Information on Costa Blanca and Costa Calida
Romero Properties SL concentrates on selling homes on the Costa Blanca, although we do go inland and as far south as Mazarron (Costa Cálida). With our main base near Torrevieja, we are situated between the cities of Alicante (on the coast) and Murcia about 35 km inland). Both cities have international airports, with Alicante being the best known.
There are many salt flats along the coast, the area being one of the most important salt producing areas in the world, and the oldest in Europe.
The coast is lined with many beautiful 'blue flag' beaches, most of which have lifeguards on duty during the high seasons, offering facilities like beach bars and restaurants, toilets, showers, children's play areas and even crèches. On Torrevieja beach, just north of the harbour, there are some extraordinary swimming areas that have been built offering protection from sea waves, all of which are floodlit with raised seating available.
The Mediterranean is usually a calm sea which makes it relatively safe for all ages, and although tides do exist, they are rarely noticeable. The coastline is dotted with marinas, and Alicante has an international harbour from where one can take boat trips to the island of Tabarca, which was fortified and settled in the 18th century as a prison island for Genoese captives. At Torrevieja harbour, an ingenious system of underground conveyor belts delivers salt to waiting cargo ships, straight from the salt processing plant on the salt flats.
A little further south along the coast you will find the Mar Menor ('minor sea'). Strictly speaking this is a lagoon (nowhere is it deeper than 7 metres), although so large (170 square km) that is seems almost like a real sea. The Mar Menor is protected from the Mediterranean by a narrow strip of land known as La Manga ('the sleeve'), with just two small channels connecting the two seas. La Manga Golf Club is headquarters to the European PGA (Professional Golfers' Association).
The cities of Alicante and Murcia boast beautiful shopping areas, with huge department stores. However, Torrevieja also has some great shops with the main 'fashion' street called Calle Ramón Gallud.
Throughout the evening, one can stroll along the seafront, choosing between many restaurants and bars. In Torrevieja and elsewhere there are busy night markets selling goods from all over the world, in particular South America.
During the daytime there are lively markets where one can buy fresh fruit and 'veg', and when we say fresh we mean FRESH. The rich Mediterranean soil and mild winter weather is ideal for agriculture, and many vegetables are grown here on the Costa Blanca and then exported to the UK for sale in supermarkets there.
There are many traditional Spanish villages waiting to be explored just a short drive inland. With their traditional village squares surrounded by little bars and restaurants they are the perfect place to stop for a refreshment.
Protected by the Crevillente Mountains to the west, the Costa Blanca enjoys very mild winters. The daytime temperature in January is often in excess of 16°C (60°F) and by mid March this has risen to about 23°C (73°F). In August, the maximum temperatures peak at around 32°C (89°F).
If you are here during one of the many religious festivals you really must go to see the processions. The streets are beautifully decorated in many colours with a carnival like atmosphere and at the end of the evening there is often a big fireworks display.
There are all the usual activities available in the region (e.g. cinemas, bowling, casinos etc) but the area is particularly strong when it comes to golf and water sports.
For children, there is Aquapolis at Torrevieja, a big aqua park with pools, hydro tubs and plenty of water slides and rides.
On the northern coast of Costa Blanca, near Benidorm, there is Terra Mítica, a spectacularly large new 'World of Myth' theme park. There are five main areas based on the past Mediterranean civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and the Islands. Amongst the many rides is the largest wooden roller coaster in Europe.