From lazing around in pedal boats, to flying high above the waves on a parasail, or crashing through the surf at full-throttle on a powerful jet-ski, Orihuela Costa has it all.

Here are nine ways to enjoy the coast this summer, with Google Maps locations and booking information to get you straight into the fun. You'll find it all right here in La Zenia, Cabo Roig and Dehesa de Campoamor.

Parasailing at the beach in La Zenia and Campoamor

Reach new heights with a parasailing flight at Cala Bosque or Playa de la Glea beaches. This activity lasts 90 minutes, featuring a thrilling boat ride and a 15 minute flight that provides participants with a new perspective on Orihuela Costa.

Flights depart daily from 11:00 to 19:00 and tickets cost 65 € per person. The minimum age for parasailing is 4 years, the parachute holds up to 5 people (height and weight dependent), and friends and family can ride along for 15 € each.

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Hold on tight to the Banana Boat in Orihuela Costa

It's long, slippery, and always wet, so hold on tight for some Banana Boat fun at La Zenia and Campoamor beaches. Undoubtedly one of the most popular water sports activities, the Banana Boat is a mainstay of memorable Mediterranean holidays.

Boats leave from 11:00 to 19:00 each day and cost 20 € per person for a thrilling 15 minute ride. Ideal for families and special occasions, for groups of between 4 and 10 people with a minimum age of 8 years old. Go bananas!

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The inflatable assault course at Campoamor

This inflatable obstacle course features various attractions designed for children to have a blast jumping, climbing, and sliding into the sea. It's positively huge, and guaranteed to wring every last drop of energy from your young ones.

It's great value, with a 30 minute session costing just 10 € and a schedule from 11:00 until 19:00 each day. There's more good news for parents too, as children under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Ah, shame.

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Pedalos, family-friendly fun in Orihuela Costa

These creature-themed, people-powered, super cruisers pack a lot of fun into a tiny space. You'll find them parked on the beaches of Cala La Caleta in Cabo Roig, Cala Bosque in La Zenia, or Playa de la Glea in Dehesa de Campoamor.

The boats come complete with 4 seats and a slide, and cost 25 € to rent for 60 minutes of exhausting but rewarding seafaring fun. All ages are welcome to pedalo, but children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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Hire a kayak on the beach in Dehesa de Campoamor

Kayaking is an activity suitable for all ages, perfect for nature and sea lovers. There are single-seat and double kayaks available at Playa de la Glea, so you can enjoy the experience with children without worrying about them getting tired.

Kayak hire is available daily from 11:00 to 19:00 and costs 18 € for a single kayak or 20 € for a double-seat kayak. Rental lasts for an hour, and instructors are on hand to explain the basics of kayak rental and safety rules.

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Stand up paddleboard hire at Playa Cala La Caleta

Paddleboarding is super-fun and easy to master. The SUP boards provide a relaxing way to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea in a safe location at Cabo Roig's exquisite beach, and it's a great activity for couples and families too.

SUP board rental costs 19 € for 60 minutes, and boards are available for hire from 10:00 until 17:00 every day. Starter classes are also available daily throughout the summer at 10:00 and 11:00. Adventure awaits you on the beach in Cabo Roig.

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The “Cama Loca” Crazy Bed boat ride in Campoamor

Don't expect a good night's sleep in this bed. The adrenaline-fuelled wild ride will have you hanging on as a speedboat pulls you along at full throttle. The inflatable water toy slides and spins, guaranteeing laughter and excitement.

Available from 11:00 to 19:00 each day, Cama Loca costs 20 € per person for a thrilling 10 minute ride. Just perfect for groups of between 4 and 8 people with a minimum age of 8 years old. It is essential to know how to swim for this ride.

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Jet Ski rental without a licence in Orihuela Costa

The ultimate high-speed, high-octane water sports experience in La Zenia and Campoamor. SeaDoo GTS 130 jet-skis seat two and rip across the waves at incredible speeds. You don't need a nautical licence to pilot your own waterborne rocketship.

Available at Cala Bosque beach in La Zenia and Playa de la Glea in Campoamor, jet-skis cost 60 € for 15 minutes or 100 € for 30 minutes. Pilots must be aged 18 or over, or 16 with the approval of a parent or guardian. Instruction provided.

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Stretch your sea legs, rent a boat in Cabo Roig

Become the captain of your boat for an hour, an afternoon, or a whole day, without any sea-faring experience or a navigation licence. Boats seat up to 5 people and whisk your party from Cabo Roig Marina and across the waves in total comfort.

Prices start at 60 € per hour and include fuel, mandatory safety equipment, and insurance. Snorkelling equipment is available free of charge, and it's one of the best value ways to explore the Orihuela Costa coastline this summer.

