Golf Courses:
The popular El Plantio 18 and 9 hole Golf Courses lie a 10 minute drive from the villa. Buggies and clubs can be hired. There is a restaurant and bar as well as a golf shop. Several other courses - Alicante at El Campello, Allenda in the foothills between Elche and Alicante, Bonalba, north of Alicante, Villa Martin, Quesada, and Las Ramblas all to the south, lie within a short drive a way. The approximate price is between 40 and 70 euros per round.
Beaches, Shopping and Nightlife:
The vibrant city of ALICANTE cante with its many shops, cafe/bars and restaurants is a 15 minute drive from the villa It has a bustling port and marina with hundreds of moorings for yachts. The beaches are clean and very popular. The old town is also worth visiting for its typical Spanish architecture and castle. An electric tram takes visitors to BENIDORM, and beyond .SANTA POLA, lies just 7 klm away and has a popular Saturday and Monday open air market as well as clean beaches and many cafe/bars and restaurants many offering menu del dia. There is a daily fish market which takes place when the fishing boats arrive with their day's catch. Several day-trip boats go to the nearby island of Tabarca. ELCHE the 'Palm Capital' of Spain is also well known for shoe production , with many bargains to be had. It has delightful palm gardens and shady children's play areas. MURCIA with its university and cathedral is a short train journey from the nearby train station at Torrellano.
Valverde Village Life:
Valverde village is a working village with many families stretching back several generations. Besides its primary and nursery schools it has several premises worked by trades such as blacksmiths, builders, carpenters, hairdressers, etc. In recent years new homes have been built around the village square with a few British and other European nationalities now sharing in the village life. The Square is at the centre of village life particularly on Sunday mornings when churchgoers, cycling clubs, locals and children meet, play cards and dominoes, eat and drink and celebrate life. The annual Valverde Fiesta takes place in mid July with a parade with sangria, and sweets for the children and dancing and fireworks into the small hours. A bus service which connects Santa Pola to Elche (half-hourly service) is a 10 minute walk from the villa. and the train from Alicante to Murcia stops at the station at Torrellano (free car parking outside station) just a 5 minute drive away.
