Fig Tree Villa guestbook

Before your trip

Located on the Manzana 12 complex The Villa offers a quiet, secluded spot for a break.

Although situated in a block of four, The Fig Tree Villa is not overlooked and remains very private and secluded.

The outside areas at the Villa are a particular feature. The ground floor terrace is fully tiled, has a dining table and a  BBQ all under the shade of a mature fig tree. The whole area of the garden is surrounded with Cypress hedging.

The 6 metre by 4 metre L shaped pool has a stepped shallow end and a deep end of 1.8 metres. It is maintained weekly.

The front door of the Villa opens onto the Dining Room which in turn leads through to the Lounge, Kitchen and ground floor Bedroom One. Stairs up from the Dining Room lead to the second Master Bedroom.

There is air conditioning in both bedrooms and the lounge on a coin meter.( to cover electricity cost only!)

We may be able to accommodate one or two additional children on request for an additional charge.

An easy 45 minutes drive from either Alicante or Murcia you should be in the sunshine in no time !

Fig Tree Villa

Urbanisation Manzana 12, Casa 34

Calle Jabali

La Chismosa

03189 Orihuela Costa

We first came out to the Costa Blanca on holiday here with our young family to stay with a relative in 2004.
Like many others we had a dream of owning a holiday home Spain and the prices were reasonable, we liked what the area had to offer and a 2 hour flight from
our nearest Airport suited us perfectly We bought our first house in 2005, the second and then the Fig Tree in 2006.
Our intention from the outset was to rent them as holiday homes and have done so ever since.
We sold house one in 2016, house two in early 2023 but took on a cottage in the Yorkshire Dales so now have two super properties available to rent.
We are fortunate to holiday in the houses ourselves and our now grown up children and grandchild benefit too.
We hope you get as much pleasure as we do from the houses which ever one you may stay in.
What little profits we gain in rental we like to reinvest in the houses to keep them fresh & uptodate so are sure you will not be disappointed.

What we offer.
Met on arrival with the keys
Our Housekeeper Marcela lives close by and can be contacted during your stay if you have any problems. Her details will be available to you.

What you will find in the house.
We provide a starter pack which includes rolls of toilet paper in the bathrooms plus hand soap. Rubbish bags in the bins, basic cleaning products such as cloths and detergents.
Milk and Wine are in the fridge and starter tea, coffee, and sugar are in the kitchen.
We leave a few dishwasher and washing machine tabs to get you started.
In the kitchen we provide basic spices such as salt and pepper and other commonly used spices. There are also a number of oils and often other condiments left by previous guests.

We can add to these basics should you have any special requests or are arriving late. Please just ask in advance of your stay.

Bed linen and towels,
The beds have been freshly made up for your stay and there are towels for each guest, we provide a bath and hand towels. Please use the towels in the house only.

We have provided additional towels to use with the Sun loungers.

You will also find,
Iron and ironing board
Clothes line and pegs
Basic cleaning materials and utensils

The final stage of finding us can cause difficulties.

Most guests approach on Calle Arco Iris which becomes Calle Pavo Real.

There are two roundabouts on this road. At the second turn right, also Calle Pavo Real and our complex gate is on the right.

This is the most convenient place to park for The Fig Tree.

What3words complex gate
Complex Gate
What3words Fig Tree garden gate

Check in is after 3pm please. This is to ensure that the cleaners have had sufficient time to prepare the Villa for your stay.

Obviously you may have early flights and get to the Villa sooner, in which case we are more than happy for you to leave luggage and perhaps have a coffee locally
while the preparation is finished.

Marcela will meet you with the keys. These will include a Villa key, our garden gate key, complex gate key and one for the upstairs safe.

If you require a separate set please let us know in advance.

Checkout is by 10.00am please.

You have hopefully had a relaxing stay!
Before you leave, we would appreciate it if you could do the following:
* Strip all used beds (including duvet covers) and place in the utility room.
* Run the dishwasher with any final dirty crockery etc
* Remove all rubbish to the rubbish bin
* Clear the fridge and cupboards of foodstuff
* There is no need to clean the house but please try to leave it tidy
We will be in touch a few days before check out to confirm key collection.

