About Weather/Climate/Temperature

Eating Out:

There are numerous places to eat out in La Marina and the surrounding area.
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La Marina
In the main Commercial centre try Camelias for tapas.

La Bodega is a very good restaurant - you can choose from the set menu for 7 euros, or eats al la carte. They hold a quiz night on Wednesdays, have music Thursday - Sunday and on Saturday night they have a Flamenco show (it is advisable to book as the restaurant is very popular).

In the Commercial Zone 4 (about 0.5 kilometres along the main road from the main Commercial Centre), try Bonnies for their set meal including wine. Bar Ramone, the Spanish bar next to Bonnies is excellent value and well worth a visit.

Casa Jin on the approach road to La Marina is good value - try their meal of the day.
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Guardamar

You will find numerous restaurants, far too many to mention.

Restaurante Chino Internacional on the Avda Los Pinos, 62, Tel 96 672 60 51, (opposite the park) is renowned for superb meals which are extremely good value. Also highly recommended and equally as good is the Restarante Chino Wang Cheng on the Avda Los Pinos, 50. Tel 96 672 73 61
--------------------------------------------------------------------------Elche

Wander around the historic centre of Elche and enjoy the many Spanish bars and restaurants. There are also several Spanish restaurants on the road to Elche - stop and try a different one every day!

About Bars

Eating Out:

There are numerous places to eat out in La Marina and the surrounding area.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
La Marina
In the main Commercial centre try Camelias for tapas.

La Bodega is a very good restaurant - you can choose from the set menu for 7 euros, or eats al la carte. They hold a quiz night on Wednesdays, have music Thursday - Sunday and on Saturday night they have a Flamenco show (it is advisable to book as the restaurant is very popular).

In the Commercial Zone 4 (about 0.5 kilometres along the main road from the main Commercial Centre), try Bonnies for their set meal including wine. Bar Ramone, the Spanish bar next to Bonnies is excellent value and well worth a visit.

Casa Jin on the approach road to La Marina is good value - try their meal of the day.
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Guardamar

You will find numerous restaurants, far too many to mention.

Restaurante Chino Internacional on the Avda Los Pinos, 62, Tel 96 672 60 51, (opposite the park) is renowned for superb meals which are extremely good value. Also highly recommended and equally as good is the Restarante Chino Wang Cheng on the Avda Los Pinos, 50. Tel 96 672 73 61
--------------------------------------------------------------------------Elche

Wander around the historic centre of Elche and enjoy the many Spanish bars and restaurants. There are also several Spanish restaurants on the road to Elche - stop and try a different one every day!

About Beaches

This country, which has fantastic beaches and public sunshine by each quantity so a far, Flamenco music and bull fight, and has so much more to offer in reality. Spain is - and was for thousands of years - one of the cultural centres of Europe. There are monumental cities to admire, with age-old monuments just like with futuristic architecture, and regions, which are completely differently of in that, geographically, climatically, even in its personality. The fascinating country becomes acquainted to discover and it is a must to know.

About Golfing

For golf lovers the southern part of the Costa Blanca has several good golf courses. The closest golf course to La Marina is La Marquesa situated at Rojales about 5 miles away. Las Ramblas, Villa Martin, a championship golf course and Campoamor are within a 20 minute drive. The famous golf courses at La Manga are 45 minutes drive.
Golf La Marquesa, Avda. Justo Quesade s/n, 03170 Rojales, Alicante, Tel: 966 71 42 58 or 966 71 41 82. Fax 966 71 42 67. golfamarquesa@ctv.es

The course is lying in a valley between two mountains, this course is mainly flat and offers no particular difficulties. It has wide fairways interspersed with canals, lakes and other obstacles which all players find enjoyable. Players have the chance to use a wide variety of irons.

Opening hours: 08.30 – 20.30.

Holes: 18 – Par 72

Villamartin, Ctra. Alicante-Cartegena, km 7.6, 03300 Orihuela, Alicante Tel: 966 76 51 60, Fax 966 76 51 58, golfvillamartin@ole.com

The course gives players the chance to enjoy using all 14 clubs from their bags. The greens are fast and magnificently maintained.

Opening hours: 08.30 – 21.00

Holes: 18 – Par 72

Las Ramblas de Orihuela, Ctra. Alicante-Cartegena, km 48 03189 Orihuela, Alicante.

Tel: 965 32 20 11, Fax 965 32 21 59.

The course is located between two ravines on the mediterraneon and requires players to use great precision when hitting the ball, as both fairways and greens are very demanding.

