Beaches
We have a number of beaches all under 15 mins drive.
Punta Prima 10 mins
Cala Mosca 9 mins
La Zenia 9 mins
Cabo Roig 11 mins
Campamor 13 mins
All have Chiringuitos, ( beach bar and sunbed and parasol hire ) in the summer months plus the all important life guard coverage.
The larger beaches of La Zenia, Cabo Roig and Campamor have water sports facilities and Pedelo hire etc
Torrevieja, our nearest city
Torrevieja is our nearest City just some 15 minutes by car. A vibrant Marina, water front promenade and bustling shops, bars and restaurants.
Lots more info at http://www.torrevieja.com
Villamartin Plaza
The Plaza is a palm lined courtyard with typical Spanish architecture with wrought iron balconies, terracotta and ceramic tiling. A great place to explore with many bars and restaurants on two levels.
Nightly music entertainment is available throughout the summer months.
https://villamartinplaza.com
Zenia Boulevard
Zenia Boulevard is the Orihuela Costa’s largest retail centre and one of the area’s most visited tourist attractions.
It has more than 150 shops representing global brands are spread (mainly) across a single floor, navigated via avenues that meander around the shopping complex opening up into spacious plazas and a large central courtyard.
Clothing retailers H&M, Gerry Weber, Bershka, Mango, and Massimo Dutti are here with Levis, IKEA and Primark.
The Boulevard’s upper floor offers a selection of restaurants, and along with nine cafes, coffee bars, and ice cream parlours, plus fast food restaurants, there’s plenty to choose from.
Go-Karts
Go Karts Orihuela Costa caters for all ages.
A challenging Kart track for children and adults with prices from 16€ for juniors up to 29€ for adults on a Honda 400cc
They have quad bikes, a children’s track, paintball and kids amusement as well as a bar and restaurant.
Situated adjacent to the N322 it is about a 10 minute drive away.
City of Murcia
Description
Approx 50 mins drive from The Fig Tree the city of Murcia is a university city in southeastern Spain. It is the capital of the region also named Murcia and boasts the newly opened Murcia International Airport.
Plaza Cardenal Belluga is the city’s architectural gem, where the ornate cathedral is located with its pastiche of styles from Gothic to Baroque.
In addition the 18th-century Palacio Episcopal stands in striking contrast to the modern 1990s surrounding architecture.
The city of Murcia was founded in 831 in the the Valley of the River Segura. The city walls, originally some 15 meters high signifies its strategic importance to the Arabs when under their rule. Some remains of part of the wall are still visible dotted around the city. Back then it had 95 towers along its course.
Archeological finds like the remains of a palace unearthed at the Las Claras Convent.
continue to underline its historical importance.
It was from the 16th century, and particularly the 18th century, onwards that Murcia achieved an urban splendour that led to its expansion beyond the city walls. It was during this later period of expansion that the numerous churches were constructed. Mainly Baroque in style, these churches include La Merced, San Miguel, Santa Ana, Las Claras, S anto Domingo, Santa Eulalia and San Juan de Dos.
Murcia’s cathedral was built between 1394 and 1465 in the Castilian Gothic style. Its tower was completed in 1792 and it comprises of a blend of architectural styles. The first two stories were built in the Renaissance style (1521–1546), while the third is Baroque. The bell pavilion exhibits both Rococo and Neoclassical influences. The main façade (1736–1754) is considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque style.
Murcia’s oldest bridge of Puente de los Peligros
Other noteworthy buildings in the square shared by the Cathedral (Plaza Cardinal Belluga) are the colorful Bishop’s Palace (18th century) and a controversial extension to the town hall by Rafael Moneo (built in 1999).
Pedestrian areas cover most of the old town of the city, which is centered around Platería and Trapería Streets. Trapería goes from the Cathedral to the Plaza de Santo Domingo, formerly a bustling market square. Located in Trapería is the Casino, a social club erected in 1847, with a sumptuous interior that includes a Moorish-style patio inspired by the royal chambers of the Alhambra near Granada. The name Plateria refers to plata (silver), as this street was the historical focus for the commerce of rare metals by Murcia’s Jewish community. The other street, Traperia, refers to trapos, or cloths, as this was once the focus for the Jewish community’s garment trade.
Several bridges of different styles span the river Segura, from the Puente de los Peligros, 18th century stone bridge with a Lady chapel on one of its sides; to modern bridges designed by Santiago Calatrava or Javier Manterola; through others such as the Puente Nuevo, an iron bridge of the early 20th century.