Please travel safely back home and we hope to see you again soon!!

Reviews are important to us and good ones inevitably help drive our business forward. If you do have cause for concern / complaint then please let us know as soon as possible to give us an opportunity to resolve any issues there and then rather than posting negative comments after the event.
We accept that issues can occur but hope that our promoting of the property is a fair and honest reflection of what we offer and you find it so.

If you booked through one of the major websites then you should receive an automated review request soon after your stay. If not we would be very grateful for a review via our presence on Google.

https://g.page/figtreevilla

 

We are lucky to be served by two international Airports, Alicante and Murcia.
Both are approximately 45 minutes away.

Alicante is the larger and has many more flight options but you can find bargain flights UK to Murcia.

We have a Highchair and Travel Cot with bedding for your use.

A local hire company we can recommend for other items you may need is San D days

Hiring a car is often the easiest option with all the major companies offering their services. Its better to book in advance on the internet and we have found over the years that www.DoYouSpain.com is as good as any for the best prices.

Be aware that although the headline rates look attractive by the time you set off from the Airport local charges have bumped up the price considerably.

Fuel is often charged at a premium rate. The included 'comprehensive' insurance does not cover glass and tyres in particular and the hire companies push to sell their daily all in cover. If refused they often take a considerable charge against a credit card.

Having an all inclusive policy purchased at home does not negate the need to choose one or the other at the Airport as the car hire companies policies are that they take the money for any damage as you return the car and you then have to claim it back from your internet purchased policy after the event.

There are horror stories of handing cars back and subsequent checks reveal previously undetected damage and subsequent charges made.

Having said all that, most guests have no problems and the cars are always nearly new and all goes well. Just be aware.

What we tend to do now is use one of the local companies near the Villa.

Spanish law regarding car rentals was relaxed in recent years which has resulted in the growth of car rental companies in our immediate area. Cars are often older, some even right hand drive but all fully legal and considerably cheaper than the major companies. They can collect and return you to the Airport and the car is waiting at the Villa. These cars are reasonably priced and there is less concern on returning the car re minor damages.

Two companies we've used in the past and can recommend are;

Steve Hicks at H and R Car Hire

0044 7824 485925

stephenhicks13@hotmail.co.uk

or on Facebook.

or Richard Gray at DC Property Management. WhatsApp 0034 69449 3059. grayscarhire@gmail.com

grayscarhire.es

All the rage locally for our younger guests !

HOPP is the original and largest operator in Orihuela Costa. Download the app to find a nearby scooter, pay via the app and get charged automatically for the distance when you reach your destination.

more here

The Fig Tree is on a gated complex so the car has to be parked around the perimeter.

All free and only a minute away.

Webcam at local beach La Zenia Click Here

According to current legislation, owners of apartments or villas are obligated to report the entry and exit of guests aged sixteen and above. This includes sharing specific guest details with the police, such as full name, surname, identity document number, document type, date of birth, gender, and nationality. This information can be communicated to the police through in-person visits, electronic means, or fax. Failing to provide this information to the relevant authorities, as stated in Organic Law 4/2015, can result in fines ranging from €600 to €30,000. Consequently, there’s a possibility of the renter facing a prohibition on their stay. The deadline for submitting this information is within 24 hours of the guest’s arrival. ( source:Villarep.com )

We use Checkinscan to capture and send the documentation in the link we send you.

You can reach us via;

email: marksutton189@gmail.com

whats app : 07721 3779946

webchat : villamct.co.uk

If you do not wish to hire a car we can put you in touch with our preferred Airport transfer providers, collecting you outside the terminal and taking you straight to The Fig Tree. Current cost for the return from Alicante or Murcia International is €120 Appropriate child and baby seats are on hand.

Taxis are of course readily available outside the terminals and a little more expensive than our own transfers.

TORREVIEJA AIRPORT BUS ALICANTE ( Not Murcia )

A non stop 50 minute journey for €7 each way per person.

It runs each way every 2 hours ( more in the summer months ) and it is from Level 2 at the Airport and the main bus station in central Torrevieja.

You would then need a taxi up to The Fig Tree taking about 20 minutes.