Opening hours: 08.30 – 21.00

Holes: 18 – Par 72

Campoamor, Ctra. Cartegena-Alicante, Km.48 03189 Orihuela, Alicante. Tel: 965 32 13 66, 965 32 01 04, Fax: 965 32 24 54 arniza.perfersan@nexo.es

The layout of the course has been adapted to suite both amateurs and professional golfers. The fairways are long and wide, but the greens and the inclinations of the fairways are the big challenges.

Opening hours: 08.30 – 20.00

Holes: 18 – Par 72

About Airport Information

La Marina is a well developed urbanisation whose local amenities include several banks, 3 public swimming pools, snooker club, bowling club, supermarkets, national health doctor, private clinic, pharmacy, newsagents and plenty of bars and restaurants (English, Spanish, Italian and German). There is a good bus service in La Marina to all the local towns and markets as well as to La Marina beaches in the summer.

About Scenery/Beauty Spots

La Marina is a well developed urbanisation whose local amenities include several banks, 3 public swimming pools, snooker club, bowling club, supermarkets, national health doctor, private clinic, pharmacy, newsagents and plenty of bars and restaurants (English, Spanish, Italian and German). There is a good bus service in La Marina to all the local towns and markets as well as to La Marina beaches in the summer.

About Local Attrcations

Places to visit:


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Algar Waterfalls This is a beauty spot that is run with the visitor’s participation in conservation and development of "Fonts de l'Agar and its surrounding area. Visit the riverside, a walk along the paths and bathing in its various pools and waterfalls. Don’t' forget your swimsuits!
First aid post, camping for one day with WC and showers, reception centre, parking.

Tel/Fax: 96 588 21 06

It is situated on the road to Callosa, 35 Km from Calpe and Benidorm

Combine a visit with a visit to Guadalest.



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Altea Altea is a pleasant town just north of Benidorm and well worth a visit.

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Altea Hills Yachts Visit Altea Hills and enjoy a stroll around the Marina, probably one of the most exclusive on the Costa Blanca, and is home of some of the biggest luxury yachts in Spain. Enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the bars in the marina. You can charter boats from here and there is also a diving excursion which leaves from the marina.

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Aqualandia This is a huge water amusement park for adults and children. It is situated on the west side of Benidorm against a hill near Mundomar and Benidorm Palace. Don't forget the sun cream!

Tel: 96 586 40 06 or 07



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Aquascop Discover the fantastic underwater world in the waters of Benidorm's Island and the Calpe area on this boat trip. Departures from the port and the street Rincon de Loix, first departure at 10.00 and goes every hour..

Tel: 96/585 00 52



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Aquopolis, Torrevieja A fun day out for all the family.

Aquapark in Torrevieja. Finca La Hoya Grande.

Tel: 96/571 5611. Open from 10am until 7pm.



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Balloon Flights, Elche Definitely for the more adventurous, take a 40 minute balloon flight in the areas of Bajo Vinalopo and Bajo Seguar. The trip offers incredible views of the south of the province of Alicante and at the same time provides a secure and suitable flight for the general public.

The whole excursion lasts 3 hours, including 40 min flying time. At the end of the flight a picnic is provided and you can celebrate the experience with Cava.

Excitement Touristic Balloon Flights

Reservations 966 637 401



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Benidorm Palace Special and spectacular varied dinner show. Three-hour floor show and dancing, with music provided by a live orchestra. Doors open at 21.00. Reservations tel: 96 585 16 60 or 61.

Alternatively you can book tickets in the travel agent next to the Cam Bank in Commercial Centre 1 in La Marina.



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Calpe A visit to Calpe itself is recommended. Have lunch in one of the many restaurants which specialise in local fish dishes.

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Calpe Ifach The Phoenicians called the Rock of Ifach the Northern Rock, to distinguish it from Gibraltar, the Southern Rock, as these were the only spectacular promontories they encountered in their travels to the western shores of the Mediterranean.

Ifach is indeed a large rock, measuring 332m in height. Today, it is being transformed into a nature park to protect its unique vegetation and over 300 species of animals, including colonies of sea birds that use it as a nesting area. Located here is a nature school where local carnations and even original Robertonian orchids can be admired. The park itself can be reached up a zigzagging track leading to a panoramic view over the entire Marina Alta coastline.



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Carrefour Hypermarket There are branches in Torrevieja and Elche. The nearest is Elche.

Take the road to Elche from the N332, and follow the road for approximately 14 kilometres. Turn left onto the N340. Follow the signs to Carrefour supermarket.



