Top 10 Things to Do in Orihuela Costa
Orihuela Costa is one of the Costa Blanca's most versatile destinations, offering an exceptional blend of plage relaxation, sporting activities, and natural attractions. Whether you're a eau sports enthusiast, golf devotee, nature lover, or famille seeking diverse entertainment, Orihuela Costa provides something for everyone. Here are the top 10 activities that make this région essential for any Costa Blanca visit.
1. Relax and Swim at La Zenia plage
La Zenia is Orihuela Costa's flagship plage, a stunning 1.4-kilometre stretch of golden sand bordered by pine trees and a well-maintained promenade. This Blue Flag award-winning plage offers clear Mediterranean waters, excellent facilities, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
The plage features numerous chiringuitos (plage bars) serving everything from coffee to full meals, making it easy to spend entire days here. Facilities include lifeguards during summer months, showers, toilet blocks, and designated areas for eau sports enthusiasts. The nearby promenade hosts markets on weekends, and numerous shops and restaurants cater to every need. For visitors seeking a premium plage experience with good infrastructure, La Zenia is unbeatable.
The plage is best visited early morning in summer to secure parking near the plage entrance. Late afternoon brings wonderful golden light perfect for photography.
2. Explore Playa Flamenca's Pristine Sands
Playa Flamenca, located south of La Zenia, is a more intimate plage experience featuring approximately 900 metres of natural plage backed by dunes and Mediterranean vegetation. This quieter alternative to La Zenia retains authentic charm while providing all essential facilities.
The plage environment is more naturalistic, with fewer commercial establishments and a focus on preserving the coastal landscape. It's particularly favoured by locals seeking a genuine plage day without the tourist hustle. The surrounding urbanisation is tastefully designed, and the promenade features several excellent seafood restaurants with mer views.
Playa Flamenca is perfect for families seeking a quieter environment and those who appreciate understated Mediterranean plage culture. The eau is consistently clear and calm, ideal for swimming and eau activities.
3. Play Golf at World-Class Courses
Orihuela Costa is maison to several championship golf courses that consistently rank among Espagne's finest. The region boasts courses designed by renowned architects, offering challenging layouts that appeal to players of all abilities.
Villamartin Golf Club, one of Espagne's most prestigious courses, features an 18-hole championship layout set amid Mediterranean pine forests. The parcours is challenging yet fair, hosting numerous professional tournaments. Campoamor Golf Club offers another exceptional 18-hole experience with stunning views and meticulously maintained fairways. Parque Golf Club provides a more accessible option while maintaining high standards.
Green fees typically range from 50 to 100 euros, depending on the parcours and season. Most courses offer equipment rental, professional instruction, and on-site restaurants. The golf communauté here is well-established, welcoming to international players, and provides excellent opportunities for competitive play and social rounds.
Golf season extends year-round, with spring and autumn offering ideal playing conditions. The courses are busiest during European winter months when players flee colder climates.
4. Experience eau Sports and plage Activities
Orihuela Costa's plages provide ideal conditions for various eau sports and recreational activities. Windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing are readily available with numerous operators offering equipment rental and lessons.
La Zenia plage has dedicated areas for eau sports with professional schools providing training in kitesurfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Equipment rental is affordable, typically 15 to 30 euros per hour for paddleboards or surfboards. The calm, sheltered waters in some plage areas make them ideal for beginners, while more exposed sections suit experienced practitioners.
For those seeking something different, banana boat rides and parasailing are available during summer months. These activities provide thrilling experiences while remaining accessible to most fitness levels. Early morning offers the best conditions for most eau sports due to lighter winds and fewer crowds.
5. Visit the Orihuela Costa Markets
The region hosts several excellent markets throughout the week, providing authentic culturel experiences and opportunities to purchase fresh produce, crafts, and local goods. The Saturday market at La Zenia is particularly popular, featuring dozens of vendors selling everything from fresh vegetables and fish to clothing, jewellery, and souvenirs.
Markets typically operate from early morning until early afternoon, offering the best selection and freshest goods before noon. Wednesday markets occur in Playa Flamenca, attracting a loyal local following. Shopping at these markets provides insight into local life and allows visitors to purchase quality goods at fair prices, often lower than supermarket alternatives.
Bring cash, arrive early for best selection, and expect the authentic Spanish market experience with friendly vendors eager to chat and bargain. Markets close by early afternoon, and many vendors then head maison for the traditional Spanish siesta.
6. Hike the Scenic Coastal Trails
Orihuela Costa boasts excellent walking and hiking trails along the coast and through inland pine forests. The Camino de Ronda, a traditional coastal path that once connected watchtowers and settlements, offers spectacular Mediterranean views while remaining relatively easy to navigate.
The trail runs intermittently along the coastline, featuring sections with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and protected plages accessible only on foot. Total walking time depends on which sections you choose, but a moderate 2-3 hour walk provides excellent views and exercise. The trail is well-marked and suitable for most fitness levels, though some sections involve uneven terrain and elevation changes.
