The creative team took an empty and unloved commercial unit in a prime location just moments away from La Zenia's Cala Bosque beach, and designed a contemporary and welcoming dining space.

An equally fashionable menu soon followed, with a heavy focus on home-cooked healthy food for those with an aversion to alternative processed fast-food choices.

Appreciation of the importance of the occasional devilish sweet treat and an inherent love of baking soon spurned an array of accompanying glamorous desserts: layered cheesecakes, fruity mousses, and cheeky cookies fit for a gastronomic catwalk.

Makai Cafe reopened in February last year after an extensive renovation, with an expanded dining room creating a spacious environment that fuses fresh Mediterranean colours with tasteful decorative touches.

Makai Cafe, contemporary food in beautiful surroundings

An extensive covered terrace outside provides European cafe-style streetside seating comfortably off-road, and the street is relatively quiet with very little passing traffic.

The menu is sharply focused on the requirements of daytime diners, with healthy or hearty breakfast and lunch options – many customisable with additional items to taste and appetite.

Full English breakfasts start from €9.45 with a vegan option available for an additional €0.50. Paninis, crustinis, wraps, omelettes and other staple early bites attract prices starting from €7.45.

But perhaps where Makai Cafe's menu shines most is the inventive use of simple and healthy ingredients to create unique dishes that challenge the accepted concept of breakfast.

Hummus and Feta Crush, and Smashed Avocado on crusty bread sound positively gorgeous, and a range of Mediterranean speciality dishes sit alongside French toast and pancakes, and an intriguing if unconventional Makai Fit Bowl comprised of muesli, Greek yoghurt, fruit, and honey.

Restaurant review, beautiful lunches to whet the appetite

The finely balanced lunch menu starts with crustinis and wraps, offering a delectable selection with prices from €8.45.

Looking for a lighter bite mid-afternoon, we chose the Chicken and Avocado Cheese toasted sandwich at a very reasonable €8.95. Gluten-free bread is available as an option.

A selection of wraps is high on the menu, and the Makai Burrito sounds delicious, with chilli con carne, guacamole, sour cream, and spicy jalapeños to keep things enticing.

Or for something completely different, Turkish Eggs offers two poached eggs, olives, and seasoned yoghurt served with a naan bread. Just €9.45.

A special mention should go to the Buddha Bowl at €13.95 – a menu option that diners can create themselves by choosing from an appealing mix of ingredients such as Teriyaki chicken, smoked salmon, Halloumi, avocado, or tofu.

Where can you find the best burger in Orihuela Costa?

Makai Cafe offers five burger options with prices starting at €11.95 for a classic beef burger with cheese, pickle, and a touch of salad.

The Chicken Schnitzel Burger is a noteworthy offering, replete with cheese, spicy mayonnaise, tomato, and fresh salad under the bun.

All burgers are served replete with beautifully cooked chips and a modest salad garnish. Gluten-free buns and a sweet potato upgrade are offered as additional cost options.

A welcome and rarely found addition to the menu is a vegetarian burger option. The quarter-pounder burgers offer a genuine meat-free, low-fat alternative to beef products, and even the most ardent carnivore would be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Priced at €11.45.

An opulent fish finger burger rounds out the burger menu. It costs €12.45 and this fishy favourite arrives topped with French Brie, caramelised onions, tartar sauce, and the essential addition of salad.

La Zenia's Makai Cafe, find it close to the beach

With a sunny, open terrace and an inspirational dining room, Makai Cafe offers a relaxing and informal environment to savour its gastronomic creations.

A focused menu offers plenty of choices, and their interpretation and elevation of staple family favourites fused with quality, innovative, and fresh ingredients, provide a refreshing and pleasantly surprising dining experience.

The venue is active on social media, boasting a strong local and international online following and often utilises its Facebook page to showcase the cafe's stunning food.

With an excellent location en route to La Zenia Beach and prices that offer truly excellent value given the high levels of presentation and table service, Makai Cafe should be on your list of places to eat during your visit. You can find Makai Cafe via this Google Map.

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: Makai Cafe / Food and Visuals

This scenic route runs parallel to the coastline and offers a rare blend of Mediterranean beauty, local wildlife, and accessible outdoor leisure at the edge of the turquoise waters.

The promenade is part of the GR92 coastal hiking route that stretches 1,360 km from the French border in Port-Bou in the north of Spain, to the border with Gibraltar in the south of the country.

Officially part of Stage 22 in the Valencian Community, a 23.1 km section of the GR92 that starts in Torrevieja and terminates in Pilar de la Horadada. The Sendero Azul is a little easier to handle, with a much shorter walkable length of just 2.46 km (1.53 miles).

The Sendero Azul coastal promenade in Cabo Roig

Along the route, visitors can enjoy the majestic and rugged marine landscape, with crescent-shaped coves framed by natural rock formations, and unobstructed sea views that reach La Manga del Mar Menor and Isla Grosa to the south.

The cliffs and coves display a variety of geologically significant features, and the Sendero Azul includes a total of five viewing points with steps down to the water's edge.

