9 Best Things to Do in Orihuela Costa — Complete Guide for Holiday Visitors
📍 Orihuela Costa, Alicante, Spain — Costa Blanca’s Hidden Gem
Nestled along the southern stretch of Spain’s Costa Blanca, Orihuela Costa is one of the most underrated holiday destinations in Europe. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, world-class beaches and a relaxed Spanish lifestyle, it’s no wonder more and more travellers are choosing this corner of Alicante over the busier tourist hotspots. Whether you’re visiting for a week or staying for the whole summer, there’s always something to discover here.
If you’re looking for the perfect base to explore it all, our holiday apartments and bungalows in Orihuela Costa put you right in the heart of the action — minutes from the best beaches, restaurants, and attractions the area has to offer. Check availability for your dates here.
🏖️ 1. Relax on World-Class Beaches
Orihuela Costa is home to some of the finest beaches on the entire Costa Blanca. With calm, shallow waters and fine golden sand, they’re perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.
Cala Capitán — a sheltered cove with crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Our Beachfront Apartment at Cala Capitán is literally steps from the shoreline — wake up to the sound of the waves every morning.
Playa de la Zenia — a long, wide beach with Blue Flag status, calm waters and all the facilities you need for a perfect beach day. Sun loungers, beach bars, showers, and excellent swimming conditions.
Cabo Roig Beach — one of the most picturesque spots on the coast, with a beautiful rocky headland, a charming marina, and some of the best seafood restaurants in the area right on the water’s edge.
Playa Flamenca — popular with families, this beach has excellent amenities, a lively beach bar scene and easy parking nearby. Perfect for a full day out.
“The beaches here are simply stunning — clean, uncrowded compared to other parts of Spain, and the water is warm from June all the way through October.”
— Guest review, Stay Orihuela Costa
🦩 2. Visit the Famous Torrevieja Pink Lake (Laguna Rosa)
One of the most iconic natural wonders of the Costa Blanca is the Torrevieja Salt Lakes — and specifically the stunning Laguna Rosa, a naturally pink lake caused by high salt concentrations and algae. It’s one of the saltiest lakes in Europe and one of the most photographed spots in the entire province of Alicante.
The pink colour is at its most vivid in summer, particularly in July and August when the water evaporates and the salt crystallises. The lake is surrounded by a nature reserve that’s also home to flamingos — yes, real flamingos living wild just minutes from your holiday apartment.
Our Poolside Bungalow in Torrevieja and Luxury Bungalow at Lago Jardín are both just a short drive from the Pink Lake — perfect for an early morning visit before the crowds arrive.
🏊 3. Enjoy the Pools and Urbanisations
One of the great advantages of staying in Orihuela Costa’s residential urbanisations — like Los Balcones, Lago Jardín, and La Zenia — is access to beautifully maintained communal pools surrounded by gardens and palm trees.
Several of our properties offer direct access to these pools:
- PRP008 — Poolside Bungalow — right next to the communal pool
- PRP001 — Lago Jardín Bungalow — frente piscina (pool-facing)
- PRP007 — Bungalow Lago Jardín 1 — set within the peaceful Lago Jardín urbanisation
There’s something uniquely relaxing about spending a lazy afternoon by a pool surrounded by orange trees, bougainvillea and the sounds of Spanish summer. It’s the Costa Blanca holiday experience at its finest.
🛍️ 4. Shop at La Zenia Boulevard
La Zenia Boulevard is one of the largest open-air shopping centres in Spain — and it’s right on the doorstep of Orihuela Costa. With over 150 stores, including international brands like Zara, H&M, Mango, Primark, El Corte Inglés and dozens more, plus excellent restaurants, a cinema and a supermarket, it’s a destination in itself.
It’s also a great option on hotter afternoons when the beach feels too intense, or on rare cloudy days when you want to stay busy. The mall is open every day and has free parking. Most of our guests visit at least once during their stay.
⛵ 5. Explore the Marina at Cabo Roig
The Cabo Roig Marina is one of the most charming spots in the whole area. Lined with sailing boats and yachts, the marina is surrounded by excellent seafood restaurants, tapas bars, and an ice cream parlour that’s practically unmissable in summer. It’s a wonderful spot for an evening stroll, a sunset dinner, or simply watching the boats come and go.
From the marina, you can also book boat trips, paddleboard rentals, kayak tours and even scuba diving excursions — the underwater world along this stretch of coast is spectacular.
🎭 6. Discover Orihuela — The Historic City
Just 20 minutes inland from the coast lies the beautiful historic city of Orihuela — a place most beach tourists never bother to visit, which means you’ll often have its stunning monuments almost to yourself.
