PLAYA FLAMENCA'S two spectacular beaches attract hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year, in addition to domestic tourists that flock to Playa Flamenca from the four corners of the Spanish peninsular to enjoy the healthy climate the South Costa Blanca offers.
They are just two of the eleven majestic coves and beaches of the Orihuela Costa area, and together they stretch, meander and curve around 16 km of magnificent Mediterranean coastline.
Playa Flamenca's Cala Estaca beach is the larger of those two beaches measuring a hefty 175m along the water's edge, with 7.350 m2 of sands to lure in eager beachgoers. Just like other beaches in the area the beach adopts a shallow cove shape, flanked on either side by a volcanic rocky outcrop.
The popular cove is formed of fine golden sand, with safe, relatively shallow bathing waters that provide a safe environment for adults and children alike. The beach is accredited with the iconic Blue Flag award for its superior quality.
Cala Estaca enjoys a south-facing orientation with sunshine guaranteed all day for the vast majority of the year. The headland adjacent to the southern edge of the beach features a footpath that leads to neighbouring Cala Cerrada beach in La Zenia, just literally around the corner and a 7-10 minute walk away.
Discover Playa Flamenca's Cala Estaca beach
But unlike Cala Cerrada, Cala Estaca beach offers easy access for all, with the fine sands accessed from a gentle slope to the north or a small elevated bridge to the south of the beach. It's ideally suited to persons of limited mobility or families with push-chairs and younger children.
The bridge crosses the “Rambla de las Estacas”, a ravine that runs directly to the sea from inland locations such as Villamartin Golf course. During heavy rain the ravine collects the water run-off from adjacent land and acts as a natural conduit, taking the rainwater to the Mediterranean Sea.
Fortunately, the weather in Playa Flamenca is comparatively dry, and the ravine remains arid for most of the year, filling with water only on occasions during the spring and late autumn months.
During the summer, Orihuela Town Hall provides a lifeguard service that operates all through the high season. Sunseekers will also find lifeguards stationed on Cala Estaca beach at other selected popular times, such as the Easter holidays.
A traditional Spanish chiringuito beach bar provides snacks, a full bar service, and welcome shade during the summer months, and it's not unusual to find complimentary live entertainment, with local musicians and DJs performing on Friday afternoons or over the weekend.
The Playa Flamenca promenade, a Mediterranean plaza
Playa Flamenca also benefits from an impressive promenade that separates the two beaches. Offering a small children's play park, public seating, and a functional ornate sundial, Playa Flamenca's plaza is punctuated with mature Mexican fan palm trees that produce a spectacular seaward vista.
A small parade of commercial units facing the promenade offers additional local facilities, hosting a café, a bistro, local shops, and restaurants including the locally renowned Lobster Restaurant that serves freshly cooked seafood and speciality dishes daily.
Also noteworthy is the exceptionally popular Surfer's Bar. The restaurant has made a name for itself by providing high-quality beautifully presented homemade food, with an extensive menu crafted to appeal to all palates – and prices that are acceptable to all pockets.
Both venues offer beautiful palm tree-lined views over the promenade and toward the Mediterranean Sea – spectacular locations to enjoy a lunch or dinner with family or friends after a relaxing day on the beach.
You can find plentiful on-street parking along Calle de las Orquideas and adjacent streets. A small car park and on-street parking in Calle Violetas provide additional parking spaces.
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: LaZenia.com