Isle of Tabarca
Tabarca Island
Tabarca is the smallest inhabited Island in Spain, just 2km long and 300 meters wide it has a permanent population of around 80. It is located 9km south east from Santa Pola off the Costa Blanca. Together with boat trips from Alicante, Santa Pola and Torrevieja the numbers of visitors swell the population during the summer because tourism is the main source of income for the island and it is a great place to visit.
Originally the island was a refuge for the Barbary pirates up to the end of the 18th century. Sometime around 1760, a group of sailors were shipwrecked near the island, were rescued and finally settled there together with a deployment of Spanish soldiers.
King Charles III of Spain decreed the fortification of Tabarca to protect against the pirates and to this day as you approach the harbour you can see the remains of the wall, the fortress and the church.
To reach the Island from The Fig Tree pick up the glass bottomed Catamaran which leaves daily from the Marina in Torrevieja from May to October and 40 minutes later you will be docking in the small shelters harbour of Tabarca. The boat pausing briefly before you enter the harbour to allow time to view the marine fauna through the glass bottomed panels.
You have about six hours before the boat leaves for the return trip. Although small there is plenty to do. You could take swimwear for the beach, snorkelling equipment, even take a picnic or sample the local restaurants of which there are many.
The main beach does have super clear water but its not a sandy and really just pebbles so beach shoes are worth taking. You do not need to venture far into the sea to experience the fish, clearly visible and lots of them even at waist depth.
Forming part of a Maritime Nature Reserve called Reserva Marina de la Isla de Tabarca it is also a sanctuary for the protection of birds.
A walk up to the lighthouse gives an opportunity to see some of the rare birds found on Tabarca whilst enjoying fabulous views over the Mediterranean.
The small town has a few shops and bars, the Church of St Peter and Paul and the former Governors Residence. There are then the many restaurants to choose from to have a long lunch.
Cartagena
Historic Cartegena
On the coastal strip of almeria lies the historic port of Cartegena.
Steeped in Roman history it makes for an interesting city visit.
Description
Cartagena is a port city and naval base in the Murcia region of southeast Spain. Founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city boomed during the Roman period. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. theater and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics. The Muralla Púnica (Punic Wall) interpretation center houses the remains of a 3rd-century B.C. defensive wall.
Although a relatively small City it is home to 12 museums, 10 buildings of interest, four churches and many monuments. Cartagena also has one of the most fascinating histories in all of Spain, being inhabited by a number of great civilisations and cultures.
Roman Theatre
Built between the fifth and first centuries BC, Cartagena’s theatre is a perfect example of Roman architecture. The theatre remained hidden for many centuries and was eventually rediscovered and restored. The museum is split into two parts – the first housing archaeological items found at the theatre and detailing the restoration project, and the second a guided tour of the site itself.
Palacio Consistorial
One of the most picturesque buildings in the city, the Palacio Consistorial was built between 1900 and 1907 and was inspired by French architecture. Its facade is made from marble from Macael, the famous quarry in Almería, and it also has decorative elements such as stained-glass windows. Guided tours allow visitors to see inside the palace, which is filled with ornate rooms and a magnificent staircase.
The Archaeological Museum is built around the site of a necropolis, which was used for around 400 years from the seventh to the third century BC. It traces the history of the city, displaying prehistoric tools, Bronze Age pottery and Greek ceramics. The museum also details the 2,000-year history of the various civilisations who have colonised Cartagena, from the Carthaginians; to the Romans, who introduced Christianity to the city; the Vandals; the Visigoths; the Byzantines; the Muslim Moors; and the Christians, who won reclaimed control in the 13th century.
Offering one of the best views over the city, Castillo de la Concepción sits at the highest point of Cartagena. It was built on the site of a Roman temple, which was later turned into a Moorish fortification under Muslim rule in the 12th century. Eventually this was replaced too, after the Christian reconquest of Spain, and it was turned into a medieval fortress. The castle was in use right up until the time of the Spanish Civil War as a lookout for bombs. Ride up on the panoramic glass lift and spend your time strolling around the gardens and learning about the history of the city at the Centro de Interpretación de la Historia de Cartagena.l
Located inside the city’s Artillery Park, the Military Museum is home to one of the largest collections of artillery in Spain. Housed in a historic building dating back to the 18th century and built by Carlos III, it’s characterised by arched vaults and stone pillars. Inside, exhibits detail the history of artillery through displays of models, documents, weapons, uniforms, paintings and drawings. Tours take visitors through a cannon room, an ammunition room and an aircraft artillery room.
The town’s Naval Museum displays exhibits on everything from boat construction to naval health, uniforms, art and sailor life. It also has one room housing the famous Isaac Peral Submarine. Built in the 19th century by inventor Isaac Peral, it was the first to be electronically powered and incorporate torpedo weaponry. The building where the museum is housed is also of notable interest, having won architectural awards for seamlessly fusing together the old styles of the original 18th-century prison with the navy training centre of the 20th century and modern-day 21st-century design.