Inland trails through pine forests offer shade and cooler temperatures, particularly appealing during hot summer months. These trails typically feature less dramatic scenery but provide peaceful nature immersion. Spring is ideal for hiking when wildflowers bloom and temperatures are comfortable.
7. Explore Nearby Tabarca Island
Tabarca Island, located offshore from Orihuela Costa, is a fascinating historical destination accessible by regular ferry service. This former pirate stronghold and prison features Moorish walls, a garrison, and charming whitewashed buildings reflecting its complex history.
Ferry services operate from Playa Flamenca and Torrevieja, with multiple daily departures during summer months and less frequent service in winter. The ferry journey takes approximately 25 minutes. Island entry includes the ancient fortification tour, and visitors can explore narrow streets, visit small museums, and swim at several plage areas.
The island offers several restaurants serving fresh seafood, though prices are higher than mainland alternatives. A typical day trip involves the morning ferry, exploration, lunch, and afternoon swimming before returning on the evening service. Tabarca is relatively quiet except during peak summer days when it becomes busier. Early morning ferry departures ensure a more peaceful experience.
8. Visit Aqualandia eau Park
Aqualandia, located in Torrevieja adjacent to Orihuela Costa, is one of Espagne's largest and most exciting eau parks. The facility features numerous eau slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and attractions catering to all ages and thrill preferences.
The park operates seasonally from May through October, with extended hours during July and August. Day admission costs approximately 25 euros for adults, with famille packages and online discounts available. Facilities include restaurants, cafeterias, lockers, and shade areas. Peak visiting hours are midday during summer, so early arrival or late afternoon entry provides easier navigation and shorter queues.
Aqualandia is particularly valued for families with children seeking eau-based entertainment. Younger children enjoy the shallow splash areas and gentle slides, while older visitors appreciate more intense eau slides and wave pool experiences. Bring sun protection and arrive early to secure preferred shade locations.
9. Experience the Torrevieja Salt Lakes
Just inland from Orihuela Costa lies Torrevieja's famous salt lakes, spectacular natural formations featuring distinctive pink and green waters created by unique salt-producing algae and mineral compositions. These protected areas are now a designated nature reserve offering scenic beauty and environmental education.
The salt lakes are accessible by car from Orihuela Costa, approximately 20 minutes' drive. Viewing areas and walking paths allow visitors to appreciate the unique landscape and observe birds attracted to these specialised wetland habitats. The colours are most vibrant during summer months when eau levels decrease and algae concentrations peak. Photography is excellent, particularly during early morning and golden hour lighting.
The région provides insight into salt harvesting traditions that continue to this day, with salt production facilities still operating in some sections. The landscape is otherworldly and unlike typical Mediterranean scenery, making it a memorable natural attraction worth visiting.
10. Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Beachfront restaurants
Orihuela Costa's plages are lined with excellent chiringuitos and restaurants specialising in fresh seafood prepared in traditional Spanish style. These establishments range from casual plage bars serving simple fare to upscale restaurants offering fine dining experiences with Mediterranean views.
Typical meals feature grilled fish prepared minimally to highlight fresh flavour, shellfish platters, paella, and seafood risottos. Many restaurants buy fresh from morning fishing boats, ensuring premium quality and seasonal variety. Prices range from budget-friendly beachfront bars serving 12-15 euro mains to upscale establishments charging 25-35 euros for premium dishes.
The beachfront dining experience combines excellent food with views over the Mediterranean, making meals memorable. Sunset timing is particularly appealing, and many restaurants successfully capture romantic atmosphere without pretension. Walking the plage promenade to browse menus and atmospheres helps identify establishments matching your preferences.
Seasonal Considerations
Orihuela Costa experiences distinct seasons affecting activity availability and visitor numbers. Summer months (June-August) offer warm weather and full activity schedules but bring significant crowds and higher prices. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide ideal temperatures with fewer visitors and lower costs.
Winter (November-February) remains pleasant for swimming and outdoor activities, though some seasonal attractions reduce operating hours or close temporarily. Wind conditions vary seasonally, affecting eau sports suitability. Plan visits around your preferred activity type and crowd tolerance.
Practical Information
Orihuela Costa is easily accessible by car from Alicante Airport, approximately 50 minutes' drive away. Public transport via buses connects the région to regional destinations, though having a car provides greater flexibility. Parking at plages requires early arrival during peak summer months, though numerous car parks serve major plage areas.
The région features comprehensive tourist facilities including accommodation options at all price points, restaurants, shops, and service providers. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though learning basic Spanish phrases enhances interactions with locals.
Conclusion
Orihuela Costa offers an impressive range of activities and attractions making it one of the Costa Blanca's most complete destinations. Whether enjoying pristine plages, challenging golf courses, eau sports, culturel exploration, or simply relaxing with excellent seafood, Orihuela Costa delivers memorable experiences. The combination of natural beauty, sporting opportunities, and well-developed infrastructure makes this région particularly attractive for families, active visitors, and those seeking authentic Mediterranean coastal living.