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Water sports on the beaches in Orihuela Costa

Safety is always a priority, so life vests are available for all activities. Life preservers and helmets are mandatory for some experiences, and activities are subject to cancellation at any time if sea conditions aren't completely safe.

Most water sports can be booked online or in person at the beachfront tents at the water's edge. Instructors are professionally qualified, and operators are legally required to have civil liability insurance in place.

Please pay attention to the instructors' safety information before departure, and enjoy your Mediterranean experience responsibly. Read this article to discover when the water sports season starts and finishes for this year in Orihuela Costa.

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: Martime / Sun Sea Adventure

But as enticing as the sparkling Mediterranean may be, nothing quite compares to the luxury and convenience of having access to a swimming pool on your Spanish holiday. A pool can make or break your holiday, and a good one can elevate your experience from enjoyable to extraordinary.

Fortunately, the Orihuela Costa is peppered with beautiful swimming pools, so even if your accommodation doesn't include a pool, or the pool is under maintenance during your stay, there are plenty of opportunities for splashing around and wet-and-wild fun in the sun.

Here are our area's most popular local pools, with contact information, handy Google Maps, and summer 2026 prices, as recommended by members of the La Zenia Community Group.

Restaurante La Mirada | La Zenia

Located in a privileged position overlooking La Zenia's idyllic Cala Bosque beach, La Mirada offers a large pool perfect for families, with optional sunbeds available for hire.

A pool bar provides waiter service throughout the summer months. The restaurant serves a range of Spanish delicacies in the indoor dining room or outside on the terrace with unobstructed views of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea.

Use of the pool costs 10€ per day, and 15€ gets visitors a reserved poolside sunbed included in the price. Children under 3 years are admitted free of charge. The pool opens at 11:00 every day throughout the summer season.

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Marimba Blue Pool & Restaurant | San Miguel

Sporting a large pool, a lounge bar, and a POP padel tennis court, Marimba Blue is ideal for whiling away an afternoon (or two) in the sunshine.

The on-site restaurant offers a full bar service with speciality cocktails, a simple light-bites menu for lunch or early-bird dinner, and shaded tables among the palm trees.

Padel tennis court hire costs 10€ per hour, with a nominal charge of 1€ for the hire of each ball and racquet required for play.

Pool admission costs 6€ per person, but children under 3 years are admitted free of charge, and the price includes a sunbed. The venue is open from 09:00 until late every day except Monday.

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La Chismosa Pool Bar and Restaurant | Playa Flamenca

Sporting a large freeform swimming pool and a separate pool for children, La Chismosa is ideal for family fun in the sun. Pool entry costs 5,50€ plus 3,50€ for a sunbed.

The restaurant offers a fully stocked bar with a covered terrace, and a pocket-friendly menu of light bites and poolside food that appeals to young and mature palates alike.

It's a firm family favourite, and the venue offers a “miniature” mini golf course ideal for younger children or novice golf fans. Open from 10:00 daily throughout the summer season.

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The Palms Beach Club | Lomas de Cabo Roig

A Mediterranean oasis that combines an opulent outside space and a large pool, with a gastronomic fusion menu of Western European cuisine, a French dinner menu, and fish and chips speciality dishes.

The beautiful restaurant combines rustic farmhouse chic with touches of modern luxury, and a chill-out bar serves a full range of cocktails and refreshments in beautiful surroundings.

Use of the pool costs 20€ per person with a sunbed, and 6.50€ for children. Balinese beds are available for 70€ for two people, including use of the pool, complimentary towels, and a bottle of Cava or a jug of Sangria.

The venue was previously known as La Finca by QFC, and rebranded at the beginning of summer 2024. Call +34 966 944 979 to book your table for an unforgettable dining experience. Open from 11:00 daily.

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WOW Beach by Las Colinas | Campoamor

WOW Beach Club offers the pinnacle of luxury accompanied by first-line views of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea in Campoamor. A speciality restaurant offers a menu of fine dining food and cocktails, with seasonal menus throughout the week.

Pool admittance costs 35€ per adult or 50€ for a first-line sunbed. Luxurious Balinese beds are available with prices from 105€, or €140 including Champagne for the ultimate luxury treat.

The venue operates during the summer season only, opening its doors at the beginning of June each year, and closing at the end of September. Reservations are highly recommended. Call +34 965 321 988.

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Pool Bar Lago Jardin | Los Balcones

Sporting one of the largest swimming pools in Orihuela Costa, the cloverleaf-shaped pool offers plenty of space for splashing around in the sunshine – even in the height of summer.

The poolside restaurant offers a menu of traditional Spanish tapas, paellas and rice dishes, and popular fish and chips. The venue opens for breakfast, and the bar serves refreshments throughout the day.

Super family-friendly and close to our neighbouring city of Torrevieja, Pool Bar Lago Jardin is open every day from 10:00 until late during the summer season, closing on Mondays at other times throughout the year.