Nature lovers could be rewarded with views of dolphin pods making their way along the coastline, or close encounters with Mediterranean fauna, such as spiny-footed lizards, woodchat shrikes, and a variety of terns, plovers, and sandpipers.

The entire Cabo Roig coastal walk is fenced from end to end and illuminated at night for a unique late-evening, early-morning, or nighttime Mediterranean walking experience.

How to get there and where to park in Orihuela Costa

Bicycles are not permitted, and most visitors (of average fitness) should be able to complete the walk in around an hour. There are no facilities of any kind en route, so take a bottle of water with you in warm or dry weather.

The path is not entirely flat or even, with a maximum elevation of 25 metres (80 feet). Sensible walking shoes are recommended, and the surface is not ideally suitable for wheelchair users or families with children in pushchairs.

Visitors can start at the northern end of the Sendero Azul coastal walk on Playa Cala Capitán beach in Cabo Roig. Free parking is available immediately adjacent to the beach (Google Map here), or in Calle Mar Rizada (Google Map here).

Alternatively, visitors can start at the southern end of the route on Playa Cala de la Caleta. Free parking is available in Calle de la Ensanada (Google Map here), or in Calle Levante (Google Map here).

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

Created specifically for an unforgettable coastal dining experience, these quirky little Donut Boats have been riding a wave of success, appearing in lakes and seas across Europe and North America. And now you can find them locally in Torrevieja.

Step aboard for a memorable dining experience at sea, floating around the safe Mediterranean waters of Torrevieja's magnificent port area, or drop anchor and enjoy beautiful vistas of Playa del Acequión beach while you sit back with a cool beer or enjoy a glass of Spanish wine.

Each barbecue party boat offers seating for up to 10 passengers around a family-size table with a large covered charcoal barbecue integrated into the centre. Cup-holders and carefully crafted cut-outs ensure your dinner (and all-important choice of beverage) remains ship-shape during your cruise.

The unique circular design of the craft is unsinkable and exceptionally stable with a flat floor and plenty of storage space for cool boxes, food, drink, and seafaring essentials. A retractable parasol offers some welcome shade from the sun and covers the entire vessel.

Donut Boat hire in Torrevieja, a barbecue experience

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warm Mediterranean Sea, and a swim ladder provides easy access to and from the water. Propulsion is provided by a small Yamaha outboard motor with enough power to navigate the spacious waterways.

Each boat comes equipped with a JBL Bluetooth speaker system, LED lights for nighttime navigation, and the symmetrical shape offers panoramic 360° sea views wherever your guests might be seated.

The private party boats are ideal for days out with friends, a memorable personal family dining experience at sea, or even corporate events. Immediately Instagrammable, Donut Boats promise some super holiday photos that will prove genuinely interesting to your friends and co-workers back home.

Two different boat sizes are available: a smaller vessel catering for a maximum of 6 people or a larger Donut Boat that accommodates up to 10 guests onboard. Boat rental is available every day throughout the spring and summer (from 1st May), either at lunchtime from 11:00 until 14:00 or for evening dinner sessions departing from the port from 17:00 until 20:00.

But the party doesn't stop once the summer ends, and Donut Boats are available for hire during the autumn and winter months too. From 1st October until 31st April, lunchtime hire sessions take place from 11:00 until 14:00 every day of the week.

Lunch or dinner sessions cost €200 for the smaller boat and €250 for the larger craft. An additional hour can be added to a hire session for an extra €40. The boats are fully insured and completely family-friendly, but “El Capitán” must be at least 18 years old to pilot the craft.

Unique barbecue party boats at Torrevieja's Acequión beach

Essential safety equipment is provided on board, including a life jacket for each occupant, and a special assistance boat is always on hand to make sure your experience takes place in complete safety.

Prices include charcoal and fire starters for the barbecue, plates, cutlery and glasses, ice cubes, a fridge and rubbish bags. Just bring along your choice of succulent steaks, burgers, sausages, or vegetarian kebabs for the barbecue – and don't forget plenty of drinks for the ride.

What's more, Donut Boat has introduced a Pizza Party option for people who prefer a slice of heaven on the open seas. Download the pizza menu here.

You can find Donut Boat hire at Torrevieja's port adjacent to the Bacanal Chill Out bar. The company offers online reservations via their website, or simply call or WhatsApp +34 613 363 666 to make a booking enquiry.

Please remember to follow the safety instructions provided by Donut Boat, treat the vessel with care, respect the environment, and refrain from littering the sea.

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: Donut Boat / LaZenia.com

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.

GOOGLE MAP | BOOKING & MORE INFO

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!

GOOGLE MAP | BOOKING & MORE INFO

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.

GOOGLE MAP | BOOKING & MORE INFO

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.

GOOGLE MAP | BOOKING & MORE INFO

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.

GOOGLE MAP | BOOKING & MORE INFO

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.

GOOGLE MAP | BOOKING & MORE INFO

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.

GOOGLE MAP | BOOKING & MORE INFO

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE MAPS

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