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Castillo Conde de Alfaz Go back eight hundred years to the Castle of the Count of Alfaz and enjoy a dinner typical of this age. See how the knights fight on foot and horseback to defend their honour and save themselves from the Pit of Terror; a place which you too can visit….if you dare! End you night in the great disco "The Torture Chamber"

Tel: 96/686.55.92 or 93. In Alfaz between Altea and Benidorm. 3 km from Benidorm.



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Castle of Santa Barbara, Alicante This is well worth a visit for the magnificent views of Alicante and the surrounding area. Don't make our mistake and try to walk up the hill to the castle. If you are travelling by car, follow the signs on the N-332 to the Puerto. When you reach the Puerto, you will see signs for Parking. Once parked, walk along the promenade until you reach the beach. Continue until past the Tourist Information office, just after this there is a bridge crossing the dual carriageway. Cross the road and follow the signs to the Castle. You will enter a tunnel which takes you to the lift up to the Castle.

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Cactuslandia A personal garden transformed into cactusland. 1000 different species of cactus and other succulents, tropical fruit tees, several species of parrots, parakeets, exotic birds and other exhibits. A wonderworld of shapes and colours. Also a collection of fossils, mineral stones, shells, butterflies.

Refreshments are available.

On the road between Altea and Calpe.

Tel: 96/584 22 18 - La Galera del Mar, 26 - Altea



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El Huerto Del Cura (The Curate's Orchard), National Artistic Garden, Elche (Elx) This is a garden of 13,000 m2 where you can see a large cactus and palm-tree collection with species from all over the world. About a thousand palm-trees surround ponds, rockeries and promenades.

Tel/Fax: 96/5 45 19 36. Porta de la Morera, 49, 03203 Elche (Elx)



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Go-Karts, San Fulgencio A go-karting track on La Marina's doorstep. There are different categories of Karts which race at different times. The entrance is just off the N-332 near La Marina playas as you approach La Marina from Santa Pola
Guadalest This is a beautiful town in the hills with spectacular views. There are several museums, including a Museum of torture and the unique Antonio Marco Museum where you can see miniatures of many things too small to see with the human eye.

Torture Museum Tel: 96 588 50 04

Museum Antonio Marco Tel 96 5898 53 23

Visit the old fortified monastery.



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Jalon Valley - Valley of Wine The Jalon valley is named after the Jalon river, it flows through the village Jalon (some road signs say Xalo), which lies some 7 km from Benissa. The famous Jalon wines, strong red and the sweet mistela or moscatel wine are sold in two bodegas, where you are encouraged to try the produce. You can buy the wine by the litre.

Every Tuesday a market - vegetables, clothes, shoes etc. - is held in the square and the adjacent streets.

On Saturday mornings an enormous car boot sale and antique market is held on the area opposite the bodega under the huge eucalyptus trees and is well worth visiting.



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Jeep Safari 4 x 4 Cabrio Discover the real Spain. A complete full day of adventure, action and sensation through the magnificent countryside of the Costa Blanca mountains, valleys, picturesque villages, rivers, jungles and swamps. Drive yourself or let yourself be driven.

Av. Penetracion s/n - Complejo Admiral 1, local 5 - Benidorm.

Tel 96 680 71 24



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Karting Benidorm Rent a go-kart on a great track and enjoy this exciting sport in one of Europe's best tracks. On the road from Benidorm to Villajoyosa.

Tel: 96 589 46 76



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Limon Expres Travelling on the Limon Express is a pleasant excursion, along the Costa Blanca. You can admire Altea, Teulada and other natural places you can't otherwise reach. The old tourist trains stops in Gata de Gorgos where passengers visit a guitar factory and are shown typical handicraft. On the way back, going South, passengers can enjoy the wonderful west Mediterranean landscape from the heights of this coast whilst sparkling wine is served.

Reservations - info: Tel:96/680 31 03 Fax: 96 680.85 21


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Mundomar Marine and exotic animal park near Aqualandia. Mundomar is a unique adventure; its main attraction is that it is a beautiful setting with exotic marine animals. Enjoy a fascinating encounter with the dolphins and seals. They are real stars of the park.

West side of Benidorm - Tel: 96 586 91 01 or 02 or 03



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Pola Park A fun attraction park for children, on the N-332 just north of La Marina. You will see the park as you travel from Alicante Airport on the left hand side of the road.

Open 19.00 - 2.00 July and August, and at weekends for the remainder of the year.