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Restaurante Cala Capitán | Cabo Roig

A large gastronomic, sports and leisure complex, Restaurante Cala Capitán boasts four tennis courts, a children's playground, and two swimming pools – one for adults and another for children. Use of the pool costs 5€ and 3€ for children.

The restaurant specialises in rice and seafood dishes, and the house speciality is rice served with Mediterranean octopus. Fresh fish is brought directly from the fish market each day, along with a selection of quality meats.

The venue hosts seasonal entertainment with live music from Mari Carmen every Saturday night throughout the summer.

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Olympia Pool & Garden Bar | Mil Palmeras

Olympia Pool & Garden Bar offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool with sunbeds, a spacious lawned garden, a restaurant with an à la carte menu, and a poolside bar offering a wide variety of soft drinks, cocktails, and ice creams.

The restaurant offers a menu of pizzas, burgers, salads, and main dishes at affordable prices and a wide variety of choices to suit the tastes of all ages. The dedicated playground has slides and swings for younger guests.

Pool admission costs 4,50€, and poolside sunbeds are available for 4,50€ each. The venue opens every day from 10:30 during the spring and summer.

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The Celtic Isle | Playa Flamenca

The Celtic Isle Pool and Leisure Complex is more than just a place to swim, it's a destination designed to cater for every member of the family – from the youngest to the oldest.

The large main pool features gentle sloping entry points and a stunning waterfall. Slides and a separate children's pool cater specifically for younger visitors.

The Celtic Isle is open every day during the summer and use of the pool costs 10€ per person, including a poolside sunbed (6€ swim only). Children under the age of 4 years enjoy the pool free of charge.

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The Emerald Isle | La Florida

With one of the largest swimming pools and a packed social events calendar year-round, The Emerald Isle in La Florida is one of the most popular leisure complexes in the Orihuela Costa area.

An on-site restaurant offers a snack menu, pizzas, sandwiches, and main dishes, and the bar serves a complete range of soft drinks, wines, and spirits.

The Emerald Isle is open from 10:00 every day throughout the year, and use of the pool costs 6€ per person with a supplement of 4€ for a poolside sunbed.

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The best swimming pools in Orihuela Costa

Out of season, the Centro Deportivo Municipal in Playa Flamenca is a complete sports and leisure centre with a heated Olympic swimming pool suitable for use year-round – whatever the weather.

CDM Orihuela Costa also offers 3 paddle tennis courts with lighting, 2 tennis courts, a 5-a-side football pitch, 2 multipurpose courts for basketball, handball and volleyball, and a full-sized football field with artificial grass.

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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 happening in the local area.

The long, fine stretch of sand disregards political boundaries, and the Cañada de Matamoros gully that cuts across the beach at its centre point divides the beach between the two coastal municipalities.

Mil Palmeras Beach measures 345 metres at the waterline and offers 15.570 m² of pure white sand. The beach is relatively wide compared with other beaches in the area, faces due east, and tapers to a point at its northernmost tip.

In common with Barranco Rubio Beach found immediately to the north, Mil Palmeras Beach has a wide ravine at the south end of the beach that brings excess rainwater from inland areas to the sea during the spring and autumn months.

The ravine is part of the Rio Seco waterway, an ancient dry river that originates in the Sierra de Escalona mountain range and passes through Pinar de Campoverde inland before reaching the Mediterranean Sea basin.

Large stretches of Mil Palmeras beach feature tall vibrant red rock cliff faces that stretch into the sea at some points. The beach is noted for remaining quite shallow some way beyond the waterline, making the beach an excellent choice for families with children or less confident swimmers.

Playa de la Mil Palmeras beach in Orihuela Costa

The Blue Flag accredited beach is exceptionally popular in the summer but with a generous size, visitors will always find a space on the sand to call their own. Just add a couple of well-placed towels and a cool box – you've got yourself a picnic paradise in the sunshine.

Mil Palmeras offers a seasonal beach bar throughout the summer months. The Terrassa Beach Chiringuito occupies a prime spot on the sand, offering a complete bar service with refreshing drinks and a selection of cocktails.

The traditional Spanish beach bar also offers a casual dining menu of snacks and light meals suited to all tastes, with plenty of popular choices for notoriously choosy children and younger adults. A calendar of live music events entertains visitors during summer weekends.

Sunbeds are available to hire for the day until late October each year, and a lifeguard service provides additional surety throughout the high season and on popular dates such as the Easter holidays.

There are plenty of local amenities around Mil Palmeras Beach, including the Mil Palmeras commercial centre which hosts the upscale La Plazza restaurant.

