Orihuela Costa
Climate
Orihuela Costa offers warm, enjoyable summers from late June to early September, which are ideal for enjoying the beaches. Winters are very mild, with Christmas often celebrated on the beach, and the area is a haven for golfers. The annual average low and high temperature typically varies from 7°C/41°F to 32°C/90°F.
Demographics
The region has over 20,000 inhabitants, of which only 60% of the local population are Spanish. The rest are ex-pats, with the British making for almost 20% of the population, followed by Irish, Dutch, French, Italians and Germans.
Economy
The economy of the region is driven by tourism and agriculture which is based on vegetables, hemp, cotton, pomegranates, palm trees, olives, almonds, oranges, and lemons.
There are also important industries that centre around preserved foods, wool, and silk.
Today, the economy of Orihuela Costa mostly depends on tourism, which can be called the main driving force.
Lifestyle
This is a very privileged inexpensive lifestyle considering the climate, wealth of activities, and enjoyment benefits. The region is rich in cultural history and home to many Baroque, Gothic monuments and places of interest such as the Cabo Roig Tower, and Castillo de Orihuela / Ruinas Gloriosa (Orihuela Castle / Castle of Glorious Ruins).
Summer sports and activities are very popular even throughout the winter months.
Golf is very popular in Winter, as are paddle, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, sailing, hiking, etc.
All the coastal towns have their own unique charm and activities, and it’s a real pleasure to explore each during the calmer months outside of July and August.
Beaches
Orihuela Costa has numerous Blue Flag beaches, including Playa Flamenca, Cala Capitán, and La Zenia. The beaches, which have various cafés, bars, restaurants, and kid's play areas, also provide various opportunities to enjoy water sports and activities. There are numerous beach activities all throughout the year.
Schools and Colleges
The region has some of the best private educational institutions in Costa Blanca, both in terms of schools and colleges. A few of the top private names include Private Education Center Oleza, El Limonar International School Villamartin, Escuela Infantil Bilingüe Buhitos, AMPA Colegio San Pedro Apóstol, and Lady Elizabeth School.
Leisure Amenities
Some of the country's most famous 18-hole golf resorts are located in Orihuela Costa, including Las Colinas, Vistabella, Las Ramblas, Real Club de Golf Campoamor, and Villamartin.
Medical Facilities
The region offers many private hospitals and medical centres including MEDISCH CENTRUM ROJALES, Hospital Quirón Torrevieja, and Hospital HLA La Vega. There are many medical facilities on offer in nearby Orihuela City, Murcia, Torrevieja, Elche, and Alicante, all within half an hour to an hour’s drive.
Shopping
The Zenia Boulevard in Orihuela Costa is the largest shopping mall in Costa Blanca, with over 150 stores and numerous bars and eateries. It is the place to go for a fun relaxing stroll, to enjoy entertainment with the kids, delicious eateries, and also for luxury shopping and designer labels.
Restaurants
Orihuela Costa is a haven of Michelin Star Restaurants, such as El Buev, Local de Ensayo, Odiseo Gastronomico, AlmaMater, and Pura Cepa, which are ideal for trying both traditional and exotic Mediterranean fare.