Top 6 Things To Do In Orihuela Costa
If you’re looking for things to do in Orihuela Costa, you’ll find far more than just beautiful beaches. Stretching along the southern Costa Blanca, this popular coastal area is home to sandy coves, golf courses, outdoor activities, scenic spots and plenty of options for families, couples and visitors who simply want to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Whether you want to spend the day on the beach, try your hand at water sports, play a round of golf, explore the coastline or find something the whole family can enjoy, Orihuela Costa has plenty to offer. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together 10 of the best things to do in Orihuela Costa.
1. Enjoy the Beaches of Orihuela Costa
One of the biggest attractions of Orihuela Costa is its choice of beaches. From the wide sands of La Zenia to the smaller coves around Cabo Roig, there are plenty of places to spend a few hours by the Mediterranean.
La Zenia Beach: is one of the best-known beaches in the area and a popular choice for both residents and visitors. The wide sandy beach is backed by a promenade and offers plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the views along the coastline. The water is generally calm during good weather, making it a good option for families, while the nearby restaurants, cafés and beach bars mean you do not have to go far when you want something to eat or drink.
During the summer, the beach can become particularly busy, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea if you want to find parking close by and choose a good spot on the sand. Later in the afternoon, the beach takes on a completely different feel as the sun begins to drop, making it a great time for a relaxing walk along the shore or some photographs.
Playa Calla Capitán: Just along the coast, Playa Calla Capitán offers another attractive option. Located close to the Campoamor area, this sandy beach is known for its pleasant setting and clear Mediterranean water. It is a good choice if you want somewhere to swim, relax on the sand or enjoy a quieter few hours by the sea. The Shallow waters bring in fish that makes the water great for snorkelling. Bring some bread and the fish will be eating out of your hands.
The surrounding coastline offers a walking trail that will take you on to Cabo Roig or back to La Zenia Beach. You can take a walk along the seafront, enjoy the views towards the neighbouring beaches and find quieter spots away from the busiest areas. In summer, it is worth arriving early as parking and space on the beach can become harder to find as the day goes on.
Cabo Roig Beach: Cabo Roig Beach is another favourite and has a different atmosphere again. Set beside the Cabo Roig marina, the small sandy beach is surrounded by cliffs and offers beautiful views across the Mediterranean. The sheltered setting can make it particularly appealing for swimming and relaxing, while the nearby marina and Cabo Roig promenade give you plenty of options if you want to combine a beach visit with a walk and meal.
One of the highlights of Cabo Roig is the coastal walk. From here, you can enjoy views back towards the beach and along the Orihuela Costa, with several places to stop and take in the scenery. There are also lots restaurants, cafés and bars nearby, so it is easy to turn a visit to Cabo Roig Beach into a full day and evening out.
With La Zenia, Playa de Capitán, Cabo Roig and several other beaches close together, you do not have to settle for just one stretch of sand. Exploring a few of them is one of the best ways to experience the coastline and discover which beach suits you best. You can find a full list of beaches in Orihuela here.
2. Shop at La Zenia Boulevard
If you want to take a break from the beach, La Zenia Boulevard is one of the most popular places to visit in Orihuela Costa. Located close to La Zenia and easily reached from the N-332, this large open-air shopping centre has more than 150 shops, restaurants and entertainment options, making it much more than somewhere to simply go shopping.
You’ll find plenty of familiar brands here, including Zara, H&M, Mango, Primark and El Corte Inglés, along with Spanish retailers, fashion shops, beauty stores, sports brands and outlets aimed at children and families. Whether you need holiday clothes, something for the home or simply fancy a look around the shops, there is plenty to keep you occupied.
When you need a break from shopping, there are numerous restaurants, cafés and bars to choose from. The centre is also home to a casino, adding another option for adults looking for some evening entertainment. With its restaurants, bars and lively atmosphere, La Zenia Boulevard can be just as enjoyable after the shops have closed as it is during the day.
Families are well catered for too, with children’s entertainment and activities taking place at different times of the year. There are also regular events and seasonal activities, so it is worth checking what is happening during your visit.