A world of tastes and flavours to savour off the sand

But head to the southern end of the beach, and you're in for a real treat, with an extensive choice of lively bars, casual cafés, and bistro-style restaurants. Many of the venues offer glorious views over the beach and the Mediterranean Sea.

Strand Cafe Mil Palmeras directly on the beach promenade is a popular place with cyclists who often stop for refreshments en route along the coastal path.

Immediately adjacent, visitors will find a pretty pedestrian walkway lined with bars and restaurants serving everything from traditional Spanish dishes and Asian cuisine, to Italian pizzas and German delicacies.

The lane leads to the Plaza de Mil Palmeras, a charming urban square with an additional selection of shops, café bars, and restaurants. The plaza also offers free parking with easy access to the beach.

Access to Playa de la Mil Palmeras Beach is easy thanks to plentiful free parking. Two large dedicated car parks in the south beach area offer off-road parking with a shallow ramp directly to the sands – ideal for people with limited mobility or families with young children.

An additional car park north of the beach offers further free parking with 60 spaces and a slope leading to the beach. A taxi from La Zenia to Mil Palmeras beach costs around 12€ to 15€ each way depending on traffic and journey time.

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

Often overlooked, neighbouring Cala Cerrada is equally special – and perhaps more so, due to the clarity of the Mediterranean waters and the vivid colours you'll find there.

Known locally as Playa Cala Cerrada, this beach in particular has become popular since the opening of Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, which has contributed considerably to the fast-paced growth of the area.

Considerably smaller than her neighbour, Cala Cerrada is a cove-shaped beach that measures 143m at the shoreline. That shape creates perfect conditions for surfing, and it's Orihuela Costa's only dedicated surfing beach.

Pure golden sands stretch from one end to the other, and the cove is flanked on all inland sides by a rocky cliff face that helps protect the beach from riptides and high winds.

But the secret to the beach's crystal clear waters lies just below the surface – a subterranean meadow of flowering plants.

Commonly known as Neptune Grass, the plants clean and oxygenate the water, and add to the unique and vibrant colour.

The ancient seagrass is unique to the Mediterranean Sea and forms large underwater meadows that are a vital component of the local ecosystem.

Estimated to be some 100,000 years old, the Neptune Grass meadows produce free-floating fruit and balls of fibrous material that wash onto the beach throughout the year.

The presence of the plant is an indicator of high water quality and one of the reasons for the beach's Blue Flag accreditation.

Orihuela Town Hall has gone to great lengths to ensure the continued protection of the sea meadows, and keep the beach in a pristine and manicured condition year-round.

Early each morning, teams from the council's Department for Beaches comb Cala Cerrada beach for litter and rake the sands to perfection. Additionally, a lifeguard service provides essential safety during the summer season.

Cala Cerrada beach in La Zenia: one of the Orihuela Costa´s finest beaches

The beach is accessed via a set of steps that lead down to the golden sands, and a ramp offers access for persons of reduced mobility.

Adjacent to the ramp and above the beach, a seasonal Chiringuito beach bar provides light refreshments, a full bar service, and a range of snacks and light bites.

Despite its diminutive size, the beach bar offers a surprisingly full menu that caters for all tastes, including a choice of pizzas, salads, and sandwiches.

Beachfront seating provides an unparalleled panoramic vista over Cala Cerrada beach, and it's a popular beauty spot for budding photographers (and holiday selfies).

The Mediterranean coastal path leads either south toward La Zenia's main beach, or north to neighbouring Playa Flamenca.

You'll find Cala Cerrada northward of Cala Bosque and the Servigroup La Zenia hotel. Click here for a Google Map with directions from your location.

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

The local attraction was initially launched by Orihuela Town Hall in association with the established Valencian passenger transport company, Bus Sigüenza. Billed as the “best way to discover Orihuela Costa”, the road train provides a unique travel experience and a practical way of getting around the coastal region.

The Orihuela Costa tourist train operates a road-going locomotive pulling a carriage with covered seating, providing shade and a generous seating capacity.

The service operates a return route starting from Campoamor and servicing points of interest eastward along the Orihuela Costa coastline, running a return service from Playa Flamenca travelling in a westerly direction.

The train in Spain, from Playa Flamenca to Campoamor

The Orihuela Costa tourist train will operate a service throughout July and August. Tickets cost €6 per person and remain valid for an entire day of unlimited travel.

The train, or “Orihuela Tren Turístico”, will operate local transport services along the coastline, offering a super-fun way to see the sights and experience the sounds of the region.

Popular scheduled stops include Playa Flamenca beach (Cala Mosca), Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, La Zenia beach (Cala Bosque), and the beaches of Campoamor (Playa de la Glea).

With a comparatively short travel time of under an hour, the Orihuela Costa tourist train provides a great way to explore the local area even in the height of summer, as the movement of the vehicle provides a cooling Mediterranean Sea breeze even on the stillest of days.

