The apartment is situated on the Southern Costa Blanca, 40 minutes from Alicante and Murcia Airports. It is ideally situated for a few relaxing days or a complete summer/winter holiday. The Costa Blanca has an average temperature of 24°C, and 320 days of sunshine per year.

The nearest town is Torrevieja, 15 minutes by car, and is described by the World Health Organisation as having one of the healthiest climates in the world. Torrevieja offers a variety of shops and supermarkets including Carrefour. Next to Carrefour is the new shopping complex Habaneras, located on the CV-905. For those wishing to cool off during those hot summer days, you can always visit the waterpark.

The Commercial Centre at La Finca offers a selection of Restaurants, Bars and a Supermarket. Bar La Cascada offers a light menu between 12 noon and 6 pm and drinks can be enjoyed sitting out on the sunny terrace. Another bar is El Luga which is open for breakfast and offers light bites during the day. For that special occasion visit Baybrooks which serves an a la carte menu in pleasant surroundings. It also serves an excellent Sunday Lunch and booking is highly advisable. Baybrooks can be contacted on +34966728243.  

Algorfa is the nearest village (5 minutes drive/20 minutes walk), and is a typical Spanish village. There are a selection of Restaurants and Bars. Bar Tropicana (English) can be found at 19 Calle Major. The Vestry (English) offers an a la carte menu and booking is advisable on +34966783976. 

El Torro Steakhouse is a non smoking restaurant which offers a free courtesy bus service and they can be found on +34679126348.

If you fancy traditional fish and chips look no further than Mulliners at Montbello, a 5 minute drive away. They are open 7 days a week (including Bank Holidays), and offers a free delivery service, telephone +34627315238.

Within a 10 minute drive lies the urbanisation of Quesada, which offers a wide range of places to eat and drink.

The nearest beach is Guadamar, a 15 minute drive away, offering mile upon mile of golden sand. For those of you who like to windsurf, there are perfect beaches at Zenia and Cap Roig.

For those looking for a bit of excitement there is the Terramitica Theme Park, north of Alicante. To get to the theme park of Terra Mitica, take the AP7 north following the signs for Alicante, then take the A7 and follow signs for Benidorm until you see the exit Terra Mitica. Terra Natura Benidorm is a large wildlife park with over 200 species and is divided into 4 areas; the entrance to the park, America, Asia and Europe. Adjacent to the park is a large water park. Tickets for the park are €23 for adults, €11 for the water park. There are smaller versions of both parks in Murcia, take, drivee south from the apartment on the A-7, take the exit 139 Murcia Norte-Espinardo, then go onto the Murcia highway, then take exit 136 Universidad de Mucia then follow the signs . Also in Benidorm is the Mundomar Marine Theme Park which is fun for all ages. It has tropical birds, penquins, flamingos, and  spactacular twice daily dolphin show and sea lion shows. You can take your own picnic and water as it can be expensive.

The Algar Waterfalls (Fuentes del Algar) is a beautiful natural park where there are several pools in which to swim, although the water is cold it is refreshing on a hot summers day, so take your costume and suitable shoes as the pools have stones. There is a picnic and barbecue area. The only charge is a few euros for parking. There are also a couple of museaums to visit. To get there take the road to Callosa d@en Sarria and then follow the signs for the waterfall.

Tabarca Island is the only inhabited island in the Region of Valencia. It is 1,800 metres long and 400metres wide and lies 11 nautical miles offshore. The island’s waters have been declared a Mediterranean Marine Reserve due to their excellent  quality and for the biodiversity of their flora and fauna. The island was a haven for pirates until the 18^th century when it was fortified and a town built. On the island there is the town and many coves and beaches to be explored. There is a picturesque fishing port with a variety of restaurants and a museum. The boat trip to Tabarca Island can be caught from Torrevieja marina (0034 965 717 447) or Guadamar, La Gola de Guadamar tel +34 96 572 44 88. Further information available from Tourist Info Guadamar tel +34 689 103 623.

Murcia is well worth a visit. It is dominated by its 14^th century cathedral which has 23 different chapels. The 18^th century church of Santa Ana is well worth a visit, cakes can be bought baked by the nuns via a revolving hatch so that the nuns don’t break their vow of silence.

Useful links

Guardamar    Terramitica       Local Markets

Alicante        Area Maps