Another advantage is the large amount of free parking available around and under the centre, although it can become busy during the summer and at weekends and fairs and other events may fill the car park around the centre. La Zenia Boulevard is open throughout much of the year Including Sundays in the summer months. However in the off season shops are closed on Sundays only open again for holidays like Christmas.
Whether you come for a few hours of shopping, lunch with the family, an evening meal or a night out, La Zenia Boulevard is one of those places in Orihuela Costa that is easy to fit into your holiday plans. Find out what’s on the La Zenia Boulevard website.
3. Eating Out In Orihuela Costa
There are countless places to eat and you will be spoilt for choice from where to go. nearly all local bars offer some form of food, but in this section I will cover the main hubs for restaurants. What you choose from there is up to you as you will find food from around the world. I will however give you a few of my favourite places to eat.
La Zenia Boulevard: As previously mentioned the Boulevard has a wide range restaurants filled with tapas restaurants and chain restaurants. You have everything from Burger King and Taco Bell to smaller more local chains like Che!!! and Foster’s Hollywood. Along side these you have tapas bars and cafes. Great if you have had a long day of shopping.
Cabo Roig: Cabo Roig is another hot spot with the tourist. Here you will find probably the biggest cluster of restaurants in the area. Like Punta Prima there are a good selection of international cuisine. There is also a good selection of high end places to eat. Parking in the area is tricky as the restaurants are located right on the N-332 meaning if you do drive there you will have to park on the roads behind and you may have a bit of a walk to the main strip.
Punta Prima: The Torrevieja – Orihuela costa Boarder runs through Punta Prima so this may come up again in another post as somewhere to visit to eat. The main area for restaurants is on the roundabout on the N-332. Here you will find some very popular places to eat from Chinese, Indian, British and Traditional Spanish restaurants.
As it is slightly away from La Zenia and Torrevieja it does get very busy with tourists in the summer months. This mixed with it being popular with the locals you should book in advance where possible or get to the restaurants early to avoid disappointment. There is parking in the available close by which is free and just a short walk over the road to the main restaurants.
Playa Flamenca Centre: This has to be one of my favourite places to go and eat. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in the area. The centre is on 3 floors with some nice view of the sea. During the day the centre is very quite with only a few bars open, it almost resembles a ghost town. As soon as evening comes the restaurants open and the whole of the Centre is alive with locals and tourists, making the most of the cooler evening.
Semana 8 has to be one of my favourite Chinese restaurants in the area. The staff are very friendly and the food is great.
Spud Murphs offers tradition British fish and chips.
Chimi Churri is an Argentinian all you can eat restaurant. the staff here and the entertainment have always been great and the food is Very Very good.
There are many more really good restaurants here all serving great food, and is well worth a trip.
I have seen that one Restaurant is selling traditional London pie & mash. I haven’t tried it yet but being from East London this is a place i will be visiting.
In my day job I am a chef having worked in some of London’s most iconic restaurants. This is the very simple food I miss and love from the UK. I have high hopes and will be updating this post for the true Cockneys who may read this, or for those who have never tried it but heard about Pie and Mash.
Parking can be tricky but if you don’t mind a very short walk you will find spaces. People mostly walk here as it is in a very residential area but there is a taxi rank just outside the Centre.
4. Play Golf on the Orihuela Costa
Golf is a big part of life on the Orihuela Costa, with several excellent courses within easy reach of the coast. The area is home to five 18-hole golf courses, giving both experienced players and holiday golfers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a round in the Costa Blanca sunshine.
The courses offer a good mix of layouts, with wide fairways, well-maintained greens and a variety of challenges along the way. Whether you are looking for a relaxed round with friends or want to put your skills to the test, there is plenty of choice without having to travel far from the beaches and resorts of Orihuela Costa.
Golfing here is about more than just the game. The courses have facilities including clubhouses, restaurants, cafés and bars, making it easy to spend most of the day at the course. You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your round, stop for lunch afterwards or simply sit back with a drink and take in the surroundings.
A round of golf can also be a welcome change of pace during the busy summer months. While the beaches and coastal resorts can become crowded, the golf courses offer a more relaxed way to spend a few hours outdoors.
For anyone who enjoys golf, or simply wants to try something different during their stay, playing one of the Orihuela Costa golf courses is well worth adding to your itinerary. See the full list of golf courses in and around Orihuela.