Tickets available from the driver, the bus station kiosk or online.

Timetable here

Good to know

We hope you do not have cause to seek medical attention of any sort while you are here however issues can arise. The local Pharmacy is often the best first point of call. Very knowledgable staff with most speaking excellent English and often able to provide an immediate solution. They are also able to dispence medication that is often only available on prescription in the UK.

The nearest Pharmacy is at the Punta Marina Commercial Centre where McDonalds is. Alternatively over the blue bridge to Punta Prima near Santander.

For something more serious there is the Cabo Roig Healthcare Centre located on Calle del Mar, Cabo Roig. You will need a European Health Card (ECIC ) to register and be seen.

0034 965 936 400

Additionally we have our local hospital in Torrevieja with 24 hr Accident and Emergency facilities on the CV95 Ctra de San Miguel a Torrevieja.

Head north on the N332 towards Alicante and off on the CV95 towards San Miguel.

0034 965 721 200

We are located in a safe secure environment but as anywhere thefts can occur. If they do it is largely opportunistic......you may have left a door open or a phone or iPad on an outside table in full view. Please be careful not to spoil your holiday.

Most insurance companies require a police report to entertain a claim. Here this is often impeded by Red Days ( regional day holidays ) and weekends.

In the unfortunate event of loss the emergency number is 112

You will need to make a denuncia within 48 hrs to the police or Guardia Civil, you can do this online at https://www.policia.es/denunweb/denun_com.php If you do not speak Spanish you can also call 902 102112 (Not free - Available 9:00 am to 9:00 pm) which is an English speaking number for foreign tourists. They will be able to answer any questions you may have.

You will still need to attend the local police station to ratify the denuncia.

A lost or stolen passport must also be reported to the police and a denuncia made. A temporary travel document can be issued by the Cosulate in Alicante but it's time consuming and costly !

Taxi prices are reasonable but due to the restricted numbers of licences granted by the council they can be in short supply during the peak summer months.

The best around at the moment is taxicosta

House manual

Please empty rubbish regularly.
Obviously the heat and rubbish can attract unwelcome, bugs and smells!!
The large dump bins are out on the main roads and are emptied daily.

Our nearest is on Calle Pavo Real probably where you parked and to the right as you exit the complex gate.

Spain has not adopted recycling as well as we have in the UK. Facilities do exist for bottles, cans & plastics. Again located on the main roads in specific bins but you may have to walk a little further to deposit.

Nearest rubbish bin

 

Supplied via a coin meter located in the Kitchen glasses cupboard.

The meter takes €1 and €2 coins and is set to the tariff our supplier charges. We installed it to encourage sensible use.

Most guests use a few Euros in a week.

The units are in the Lounge and both bedrooms and are individually controlled.

The television channels come via the internet and UK plus various other countries channels can be found.

The small black box below the TV needs to be on to access channels.

The TV is smart so you can access your subscription channels like Netflix.

We have two Sonos play1 speakers.

Use the Sonos app to log into your subscription music providers such as Spotify or Apple.

We are on ScanSat fibre.

The router is located at the top of the stairs should you need it.

Network is : Scansat 34

Password is : runar2021

 

 

 

The pool is available and maintained all year round but not heated.

Francisco our pool and garden man usually comes weekly, early in the morning to clean and check chemical levels in the pool. If you do notice something amiss please make contact & we can get him to come and check it over.

The garden has a sprinkler system which is active twice a day for 10 minutes per session around 8am and 10pm during the dry seasons.

 

The complex has a number of Norwegian owners who tend not to be here in the warmer months which can make it quiet and peaceful for much of the year.

We do however have some permanent residents, both working and retired so please be mindful of them whilst enjoying your break.

The fuse box is located in the Lounge by the double doors.

Occasionally a circuit can trip if too many appliances are on at once ie Airconditioning, Washing Machine, Oven and Iron so you may need to reset the trip and use less at once.

Located upstairs set into the floor under the kitchen units.

The key is on the bunch.

One provided and normally in the upstairs vanity unit.

We have provided extra towels in the Utility Room so please do not use the bath towels.

