Local Amenities:
A 15 minute walk brings you to the Villamartin golf course, home of the 1994 Mediterranean Open. Another 3 minutes and you are at the renowned Villamartin Plaza, with many bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Our favourites are The Clubhouse, Bogeys, and both Chez's. Another great place to dine is Baybrooks at the entrance to La Finca golf - owned by Mark from The Clubhouse. If you are here in high season use the information brochure in the apartment to phone ahead and book your table. There is also a very good supermarket (Super Value) at Los Dolses Commercial Centre as well as a good selection of bars, restaurants, shops and reasonably priced internet access. You will find this about a 7 minute stroll away and will pass it on your way to the apartment. Also 5 minutes down the road by car to La Zenia you will find a branch of Consum, a much larger and therefore cheaper alternative for bigger shopping expeditions. There is a gift shop and a small boutique in the Plaza.
Golf:
As well as Villamartin, where Olazabal holds the course record there are two other courses within 10 minutes drive. Las Ramblas (remodelled in 2007) is a challenge the first time you play it because of some awesome blind drives and 100 foot deep canyons and ravines to drive over or around. After you have lost a few balls the first time it does get easier - honest! Campoamor is longer and lusher and an altogether different test of golf. After your round here, make sure you stop for a drink and/or a plate of tapas in the magnificent clubhouse. Dinner here outside on the terrace in the evening is also highly recommended. A further 20 minutes inland will bring you to La Finca, a spectacular course opened in 2002. Details for other courses can be found in the info brochure in the apartment or by browsing the web (please, contact owner for link). I have also played and would recommend Roda Golf and La Serena but would stay away from Mosa Trajectum (the stones 9 will lose you no end of balls!
Beaches:
All of the Valencian coast beaches are controlled by the European Community, which sets quality levels for the swimming areas. The most prestigious award is the European Clean Water Blue Flag, which means that the beach has achieved an optimum level for swimming and recreational activities. The Valencian coastline has 94 blue flag beaches, many of which are in and around Torrevieja, such as Los Locos beach, El Cura beach, Los Náufragos beach and the Royal Nautical Club. If you like Paella you can dine late on La Zenia beach under the stars. If you are feeling more adventurous and would like a day out on the Mar Menor, snorkelling, lunching on an island and generally jetting about on a speed boat give Captain Muffy a call on 0034 968 170170 early morning or late evening or on his mobile on 616 523 800 - a thoroughly enjoyable day. There are pedallos, banana rides, wave runners, wind-surfers etc. all for hire on most of the main beaches.
Other Activities:
Bowls