The city centre is home to a magnificent Gothic cathedral, a Baroque episcopal palace, and a beautifully preserved old town that feels completely unchanged from centuries past. The Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions here are among the most impressive in the entire Valencian Community.
Orihuela is also the birthplace of the Spanish poet Miguel Hernández — his house-museum is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Spanish culture and literature.
🌮 7. Eat Like a Local
The food scene in Orihuela Costa has improved dramatically in recent years, with excellent options for every taste and budget.
Must-try dishes while you’re here:
- 🦞 Arroz a banda — rice cooked in fish stock, a local specialty
- 🥘 Caldero — a traditional fisherman’s stew from the Mar Menor area
- 🍤 Gambas a la plancha — grilled prawns at any beach chiringuito
- 🫒 Pan con tomate y jamón — bread rubbed with tomato and topped with cured ham
- 🍦 Horchata y fartons — tiger nut milk with sweet pastry fingers, a Valencia classic
The Thursday market in Torrevieja and the Saturday market in La Zenia are also excellent for fresh produce, local cheeses, olives and a real taste of Spanish market life.
🚴 8. Cycling and Walking Along the Coast
Orihuela Costa has an excellent network of cycling paths and coastal walking routes that wind between the urbanisations and along the clifftops above the sea. The views from the Cabo Roig headland walking trail are genuinely breathtaking — on a clear day you can see all the way to the mountains of Murcia.
Bicycle rental is available at several points in the area, and it’s one of the best ways to explore at your own pace.
🌅 9. Watch the Sunset at Dehesa de Campoamor
Dehesa de Campoamor is the most exclusive village in Orihuela Costa — a pine-covered headland with a small beach, an upmarket marina, and some of the most expensive real estate on the Costa Blanca. It’s also home to one of the best sunset viewpoints in the entire area.
Drive or cycle up to the top of the headland in the evening, find a spot on the rocks, and watch the sun drop into the Mediterranean. It’s completely free and completely unforgettable.
🏡 Where to Stay in Orihuela Costa
After a day of beaches, markets, boat trips and sunset views, you’ll want to come home to somewhere comfortable, clean and well-located. That’s exactly what Stay Orihuela Costa offers — a carefully selected collection of holiday apartments and bungalows in the best areas of Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja.
| Property | Location | Best For | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP002 — Beachfront Cala Capitán | Right on the beach | Beach lovers, couples | €89/night |
| PRP008 — Poolside Bungalow | Los Balcones, Torrevieja | Families, pool access | €50/night |
| PRP003 — Luxury Lago Jardín | Lago Jardín, Torrevieja | Couples, comfort seekers | €50/night |
| PRP001 — Lago Jardín Frente Piscina | Lago Jardín, pool-facing | Families, relaxation | On request |
| PRP004 — Los Balcones Planta Baja | Los Balcones, Torrevieja | Easy access, ground floor | €50/night |
| PRP005 — Lake Garden Bungalow | Lake Garden, Torrevieja | Peaceful, nature lovers | €50/night |
All properties are fully equipped, independently verified, and available for direct booking — no agency fees, no hidden charges. Check availability for your dates on our availability page or WhatsApp us directly at +34 619 95 22 15 for a quick response.
📅 When is the Best Time to Visit Orihuela Costa?
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| May – June | 25-28°C, sunny | Low-Medium | Best value, quiet beaches |
| July – August | 30-35°C, hot | High | Peak summer, Pink Lake at best |
| September – October | 25-30°C, warm | Low-Medium | Best overall — warm sea, fewer crowds |
| November – April | 15-20°C, mild | Very low | Long stays, golf, walking, exploring |
September and October are widely considered the sweet spot — the sea is still warm from the summer, the crowds have thinned out, prices drop significantly, and the whole area feels more authentically Spanish again.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Orihuela Costa from Alicante Airport?
Approximately 50-60 minutes by car. There are also bus services from the airport to Torrevieja, with connections to the coast.
Is Orihuela Costa good for families?
Absolutely. The beaches are calm and shallow, the urbanisations are safe and quiet, and there’s plenty to keep children entertained — from beaches and pools to mini-golf and water parks nearby.
Do you offer direct booking?
Yes! You can book directly through our website, which means no Booking.com or Airbnb fees added to the price. For quick questions, WhatsApp us at +34 619 95 22 15.
What’s included in the holiday apartments?
All our properties include full kitchen facilities, air conditioning, WiFi, bed linen and towels. Check each property page for full details and photos. Visit our FAQ page for more information.
Ready to plan your Orihuela Costa holiday?
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