We hope we have provided all you need in the way of kitchen appliances and utensils.

There is a slimline dishwasher, microwave, electric oven, gas hob, fridge freezer.

Filtered drinking water is available from the kitchen tap.

if you prefer not to use the dishwasher there is a bowl, drying rack and tea towels under the kitchen sink.

We have added an Airfryer and Nespresso Coffee Machine both located in the Utility Room.

The LogBurner is more of a feature as the air conditioning units are more than adequate to heat the Villa. It is however fully operational and you are more than welcome to make use of it.

Although not provided we find that the composite logs sold in the likes of Carrefour and Leroy Merlin are an easy option for effective burning.

 

.

Beaches

Thank you to Lilypad Properties for this overview.

Video link

Cala Mosca is one of The Playa Flamenca beaches and is probably the nearest beach to the  Fig Tree, 7 minutes by car. It  lies between Punta Prima and La Zenia beaches with both being Blue Flag awarded. Like most of our beaches they also also have a first aid station and lifeguard. Playa Flamenca also boast a Chiringuito local beach bar on the beach. Restaurants  close by the beach include The Lobster and Surfers Bar and Grill.

La Zenia beach is probably the most popular beaches of the Orihuela Costa. It is large and has its own beach bar in the middle with a shaded area where you can get food and drinks. Loungers and sunshades are available to hire and there are toilet facilities and boardwalks during the summer season. There is also first aid point and as all the beaches have, lifeguards on duty during the summer. At Christmas, 100's of local's and tourist flock to the beach Christmas Day and has become one to the biggest traditions of the area. Having BBQ's and listening to music and of course the obligatory jump in the freezing waters !

This is a beautiful beach although access could be a bit of a problem if you have limited mobility as there are steps and slopes down to the beach. It is very clean and a sun trap (great for sun bathing) as it is so sheltered. It is flat and has all the usual amenities in the summer months including a  bar which has live music on Sunday afternoons. There are also water sports including Pedalos, Jet Skis and Fly boarding.

 

Situated to the south of Orihuela Costa, the long, wide sands of Campoamor Beach are kept in pristine condition and slope gently into the sea, making it ideal for young children. It is actually two main beaches, Cala de Campoamor and Caleta de la Glea, which are separated by a small marina.

Campoamor Beach has various wheelchair access points, toilets and showers, beach sport and fitness facilities, lifeguards, sun lounger and parasol hire and   Chiringuitos. ( Beach Bars ) during the summer months.
You can hire jet skis and take sailing trips.

Things to see and do

Alicante is a small but beautiful city approximately 1 hours drive from the Villa.

Here are a few things to see;

On the waterfront is the Esplanada d’Espanya with its stunning tile work. The beautiful esplanada has palm trees, nice architecture, little market stalls and plenty of cafes and restaurants to explore.

One of the most popular things to do in Alicante is visit Santa Barbara Castle up on a hill on the edge of the city which has a paved path to the top and great views of the city.

It’s free to walk around, but if you want to explore the dungeons or inside some of the different areas of the castle, you’ll have to pre-book a castle tour.

The Archaeological Museum is located inside a beautiful building that was once the hospital of San Juan de Dios, the museums collection is a wide variety of art and artifacts and you can learn more about Roman’s role in the Iberian peninsula’s medieval times, up to modern-day Spain.

Just across the road is The Basilica of Santa Maria, the oldest still-active church in Alicante.

The church isn’t always open, but if you come in the morning, you have a good chance of being able to go inside and see the ornate gold altar. Entry to the basilica is free.

Perhaps a more accessible church is the much more centrally located Saint Nicholas of Bari, a Roman-Catholic cathedral that was built between 1613 and 1662. Like many churches in Spain, the church was built over the ruins of a mosque that was originally built by the occupying Moors.

Its most striking feature is the blue dome which sits 45 meters above the base of the cathedral. Inside, you’ll find the Chapel of the Holy Communion which many consider to be the best remaining example of Spanish Baroque architecture.

It is also an easy stroll to Alicante’s Old Town.

The Central Market of Alicante or Mercat Central d’Alacant is located right in the city center and is easily walkable from the esplanade area or the old town of Alicante. This is a nice place to come if you simply want to see what a traditional Spanish market looks like.