Scheduled services from Campoamor depart at 11:00, 13:00, 16:00 and 18:00 each day from Monday to Friday.

Orihuela Costa tourist train returns for summer 2026

Return services from Playa Flamenca depart at 12:00, 14:00, 17:00 and 19:00 each day from Monday to Friday. The service finishes the season on Friday 29th August.

The tourist train connects the urbanisations of La Regia, Cabo Roig and La Zenia, which allows visitors and tourists to visit the beaches of Cala Bosque, Cala Mosca and Playa de la Glea.

It's a fun way for everyone – both residents and tourists – to get around together with the possibility of getting to know the local area and facilitates improved mobility for people of all ages.

The travel experience is expected to prove exceptionally popular during the summer, and visitors can find out more from the official Orihuela Tren Turístico Facebook page. Alternatively, get in touch with the tourist office in Playa Flamenca for more information, or call +34 966 366 064.

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

A total of 58 awards distinguish Orihuela's beaches, and each beach is Blue Flag accredited, certified to ISO standards, and carries Qualitur distinctions for excellence.

The beaches are the destination of choice for hundreds of thousands of international and local visitors year after year, and they remain popular attractions year after year despite recent global events.

But with Cabo Roig's popular La Caleta beach to the north, and Campoamor's majestic Playa de la Glea to the south, one beach very often remains overlooked.

And that's a shame, as Aguamarina Beach is naturally stunning and just as well-appointed as any of her neighbours. It's also our personal favourite.

Aguamarina is a shallow crescent of fine sand measuring 293 m at the waterline, with a maximum width of 38 m.

The beach offers plenty of space for families and sun-seekers, often when other local beaches are crowded during the summer.

The pristine, safe waters are ideal for swimming, and during high season, the Town Hall provides the added assurance of a lifeguard service.

During the summer, a Spanish Chiringuito (beach bar) offers a variety of refreshments and casual dining options with some of the best open Mediterranean Sea views around.

Aguamarina Beach, one of South Costa Blanca's best beaches

Nearby rock pools and a rock-and-fossil beach at the north end of Aguamarina Beach provide plenty of opportunities for children to explore the Mediterranean Sea's flora and fauna.

The beach is accessible for all, and a pretty promenade with seating runs the length of the beach from north to south.

An elevated walkway attaches to the vibrant cliff walls and connects Aguamarina to Campoamor Beach to the south. Part of the Mediterranean coastal path that leads from Mil Palmeras to Torrevieja in the north, the northerly path leads to neighbouring Cabo Roig.

Aguamarina Beach is composed entirely of fine white to golden sands, with exposed natural rock formations along part of the shoreline. It is generally regarded as one of Orihuela Costa's best beaches, and among the most beautiful beaches in the entire South Costa Blanca.

It's an ideal beach for families looking for something to entertain children, or for beach-goers looking for a sunny beachfront destination that's a little quieter in high season.

You'll find Aguamarina beach northward of Campoamor's Playa de la Glea beach, and south of Cabo Roig's La Caleta beach. Click here for a Google Map with directions from your location.

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

Our latest 2026 issue is bigger than ever, with 100 full-colour pages packed full of local news, knowledge, entertainment, and the attractions you love.

We highlight the sheer natural beauty of Orihuela Costa's magnificent beaches, offering a detailed look at each one, the facilities, and providing handy tips for parking and access.

If you're looking for something to do away from the coastal hustle, take a look at the restaurants with pools pages that reveal the best family-friendly summer venues this region has to offer.

Special features showcase some of the most popular things to do, including information about local adventure and mini-golf courses, sun-soaked water parks, and adrenaline-fuelled racing go-karts that provide for a fun-packed holiday.

La Zenia Magazine, things to do and where to find them

We visit uber-cool Makai Cafe in La Zenia and Fresco Food to find out what's on the menu this summer, and we take to the beaches for yoga, paddleboard, and silent disco experiences.

And for the first time, we reveal a little taste of what lies outside our region – parts of Spain that might be worth a road trip in the hire car you've probably already paid for.

You'll find all these experiences in the latest edition of La Zenia Magazine, alongside many others. It's the best resource for your visit or holidays on the Orihuela Costa this year.

With a local map, essential contact information whilst you're here, listings of all the street markets, and public transport information, it's your indispensable guide to what's happening on the Orihuela Costa this year.

You can find issue 08 of La Zenia Magazine at any of these fine venues. So whether you're on holiday with family or visiting the area with friends, pop in and pick up your copy today.

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

Rising dramatically above a turquoise reservoir and surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Marina Baixa mountains, Castell de Guadalest is one of the most extraordinary destinations in Alicante Province.

Frequently ranked among Spain's most beautiful villages, this historic mountain settlement attracts visitors from across Europe, with visitors keen to experience its remarkable scenery, medieval heritage, and stunning vistas.