Tel 96/541 70 60.



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Prehistoric natural cave (1) The Caves of Canelobre at Busot, situated 24km from the city of Alicante, at a height of 700m on the northern side of Cabeco d'Or. The interior of the cave has got one of the highest vaults in all Spain, and is very similar to a cathedral.

Tel: 96/569 92 50 - Busat at Alicante, motorway A7, excit 67 to El Campello, exit the road N-332 near El Campello to road N-340 Alcoi-Xixona to the cave in Busot.



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Prehistoric natural cave (2) Visit this magnificent natural cave of more than 300m long and its stalagmites and stalactites and admire the great numbers of domes which at times rise to a height of more than 20m. The cave is situated on the road between Pedreguer and Benidoleig.

Las Calaveras Benidoleig - Tel; 96/640 42 35 - 03759.

Situated inland between Gata and Ondara, surrounding area Javea - Denia.



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Safari Park Rio Rio Safari Park Elche is the ideal spot to enjoy nature and to watch tigers, lions, camels, monkeys, hippopotamus ….. From its trains. You can also visit the first farm exhibition with more than 200 crocodiles of all sizes. Rio Safari's 6000 fully grown palm trees create an unique tropical setting.

A professional team records with a video camera your journey by train and will turn your visit into a great audio-visual souvenir.

Tel: 96/663 72 88 - On the road from Santa Pola to Elche.



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Salvador Artesana - shoe factory outlet This is an essential place to visit - your can buy shoes, handbags, leather goods such as belts at factory prices. They also have a range of large sizes for tall men and women - do ask the assistants.

Opening times 10 - 13.30, 3.30 - 8.00.

Take the road to Elche from the N332, and follow the road for approximately 14 kilometres. Turn left onto the N340. Follow the signs to Carrefour supermarket. You will see the yellow sign for the Salvador Artesana factory approximately 250 - 500 metres past Carrefour on the right. Turn right and the factory is at the end of the road on the righthand side.

030205 Elche (Alicante) Apda. de Correos, 5404

Tel 966 67 54 41.



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Sand Dunes of Guardamar You can ride camels over the dunes at Guardamar for an enjoyable trip.

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Terra Mitica - Theme Park The Mediterranean's major Theme Park, on the outskirts of Benidorm is well worth a visit and has attractions for all ages. You can buy a 1 day, 2 consecutive days ticket, 3 days non-consecutive ticket or an Evening Ticket. The Park is open all week from Mid-March - October, at weekends during November and December (all week Christmas week) and reopens in March.

Follow the N-332 to Alicante and then join the Autopista A-7 (signpost to Valencia). As you approach Benidorm you will see the signs to Terra Mitica clearly marked, salida (exit) 65-A. (NB the A-7 is a toll road).

Tel: 902 020 220, www.terramiticapark.com



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Wax Museum, Benidorm 113 sculptures - royal families, politicians, art, music, horror, cinema, etc.

Tel: 96/680 84 21 - Museo de Cera - Avda Mediterranea, 8 - 03500, Benidorm.

About History

Local Markets:

Monday
Elche, Santa Pola, San Pedro del Pinatar

Tuesday
Altea, Orihuela, Los Alcazares, Alicante

Wednesday
Benidorm (2 Markets), La Mata, Guardamar, San Miguel de Salinas, Callosa del Segura, Santiago de la Ribera

Thursday
La Marina, San Javier, Villajoyosa, Rojales, Alicante

Friday
Torrevieja, Alfaz del Pi, Pilar de la Horadada, Los Montesinos

Saturday
Calpe, Santa Pola, Elche, Almoradi, Alicante, Torrepacheco

Sunday
La Marina, Benidorm, La Nucia, Camo de Guardamar, Elche, Campoverde (Pilar de la Horadada)

About Shopping

Local Markets:

Monday
Elche, Santa Pola, San Pedro del Pinatar

Tuesday
Altea, Orihuela, Los Alcazares, Alicante

Wednesday
Benidorm (2 Markets), La Mata, Guardamar, San Miguel de Salinas, Callosa del Segura, Santiago de la Ribera

Thursday
La Marina, San Javier, Villajoyosa, Rojales, Alicante

Friday
Torrevieja, Alfaz del Pi, Pilar de la Horadada, Los Montesinos

Saturday
Calpe, Santa Pola, Elche, Almoradi, Alicante, Torrepacheco

Sunday
La Marina, Benidorm, La Nucia, Camo de Guardamar, Elche, Campoverde (Pilar de la Horadada)