Located on the Segura River in south-eastern Spain, Murcia has a population of around 450,000 making it the seventh-largest city in the country.

Much of what to see is centred around different Plazas. Head to the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga for eclectic architecture, Santa Domingo Square for the heart of the shopping area, or to the Plaza de las Flores for food! 

The streets of the historic Old Town are as picturesque as you’ll find in any Spanish city and it is easy to stroll around exploring the architecture, boutique shops, and eateries Murcia is famous for. 

The city was founded by the Moors in 825, so this is a seriously historic city. The 500 years of Islamic rule have left their mark in the architecture, cuisine, and culture of the city and the traits can still be glimpsed in amongst the later Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles that have since been added.

The famed Cathedral is a must see. constructed in 1394 on the site of what was once a great Mosque. It received a baroque styled facelift in 1748 and now has a stunning façade overlooking the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga


Adult and kiddies tracks. 5 minutes drive from the Villa.

More here


Our nearest city Torrevieja is close by. Here the streets of the traditional centre around the Town Hall are mainly pedestrianised and you will find a wide range of shops and Restaurants.

Along the harbour front you have two sculptures in homage of Torrevieja’s place in musical history.

The Monument to the Choir Singer, in Paseo Vista Alegre, was created by sculptor Pedro Llorente in honour of all those connected with the Torrevieja choir and a little further along are five quirky characters forming a band where the old bandstand used to be. 

Within the harbour are the floating museums, the S-61 submarine, the Albatross III patrol boat and the Pascual Flores schooner, which is a reconstruction of the ships used by Torrevieja sailors to export salt.

From the lighthouse at the end of the Dique de Levante promenade which juts out to sea by the harbour you can enjoy panoramic views out to sea and back over the town and the port. As this Promenade joins that of Juan Aparicio you see the iconic sculpture depicting the lonely figure of Bella Lola sitting on a bench and also looking out to sea is probably the most photographed lady in Torrevieja as she wistfully waits for her loved one’s return.

The Promenade Juan Aparicio has craft stalls in the evening towards the Plaza Waldo Calero  ( Waterfall / Fountain location ) and stretches in the opposite direction down to the Playa del Cura lined with Cafes, Bars and Restaurants.

The Parque de las Naciones or Park of Nations, just off the main N332 coast road, has 20,000 square metres of parkland to play in. It includes an interesting scale reproduction of the map of Europe as well as a large lake with geese, ducks and fish, plus a children's playground. 

1. Scuba diving

For both professional and qualified divers as for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, Orihuela Costa seabed meets without a doubt the expectations of the most demanding. Seabeds and sea banks filled with marine vegetation with endless nooks and crannies to discover. Its steep sea banks allow the experts and the more adventurous to practice underwater free fall. The possibilities are vast; enjoy the grandeur of the sea. For the less experts in the field, even for families who want to enjoy a day out, just pick up your goggles, fins and snorkel and discover the beauty of Orihuela's beautiful waters. There is no age limit, but it is always advisable to go to the snorkeling schools and scuba diving facilities in the area and receive advice from the experts.

2. Sailing

With two marinas and specialized sailing schools, sailing has become one of the most popular sports in this coastal area. Not only for the unbeatable installations available but also due to its benevolent all year round climate and its gentle sea breezes. For those interested there are courses for beginners and for the more advanced there are courses available where you will be trained to become a skipper (yacht/boat). To practice this sport it should be remembered that it is necessary to use adequate protective clothing and always abide by the security measures advised.