Located 126 km northeast of Orihuela Costa, Guadalest makes an excellent day trip for residents and holidaymakers. The journey typically takes around 1 hr 43 mins by car, with the final approach road providing some of the most impressive inland views in the Costa Blanca region.

The history of Guadalest Castle in Alicante

Guadalest's origins date back more than a thousand years to the period of Muslim rule in eastern Spain. During the 11th century, the Moors recognised the strategic value of this narrow rocky ridge overlooking the fertile Guadalest Valley, and built the Castle of San José as part of a defensive network protecting the region.

The fortress, combined with the sheer cliffs, made Guadalest one of the most naturally fortified settlements in the Kingdom of Valencia. Small farming communities gradually developed around the castle, cultivating almonds, olives, and vineyards that continue to shape the surrounding landscape today.

The village became part of Christian Spain in 1245 during the Reconquista, when King James I of Aragon captured the area. Rather than losing its importance, Guadalest continued to serve as a strategic military stronghold, later becoming the centre of the Barony, and subsequently the Marquisate, of Guadalest.

Over the centuries, influential noble families governed the settlement from within its fortified walls. The elegant Casa Orduña, which still stands today, was built following a devastating earthquake in 1644 and became the residence of the family responsible for administering the estate on behalf of the Spanish Crown.

San José Castle, standing since the 11th century

Wars and changing trade routes gradually reduced Guadalest's military significance, but the village never lost its character. Its medieval street layout, stone houses and dramatic hilltop setting have been carefully preserved, earning it recognition as one of Alicante's most important historic villages.

Today, Castell de Guadalest attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, not only for its impressive castle and panoramic views over the turquoise reservoir, but also as a living reminder of ancient Spain, long before the region became one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations.

Visitors enter the historic centre of the village through the “Portal de Sant Josep”, a tunnel carved directly into the rock before emerging into a hidden world of cobbled streets, stone houses and panoramic viewpoints.

A wide path leads to the entrance tunnel, but Guadalest is generally not suitable for people with mobility limitations, families with push-chairs, or wheelchair users. Streets are laid with traditional, uneven cobblestones, and higher attractions are accessed via a sequence of steep metal stairs and stone steps.

What's there to do and see in Guadalest?

Guadalest's main attraction is the spectacular panoramic views from the main square. Visitors can view the vivid turquoise waters of the Guadalest Reservoir 595 metres below (almost 2,000 feet), framed by the dramatic peaks of the Sierra de Aitana (1,558 metres), Serrella, and Xortà mountain ranges.

At the highest point, visitors can explore San José Castle – the fortress ruins, the old cemetery, and sections of the medieval defensive walls, with numerous viewpoints providing excellent photographic opportunities.

The “Museu de la Tortura” (Museum of Medieval Torture) houses a collection of reconstructed torture and execution devices used across Europe during the Middle Ages and the period of the Spanish Inquisition.

Another important attraction is Casa Orduña, the historic residence of the influential Orduña family, who served as governors of the fortress and administrators for the Marquises of Guadalest.

Restaurants and bars, where to eat in Guadalest

Despite its relatively small size, Guadalest offers a range of restaurants, cafés and traditional bars. Local gastronomy focuses on authentic mountain cuisine, including rice dishes, stuffed peppers, roasted vegetables, rabbit with garlic aioli, and a traditional local wheat stew known as “Olleta de Blat”.

Popular eateries include El Mirador de Guadalest, Pizzeria El Patio Origen, Cafe Bar Les Penyes, and Restaurante La Petita, serving a variety of traditional Spanish croquettes, tapas, and local delicacies.

Restaurante L'Hort is deserving of a special mention. This long-established family-run restaurant has been serving traditional Alicante mountain cuisine for more than 30 years, earning a reputation for authentic regional recipes, warm hospitality and one of the finest dining locations in the village.

With a spectacular mountain terrace, Restaurante L'Hort overlooks the Mediterranean countryside and coastline of Altea, some 20 kms southeast of this epic location. The extensive menu caters for vegan palates, with a special vegan variant of the wheat stew Guadalest is known for.

How to get to El Castell de Guadalest

The easiest way to get to the Castell de Guadalest is by car via the AP-7 or N-332 coastal road. The AP-7 is a toll road, so charges may apply to your journey, whilst the N-332 is a free national highway. There are three large car parks in the centre of town, providing ample free car parking and easy access.

Alternatively, Viajes Rosa Tours in Ciudad Quesada offers coach-based day trips to both Algar Waterfalls and Guadalest every Monday throughout the year, with online booking, local pickup points in Orihuela Costa, and return ticket prices from just 17 € per person.