5. Explore the Orihuela Costa Coastal Walks
One of the best ways to see the Orihuela Costa is on foot. The coastline stretches for around 16 kilometres and offers a mixture of sandy beaches, rocky coves, promenades and dramatic cliffside paths. You can enjoy an easy stroll beside the sea or choose a longer walk linking several of the area’s beaches and coastal towns.
One of the most popular routes is the Cabo Roig coastal walk, also known as the Sendero Azul. The path follows the coastline between Cala Capitán and La Caleta, with the Mediterranean on one side and the distinctive red and ochre-coloured cliffs on the other. The route is around 2.4 kilometres and takes roughly an hour at a relaxed pace, although you will probably want to allow extra time to stop and enjoy the views along the way.
For an easier and flatter walk, head towards Punta Prima. The coastal promenade provides a straightforward route beside the Mediterranean, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sea views. The stretch towards Cala Piteras is particularly enjoyable in the morning or later in the afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable.
Further south, the coastline between Campoamor and Mil Palmeras provides another pleasant option. The route passes several beaches, including Playa de la Glea and Playa Aguamarina, with promenades and sandy sections along the way. It is a good choice if you want to combine a coastal walk with a swim, a coffee or lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.
You do not necessarily need to plan a long hike to enjoy the coastline. Some of the best walks are simply short sections between two beaches, allowing you to stop whenever you find somewhere you like. During the summer, it is best to avoid the hottest part of the day and take water with you, particularly if you are planning to follow the cliff paths.
Whether you prefer a gentle promenade, a scenic cliff walk or a longer route connecting several beaches, exploring the coast on foot is a great way to experience a different side of Orihuela Costa.
6. Go Cycling Around Orihuela Costa
Cycling is a great way to explore Orihuela Costa and the surrounding countryside, particularly if you want to see more than the beaches and busy coastal resorts. There are routes to suit different abilities, from easy rides along the coast to longer journeys through the countryside, salt lakes, citrus groves and nearby villages.
One of the easiest options is to follow the coastal cycle route from Torrevieja towards Mil Palmeras. The route passes through several parts of Orihuela Costa, including Punta Prima, La Zenia, Cabo Roig and Campoamor, before continuing towards Pilar de la Horadada. Much of the route is relatively flat, making it suitable for a leisurely ride and a good way to see several different parts of the coastline in one trip.
If you enjoy a longer ride, you can continue beyond Mil Palmeras towards San Pedro del Pinatar and the Mar Menor. The surrounding area has an extensive network of cycle paths, including routes around the Mar Menor for those who want to put some serious kilometres in.
Away from the coast, the landscape changes dramatically. Cycling inland takes you past citrus orchards, farmland, golf courses and the salt lakes around Torrevieja and La Mata. The quieter roads and rural scenery offer a completely different experience from riding beside the Mediterranean and are particularly appealing in the cooler months.
For cyclists looking for a more challenging outing, Embalse de la Pedrera is another option. The reservoir is surrounded by roads and countryside that can make for an enjoyable circular ride of around 20 kilometres. There are some steeper sections along the way, so this route is better suited to cyclists who are comfortable with climbs. Traffic can also be busier on some of the roads around the reservoir, so extra care is needed.
Another option for a flatter ride is to follow the irrigation canals that serve the agricultural areas inland. These routes can take you for many kilometres through the countryside, with relatively little traffic and very few climbs. They are ideal if you prefer a relaxed ride rather than a demanding cycling workout.
For a shorter local ride, routes linking Campoamor and La Zenia are a good way to explore the area without committing to a full-day cycling trip. You can easily combine a ride with a stop at one of the beaches, cafés or restaurants along the coast.
If you are cycling during the summer, it is worth setting off early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The heat can become intense during the middle of the day, particularly on routes with little shade.
There Are Lots more things to do in Orihuela Costa, above are just of the most popular things to do. it may not seem much but we are just covering one small area If you want to venture a short distance away you will find the Cities of Mercia, Torrevieja and Pilar.
Make sure to check out the things to do page. Here you will find other activities that you can do filtering to see what’s in your area. This page is being added to so if you find a great activity please let us know about it, this includes for kids. You can submit a listing to TheCostas directory here.