3. Surf – Windsurf - Kitesurf

The best beaches and most specialized schools for practicing all sorts of sailing sports on the Orihuela Costa. Surfing, a water sport in which coordination and balance is required, where the surfer rides the waves on a surfboard. One of its modalities is windsurfing, which involves moving through the water on a board with a sail. Kitesurfing, a relatively new variation of surfing is becoming widely popular. This variation combines ski, surf, wakeboard and free style. The kitesurfer is propelled across the water by the wind. It is always advisable to check on weather conditions before practicing this sport and also verify if permission is required for kitesurfing on the beach you have chosen. To practice the various options available it is advisable to have all the necessary material and clothing, if not, there are shops in the village dedicated to this sector where you will be able to purchase all that you require. Another option is to take advantage of the schools available in the area where in addition to having all suitable material for practicing these sports, they can also provide courses for all levels. All of them are located at the marinas or on the promenades of Orihuela Costa. If in addition to practicing any of these sports, you want the younger members of the family to enjoy windsurfing some day, come along to the Yacht Club Marina Cabo Roig where you will find the famous Aqualide that can be used to test their balance.

4. Kayacs - Canoe

A different way of navigating is with a kayak, a sport that can be practiced from an early age and ideal for a fun day out with your family or with a group of friends. From the Yacht Club Marina CaboRoig you can rent single or double kayaks by the hour or for a few days. A very interesting choice for those days when the sea is calm, because it allows you to get closer to the small coves on the Orihuela Costa. A rocky coastline full of great environmental and ecological value. Another option is to practice canoeing down the river Segura, be adventurous with a group of friends. An experience that takes you through the Ribera forest, where you can take in its wildlife or just watch the fishermen that still cast their nets in this area near to the sea.

5. Jet ski

Enjoy the speed on the sea on a jet ski. If you're a professional, the water is waiting for you. Otherwise, don't worry, you can easily learn on the water circuits designed for this purpose under the supervision of the professionals, who will unveil the secrets to this fun sport.

Two small mini golf quite close by.

Piscina Bar - Las Chismosas

7 minutes walking distance from The Fig Tree

Pitcher and Putt

4 minutes drive down the road by the Citrus Centre.

Both have a bar and the Piscina Bar food too.

The unusual colour of the Pink Lake in Torrevieja is caused by pigments of the Halobacterium bacteria and a micro-algae called Dunaliella Salina, which live and thrive in the very salty environment.

The saltwater brine shrimp thrives here and takes on the pink colour by feeding on the algae and that’s why up to 2000 flamingos can be seen here during the breeding season from mid-August to the end of September. Their feathers often turn a shade of pink from feasting on the shrimps.

You can not swim here and can be fined if caught.

In reality, the Salinas consist of two lagoons that are separated by a channel called El Chaparral. They are also linked to the sea through important canals which, in turn, assist with the production of salt in the area. The two lagoons are the Torrevieja, which covers 1.400 hectares and the La Mata lagoon, which covers 700 hectares. At both of these, water is collected through a series of gulleys and watercourses which originate in the mountains of San Miguel de Salinas.

In 1988, it was declared a natural park by the Valencian Government in order to protect it.

Since the 15th century, the La Mata lagoon has been one of the main centres in the Mediterranean both for harvesting and exporting salt and the Laguna Salada produces as much as 350 grams of salt per liter of water, a concentration not far off that of the Dead Sea. The Torrevieja lakes provide as many as 700,000 tons of salt per year much of which which is exported abroad.

You must understand one thing - this is a working salt evaporation plant. It is not a resort. You can get to the waters edge but across a dirt track, and there are plenty of mosquitos. Quite often the pink hue is not as often portrayed. It does depend on the level of sunshine.

How to get there. Head for Calle de las Lavandores and walk down to the end of Calle del Lago where there is a trail down to the water.


Mud baths at Lo Pagan.

NB Take a small bucket or cut down plastic soft drinks bottle each and a sponge or two to wash down afterwards.

A drive south towards Mar Menor initially taking the N332 towards San Pedro del Pinatar and then left on the road down to Lo Pagan.

The therapeutic mud is said to be good for all types of skin complaints, aches and pains. has been created here in the warm, shallow waters adjacent to the Mar Menor. Only the surface water temperature can be a bit cold but underneath the waters are warmer than the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean so you can still visit in the winter months.

A visit here is likely to be one of the funniest and yet healthiest things you can do on holiday with us at Costa Villa Rentals.

In the past the mud Baths are also sometimes called as a fountain of youth.
When the mud is drying the skin stretches and hereby reduces wrinkles.
They have also a lots of medicinal benefits thanks to their rich mix of nutrients.

