the video clip.
For those that love shopping, then Zenia Boulevard Shopping Mall is the place to visit - even I enjoy going to the Boulevard!. It is the largest shopping mall in the province of Alicante, and is just a short drive away in La Zenia. From the apartment it is a 30 minute walk but that is across the Campo Park which is common land. It has squares, fountains, daily concerts and events which create a great atmosphere. Designed for both enjoyment and entertainment there are over 150 shops including Primark, Leroy Merlin, Media Market, H&M, C&A, Zara and many more including a mouth watering selection of places to eat. The eating establishments tend to be more fast food than restaurants but there are one or two good ones to try out.
Not far away are the beaches and some beautiful Coastal Walks which stretch for several miles. Have a look at some of the photographs below which have been taken on our walks between January and March - hard to believe really. We have included a photograph taken on La Zenia beach on Christmas Day, when all the men dress up as Santa and enjoy Christmas Dinner with their families on the beach!! The Region enjoys a micro climate and therefore the average Winter Temperature is about 16 degree - one of the key factors for buying in this part of Spain. The coast here is sometimes called "The Warm Coast". Most mornings in January - March we take breakfast on the Terrace at Casa Nabucco and enjoy sunshine from about 10am.
The opportunity to play tennis can be found nearby - Torrevieja Tennis Club is probably 5 miles away. Great club with several clay and hard courts. Renown for the development of Spain's younger players with several coaches based at the club. We have played here several times and pay about €3 each for one hour on court - sometimes longer if the court is not booked. Also there are three courts at Campoamor Golf and Country Club which can be booked via the golf club pro shop. The area is very flat and is ideal for those who want to cycle ride with plenty of cycle paths to experience.
If you want to go further afield then there are some great Cities of Culture which are definitely worth a visit. Murcia and Cartagena are places you need to visit. La Manga with 24km of coastline with silver beaches is really fascinating. The Mar Menor is just a few miles away with Europe's largest saltwater lagoon as well as sand dunes and famous for its healing mud baths.
To get out and about we would suggest Car Rental. In the past we hired a car from the Airport when we arrive. It just makes life that much easier - but it comes at a price. On average depending on the time of the year we pay about £100 per week. Roads in the Region are excellent and not too busy. Be very careful with Car Rental Companies as we have had a couple of bad experiences when returning the car - please ask me for my personal experiences or see Travel on the website menu. The alternative way of getting about is the use of Coach Tours. We have been on three and had a terrific time when visiting Cartagena, Benidorm and Murcia. All for the price of €10 -€12 each. Pick-up point is normally in Zenia or Villamartin Plaza and going by coach does take away the problem of parking and driving on the wrong side of the road in the bigger cities. Benidorm is a 90 minute drive and a trip to Torrevieja should not be missed. There are no train services in the area and the local bus service is poor.
KEY HOLIDAY FACTS
* A Direct Flight from the UK to Alicante or Murcia International Airport takes approx 2 1/2 hours
* Airport Transfers to Casa Nabucco take 50 minutes by car
* The area enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with average daytime highs of 30 degrees C
* The sea temperature in summer ranges from 22 - 26 degrees C
* Car hire is the best way to get around
* Due to the area having a Micro Climate, the average Winter temperature is 16 degrees C (January - March)
Lovely sandy beach with beach bars and cafe. One of our favourite spots. Just a ten minute drive from Casa Nabucco.
Beautiful beach