After all those museums, you’ll be ready for some relaxation, and where better than the beach? The town’s only beach, Cala Cortina, lies four kilometres (two metres) from the town centre. A lovely, wide sweep of sand, the beach offers facilities such as bars, restaurants, toilets, kids’ play areas and a picnic area.
Alicante
Alicante
Amongst the most notable features of the city are the Castle of Santa Bárbara, which sits high above the city, and the port of Alicante. The latter was the subject of bitter controversy in 2006–2007 as residents battled, successfully, to keep it from being changed into an industrial estate.
The Santa Bárbara castle is situated on Mount Benacantil, overlooking the city. The tower (La Torreta) at the top, is the oldest part of the castle, while part of the lowest zone and the walls were constructed later in the 18th century.
Explanada de España
The promenade Explanada de España, lined by palm trees, is paved with 6.5 million marble floor tiles creating a wavy form and is one of the most lovely promenades in Spain. The Promenade extends from the Port of Alicante to the Gran Vía and ends at the famous statue of Mark Hersch. For the people of Alicante, the promenade is the meeting place for the traditional Spanish paseo, or stroll along the waterfront in the evenings, and a venue for outdoor musical concerts. At the end of the promenade is a monument by the artist Bañuls of the 19th century.
Barrio de la Santa Cruz is a colourful quarter of the old city, situated on the south-west of Santa Bárbara castle. Its small houses climb up the hill leading to the walls and the castle, through narrow streets decorated with flags and tubs of flowers.
L’Ereta Park is situated on the foothills of Mount Benacantil, on the way to the castle. It runs from the Santa Bárbara castle down to the old part of Alicante and consists of several levels, routes, decks and rest stops which offer a panoramic view overlooking the city.
El Palmeral Park is one of the favorite parks of Alicante’s citizens. It includes walking trails, children’s playgrounds, ponds and brooks, picnic tables and an auditorium for concerts.
Crowning Benacantil mountain, the vast, monumental rock looming over Alicante, is a fortress with medieval Arab origins. The most recent renovations took place during Spain’s Golden Age in the 1500s, but if you look closely you’ll find little fragments from Moorish times.
If you go on foot the best time to make the climb is early in the morning before the sun is at its fiercest, but there’s also a lift that runs from just behind Postiguet Beach. Everyone should get up to the battlements and gaze in awe at the panorama of Alicante, the Mediterranean and dark, mountainous countryside..
Alicante’s refined, marble-laid promenade is useful for way-finding, as it starts in the old-town and continues along the city’s seafront next to the marina.
In most Spanish cities a family walk is part of the lifestyle, and promenades like the Explanada de España help you do it in style.
You’ll get a real sense of Alicante’s ambience as you stroll beneath the palms and watch daily life in the city unfold around you at terraces and market stalls.
There are lovely coastal views, and after dark in summer this brightly lit walkway benefits from refreshing sea breezes at the end of sweltering days.
Archaeological Museum
Alicante’s MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum is just the place if you’re wondering about Alicante’s origins.
You’ll start in prehistory with the hunter gatherers and see the first hand-crafted metallic items forged around Alicante.
Then there’s the Iberian room, devoted to the many pre-Roman archaeological sites close by that have yielded wonderful pieces of sculpture and ceramics.
The Roman city of Lucentum was close to modern Alicante and the wide range of pottery, jewellery and other everyday items recovered from digs there.
Perhaps most thrilling of all are the displays that cover medieval times, when for a brief period, Jewish, Islamic and Christian cultures existed side-by-side.
You won’t mind getting lost in the old part of Alicante, a bit like a village at the centre of town. This neighbourhood is sprawled on the hill side beneath the castle, and to get around you’ll need to negotiate steep streets and stairways between high whitewashed walls.
Locals take great pride in their homes, decorating their balconies and doorsteps with fresh flowers, and painting their shutters in blues and greens.
If you need a breather you can always take the weight off at one of the many cafes and restaurants in this part of the city.
If you’re self-catering then there’s no excuse not to head for this large covered market on the upper side of Alfonso el Sabio. Central Markets are like food cathedrals in Spain, and Alicante’s is no exception.
There’s a plethora of fish and meat stalls, and endless inspiration for amateur chefs! The seafood stalls are a particular highlight, with their counters almost overflowing with crabs, lobsters, squid and much more besides.
Fresh fruit and vegetables also abound, and you’ll be able to seek out some regional specialities like turrón nougat and Mistela, a sweet dessert wine.