It even helps cleaning the skin.
Also people with join aches and pain can enjoy the benefits of a Mud bath  due to its deep heat.
While people with a lot of stress,  go find a mud bath and relax. Because the warmth takes the stress of your body.
People who suffer from arthritis, visit the mud baths  for the many benefits .

Beside for patients  suffering from skin conditions like eczema the mud is very good. Although be careful for the graininess of the mud.

Park up and starting from the windmill walk down the wide walking and cycling promenade.  To the left is the shallow and salty lagoon of the Mud Baths and to the right is Mar Menor. Specially constructed jettys provide the launch pads into the warm waters.

Make your way through the shallow water away from the jetties to find the best muds - silkier and smoother than the slightly gritty mud nearer the jetties. It is an odd sensation to find the mud much warmer than the waters in which it sits. Scoop it up into your bucket or cut down plastic drinks bottle and make your way back to the jetty with your booty. If you have forgotten to bring yours there are often plenty left over from previous partakers.

Fellow bathers always seem friendly here and will happily point you towards the best muds, must be mud bath camarardary!

Now this is when the amusement starts as you smother yourself from head to toe in the glorious mud and then stand statue like to dry in the sun.

Allow the muds to dry and harden and appreciate that slight rotten egg odour as it does for at least 20 minutes even parading carefully up on the promenade for full amusement effect.  Then rinse off in the warm waters on The Mar Menor side. This is tricky as the mud clings and does not just wash off you almost need to scrub and this is where the sponge comes into good effect if you remembered one !

Its a good idea for one in your party to keep their hands as clean and mud free as possible, certainly during the drying process. The photos can be priceless.

 

The salt marshes and mud baths themselves form a fantastic circular 12 kilometre cycling or walking route. Continue from the mud baths and follow the path out into the Mar Menor towards the buildings on the La Manga Strip. Keep to the raised path or the beach as it curves around to the marina at San Pedro and finally past the salt lakes back to the visitors centre in Lo Pagan.

Round the experience off with a bite to eat or some sunshine drinks in the likes of Restaurante Los Molinos opposite the beach near the Windmill.

Zenia Boulevard is the largest Shopping centre in the province. With its streets, squares, fountains, daily concerts and events that bring Zenia Boulevard to life it is a little different and exciting.

Full of character, it is clean, well maintained, has some of the best well known clothing shops in Europe in fact over 100 retail outlets and almost 30 different catering outlets to choose from.

The main Square has water fountains which the kids love, large screen television that shows popular sporting events and a staged area for musical entertainment and concerts.

Designer shops to Primark are all here.

More here

https://zeniaboulevard.es


A port city and naval base in the Murcia region of southeast Spain. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. theatre and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics.

Visiting Cartagena, Spain is akin to exploring one big, open-air museum. The ancient port is hidden away behind a natural harbor encircled by protective hills. Waves of settlers have taken advantage of this fortuitous situation, and every time foundations are dug for a new building, more layers of history are unpeeled.

You’ll find Roman villas and baths, a harbor used by the Phoenicians, chunky 18th-century defensive walls, and polished marble streets lined with elegant art nouveau architecture.

There’s a collection of excellent museums, a lively cultural scene, and an impressive array of tapas bars and restaurants to explore.

The city itself is compact, so the best way to spend your day is on foot. Explore the palm-lined waterfront, the chunky Muralla del Mar (the late 18th-century defensive walls), the old center, the castle, and some of the Roman archaeological sites.

The biggest dilemma you’ll have is which of the many excellent Museums to fit in, too. Realistically, in the space of a day, you could take in the Roman Amphitheater and the Underwater Archaeology Museum, with time to spare for a quick visit to the castle, as well as strolling the old town, admiring the modernista architecture and stopping for tapas.

( source: Sue Bryant CelebrityXCruises )

Open early June to early September. Online booking cheaper but it is still quite expensive, however a full day out and great for the kids.

More here

Isle of Tabarca

Although popularly known as Tabarca, it is really a small archipelago in which the main island, called Nueva Tabarca or Isla Plana, is surrounded by the small islets of La Nao, La Cantera and La Galera.