David's Coachtrips in Torrevieja also offer coach day trips to both Algar Waterfalls and Guadalest every Tuesday during the summer, with local pickup points throughout Orihuela Costa and return ticket prices from just 27 € per person (includes paid entry tickets for the waterfalls).

Looking for holiday ideas and inspiration for summer? 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

Unlike traditional Spanish golf courses, which can be pretty challenging and require a significant amount of skill and religious practice to master, mini golf is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their golfing ability.

The recreational sport's accessibility has increased its popularity over the years. The South Costa Blanca offers a wide variety of mini golf courses, from the simplest of designs to some of the most challenging courses you'll find anywhere in Europe.

Here are the most popular mini golf courses in Orihuela Costa and the Costa Blanca, with the latest information and prices for the 2026 season.

Mini Golf La Mosca | Playa Flamenca

Located on the rooftop of a local shopping centre in Playa Flamenca, Mini Golf La Mosca offers beautiful elevated views over the Mediterranean Sea.

The venue opened in 2012 and offers 18 holes over two courses, two covered terraces, a bar serving cocktails, and a leisure zone with mini-bowling and pool tables.

Open every day from 11:00 until 19:00 throughout the spring and summer seasons – prices from just 5€ per person.

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The Big Adventure Mini Golf | Lomas de Cabo Roig

Just a few minutes by car from La Zenia, The Big Adventure Mini Golf comprises a mini golf course, a garden centre, and its own complete bar.

Kulturas Bar, located adjacent to the golf course, serves various soft drinks and a full bar service, including a range of Spanish Tapas and cocktails.

The mini golf course is floodlit for night-time use and is open daily from 09:30 until late.

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La Chismosa Pool, Bar and Restaurant | Playa Flamenca

La Chismosa offers a “miniature” mini golf course ideal for younger children or novice golf fans.

But as the name suggests, this venue offers much more, such as a fully stocked bar with a covered terrace and a large free-form swimming pool to enjoy during the summer months (opens June 2026).

It's a firm family favourite, with a pocket-friendly menu of light bites and poolside food that appeals to young and mature palates.

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Murphy's Irish Pub | La Zenia

Not technically a mini golf venue, but particularly noteworthy nonetheless. Murphy's Irish Pub offers a small but charming mini golf course located adjacent to the venue in the Via Park II commercial centre, just opposite Zenia Boulevard.

The tiny course sets the entire theme for the authentic Irish pub and visitors can enjoy a round of mini golf whilst sampling the food and drink on offer.

Part of the Sunrise chain of restaurants, Murphy's Irish Pub in La Zenia is open seven days a week from 10:00 until late.

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Pitcher and Putt | Playa Flamenca

One of the latest venues to grace the Orihuela Costa mini-golf scene, Pitcher and Putt opened in the summer of 2023. Lovingly crafted, the course occupies a premium location opposite the Citrus Centre in Playa Flamenca.

Sporting a challenging 18-hole course and a family-friendly bar with a terrace, a game costs €6 per person (children under 6 years play for free) and signature pitchers of Sangria cost just €12. A full bar service is available serving a variety of beverages and soft drinks.

Pitcher and Putt is open six days a week from 12:00 until 18:00 during the year (closed Monday). Extended summer hours until 22:00.

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Lo Rufete Multi-Aventura Park | San Miguel de Salinas

Spending your entire holiday at Lo Rufete Adventure Park would be all too easy. There's so much to do here, from horse riding to quad-biking and … mini golf!

The creative course covers 18 holes with challenging elements and obstacles throughout the greens. Prices start from just 5€ per player.

The activity centre can be found in San Miguel de Salinas, just a few minutes' drive from La Zenia. Activities can be pre-booked online via the website.

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Mini Golf Las Salinas | Torrevieja

Occupying a sliver of land in the centre of Torrevieja, Mini Golf Las Salinas is delectably Spanish and packed with interesting and quirky features.

From lighthouses and boats to mushroom factories and giant pencils, the course embraces the history of this Mediterranean city with imagination and a mesmerising style.

Open daily from 11:00 until 20:00 (except Monday) with a bar serving tapas and a range of mouthwatering Spanish delicacies. Free on-street local parking and prices from just 4€ per player.

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Greenlands Sport Club | Los Montesinos

Drive just 20 minutes north of La Zenia, and you'll find one of Europe's most extensive mini golf courses – a Mediterranean golfing oasis covering a total area of 5.000 square metres.

The spectacular adventure golf venue opened in January 2019, and no expense has been spared to create an aesthetically pleasing and challenging environment with water features, palm trees, and various ornate decorations.

Open every day from 09:00 until 23:00, Greenlands Sport Club offers a complete 18-hole golf experience and a terraced bar, with adult prices from 14€ and junior prices (under 10 years) from 11€ per round.