Inhabited by countless examples of marine life that range from small anchovies and squid to dolphins and turtles. It is great for snorkelling and diving.

Tabarca has more than 5 kilometres of coastline and it dates back to the time of the conquests of the Berber pirates who used the square as a base when attacking the coast of Alicante.

There are not too many restaurants on the island and visitors are a "captive audience" so if you want to eat on the island be prepared to pay. You may want to take a packed lunch !

The journey from Torrevieja is aproximately 40 minutes. It costs 27€ per adult and 19€ per child from 3 to 10 years, children under 2 years are free. The ticket is purchased at the same port before boarding the ship.

( price @ 2023 )

Crossing timetable here

 

A whole family day out.
An animal park zoo, picnic area, restaurant, large pool and kiddies Go Karts.

More here

Bars and restaurants nearby

Just round the corner and a firm favourite with our guests. Always busy and serves food all day.

More Here

 

Walking distance and just over the bridge opposite Concierto. Offering authentic Thai cuisine.

More here

One of our favourites. Great modern interior and again walking distance, just beyond the Banana Tree.

A wide menu choice and great Pizzas. Takeaway too.

More here

An Irish family owed bar which serves food including Sunday Lunch.

Walking distance and just along from Concierto.

More Here

Local Chinese. Reasonably priced and they do takeaway.

More here

Another guest favourite. A bar and restaurant with outside courtyard seating and occasional entertainment evenings.
A 20 minute walk down to La Florida.

More here

Bars and restaurants a little further away


A different dining experience in ancient caves but in the centre of the town of San Miguel just 15 minutes away.

 

More here


Rebate is one of our favourite restaurants.

It all started for us on the internet some fifteen years ago when Cheryl found the idylic chapel for our marital blessing in the grounds of Rebate in the village in the mountains above the Salt Lakes. Friends and family flew out for the day and we return at least once a year.The place has prospered, grown and improved considerably over the intervening years and its remains a firm favourite for us.

The Terrace is the place to be for a fantastic lunch or dinner, beautifully shaded and over looking the rolling countryside or looking back towards the wonderful chapel.

Often you are dining amongst the hardy cyclists who make the challenging twisting, turning ride up the CV952 up from San Miguel. All credit to them, the car journey is arduous enough !

A less taxing route is the CV95 road out to Orihuela from San Miguel and then left on the CV951 providing views across ‘Lake Torremendo’ which is actually the Embalmed de la Pedrera a man made reservoir with fresh water which is used to irrigate surrounding farmland. It is a stunning aquamarine colour which

changes shade according to the sunlight and its depth.

Now, renown as much for its fine dining the wedding side of the business is established as a premier choice in the Costa Blanca catering from the small intimate celebrations through to the huge Traditional Spanish ceremonies.

A scenic drive up the mountain to the village of Rebate is going to take around 1/2 hour from the Villa.

  

More here


Recently opened the Asia Kitchen is a stylish Restaurant with sophisticated decor with an extensive menu offering a la carte, menu del dia and set menu options all at reasonable prices.

The menus offer diverse flavours, from spicy and tangy to savory and sweet. You can often explore a variety of tastes in a single meal.

Many of the dishes feature fresh ingredients like vegetables, lean meats, and seafood and options like sushi, sashimi, and stir-fried dishes often make them healthy choices.

Lots of the dishes are designed for sharing which makes it an ideal dining experience with friends and family. The set menus offer just this and are good value too.

More here

Situated on the promenade overlooking the sea and Playa Punta Prima.

Great views out to sea and a wide menu choice but does attract negative comments due to no physical menu as it is all done via a QR code.

More here

Quite expensive but worth a visit.

 

Overlooking the sea at Playa Flamenca this has good views and good reasonably priced food. The two beaches at Cala Mosca and Cala las Estacas are just minutes away.

More here

Supermarkets

Fig Tree to Alcampo at Zenia Boulevard

Fig Tree to Aldi

 

Fig Tree to Lidl

Fig Tree to Carrefour

Fig Tree to Mercadona

Fig Tree to Super Brico by car 2 minutes

Fig Tree to Super Brico walking 6 minutes

Scroll to Top