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Greenlands Blue Lagoon | Villamartin

Opened in April 2024, Greenlands Blue Lagoon is the sister venue to Greenlands Sport Club. The owners have spent no expense to ensure that their latest golfing oasis is worthy of carrying the Greenlands name.

In keeping with their ethos, the course offers a challenging environment with water features, palm trees, ornate decorations, and one of the most spectacular restaurants to grace any dining venue in Orihuela Costa.

Open every day from 10:00 until 01:00, Greenlands Blue Lagoon offers a complete 18-hole golf experience and a terraced bar, with adult prices from 14€ and junior prices (under 10 years) from 11€ per round.

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Golf Delux | Los Alcázares Murcia

Venture across the Valencian border just 20 minutes south of the Orihuela Costa, and you'll stumble across Golf Delux in the charming Mar Menor municipality of Los Alcázares.

The proudly Scandinavian course offers pristine fairways, often shaded by pretty trees, and a leisurely cafeteria with a covered terrace and a light-bites menu.

Golf Delux is open every day, all year round from 10:00 until 19:00 and often arranges special events, live music, and mini golf competitions.

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Quesada Mini Golf | Ciudad Quesada

You'll find this family-friendly hidden gem just 25 minutes north of La Zenia by car. The popular golfing hotspot offers a complete 18-hole miniature championship course with a round costing just 5,00€ per adult and 4,50€ for children under 12 years.

A bar and restaurant offers a daily menu of light bites and refreshments on-site, and a special three-course Sunday roast dinner for just 14,95€ per person at the weekend.

Quesada Mini Golf is open daily from 09:30 until 20:30 during the spring and summer seasons. The kitchen serves food from 10:00 until 15:00.

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La Manga Adventure Golf | Cabo de Palos

La Manga Adventure Golf is one of the most recent additions to the Spanish mini-golf circuit, with the venue undergoing a complete remodel in 2020.

Adult golf prices cost 11€ per game with a reduced price of 6€ for children. Special deals and discounts are available with combined golf and meal packages, and discounted rates are offered for groups of 20 players or more.

Located 40 minutes south of La Zenia, La Manga Adventure Golf is open daily from 10:30 until 22:00.

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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.

Standup paddleboarding, often abbreviated to “SUP”, is a water sport born from surfing with roots originating in the Pacific island of Hawaii. Stand-up paddle boarders stand on boards that float on the water's surface, using a paddle to propel themselves through the water.

Paddle boarding tends to be a more relaxed pastime compared to the adrenaline-fuelled wave-chasing sport of surfing, and paddleboards are wider and longer than surfboards.

Crucially, unlike surfboards, paddle boards are easier to master and ideally suited to beginners and families because they're much more naturally stable than their surfing counterparts.

The sport has grown in popularity around the world and led to variations of the sport including paddleboard surfing, paddle board fishing, stand up paddle board touring, and SUP yoga – the latter typically taking place on calm water such as lakes or bays.

Experience SUP standup paddleboard fun on Orihuela Costa

Mastering a stand-up paddle board can prove a rewarding experience, and it's a great way to spend a day enjoying some of Orihuela Costa's finest beaches. It's thankfully inexpensive too.

Residents and holidaymakers visiting this part of South Costa Blanca can hire standup paddleboards on Cabo Roig's Cala La Caleta beach during the summer season.

Sun Sea Adventures in Cabo Roig offers stand-up paddle board hire adjacent to the beach bar. Boards can be booked in advance or on location, and cost €19 per hour, including paddleboard rental, a paddle, a safety leash, and the essential inshore life jacket.

Freestyle paddleboard rental allows visitors and residents the opportunity to explore Cabo Roig's magnificent sandy bay and the safe, calm, and clear Mediterranean waters.

Embrace your inner “Hawaii vibe” with Sun Sea Adventure's organised group SUP yoga sessions. With an infusion of paddleboarding and yoga, the sessions put your yoga to the test with an extra focus on balance, core strength and concentration.

Stand-up paddleboard hire on Cala La Caleta beach in Cabo Roig

The particularly calm waters of La Caleta Beach provide ideal conditions for SUP yoga, encouraging a spiritual connection with nature in breathtaking coastal surroundings. The sessions cost €25 per person and take place weekly at 10:00 on Wednesday mornings throughout the summer.

The Orihuela Costa's go-to SUP school have fully qualified instructors and offers personally tailored courses, team-building days, special events, group bookings, and corporate experiences. They also cater for (somewhat unique) birthday parties.

SUP board hire is available on Cabo Roig Beach from 10:00 until 16:00. Boards are available for hire 7 days a week throughout the summer, and reservations can be booked on the Sun Sea Adventures website.

You can contact Sun Sea Adventures to book your stand up paddle board hire or class by calling +34 611 237 965 or visiting their Facebook page.

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