Playa Flamenca Alicante

Playa Flamenca Costa Blanca in Brief - Frankly, Playa Flamenca could hardly be labelled as a typical Spanish community, until the 1970's it was just a portion of striking but stark coast. At the start of nineteen seventies some Flemish property investors agreed to build up the area and due to their foresight it's become the well known resort that it is today. Now Playa Flamenca, is amongst the most appealing locations along this stretch of the Alicante coastline and the recently remodeled walkway and beach area are a big enhancement. The cliffside walk extends from Dehesa de Campoamor to Torrevieja, passing Playa Flamenca on the way, and taking in the lovely beach resorts of La Zenia, Punta Prima and Cabo Roig. One of the resort's primary visitors attractions is its Saturday market which happens each week on the main route through Playa Flamenca, just beyond the Mercadona. Folk descend from all over the area to attend this lively and appealing street market. The wide array of products available to buy on the Saturday market is mind boggling, you could shop for plants, fashion goods, watches, bags and nuts, or buy some fresh, locally grown fruit and veg or hot bread loaves cooked that morning. You will feel hungry when you pass by the spit-roast chicken stall, so you will want to try a mouth watering garlic flavoured chicken, or you could watch a traditional Spanish paella being prepared in front of you and take some home for your lunch. The beach is however where sun idolisers should pop along to while in the area. Via Park I along with the Flamenca Beach commercial centre are the principal areas for eateries, bars and retail outlets, and here you'll locate everything required in respect of recreation and entertainment. You will find a large number of restaurants offering up cuisine from all around the world, and there are also a lot of chances to have a go at karaoke, watch a live band, watch the latest football, join in a pub quiz or maybe have a drink. One of the main benefits which draws visitors to Playa Flamenca is its awesome climate, benefiting from around three hundred sunny days each and every year. While the winter season provides fine but cooler weather conditions, making it a favoured area for winter vacations for people planning to escape the dark cold winters of the countries of Northern Europe, the warmest weather conditions are through the period of June through October and that's when the area properly comes to life with travellers from Spain and Britain heading for the area. So the resort of Playa Flamenca stands out as the spot to head to get the best of the sunshine. Golf Facilities: Golf courses in the region include Las Ramblas, Campo de Golf La Marquesa, Las Colinas Golf, Lo Romero Golf, La Finca Golf Resort, Campoamor and Villa Martin. We often advise Villamartin Golf as the ideal option for people holidaying in Playa Flamenca. Both Murcia and Alicante airport easily reached from the resort, Alicante airport is forty two minutes away whilst San Javier (Murcia) airport is 22 minutes drive, you may either use the N-332 coastal road or the AP-7 autopista.

Mil Palmeras Guide

Mil Palmeras - A delightful Alicante coast resort situated in between Dehesa de Campoamor and Torre Horadada on the sea-side of the N-332 coast road, Mil Palmeras is among the well loved resorts of the Orihuela Costa region Mil Palmeras is for the majority of the year, a tranquil coastal resort, however it becomes vibrant during the holiday season. The name Mil Palmeras means 1000 palms, which probably refers to the many date palms which exist in the town. This is a desirable destination largely thanks to its warm and clear waters, good amenities, wonderful sandy beaches, proximity to golf courses and its temperate weather. All in all a typical Spanish coastal resort and suitable for a relaxing vacation in the sun. The beach is surely one of the best beaches on the Costa Blanca coast with clean sand and the warm clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It has all of the common amenities such as games area, showers, sun loungers, chiringuito, toilet facilities, pedallos for hire, sun shades and a car park. The beach is known as Playa de Mil Palmeras and is joined to a beach known as Riomar. The weather is without a doubt one of the main benefits for people visiting this locale and Mil Palmeras is no exception, with the town benefiting from around 300 sunny days every year. The warmest weather is in the months of June to September and this is when Mil Palmeras truly comes to life with vacationers from Britain and Spain heading for the area. Nevertheless the wintertime months still provide exceptional weather conditions, which means it is a desirable place for winter vacations for people wishing to get time away from the long dark winters of the countries of Northern Europe. So for winter or summertime sun consider Mil Palmeras, Spain. Various other nearby locations that you can easily visit whilst holidaying in this resort include: Villamartin, Aguamarina, Pilar, Campoamor, Punta Prima and others. Both Murcia (San Javier) and Alicante airports easy to access from the area, Murcia (San Javier) airport is 12 miles away and Alicante (El Altet) airport is 72 kilometres away, you may either use the N-332 coastal road or the AP-7 autopista.

Costa Blanca Towns – Ondara , Els Poblets and Pedreguer

Heading for the northern Costa Blanca, we take a look at 3 small towns Ondara, Els Poblets and Pedreguer. All close to the Costa Blanca coastal resort of Denia the three small towns of Ondara, Els Poblets and Pedreguer all hold some interest for those visiting the area. Ondara a stronghold of the Moors during the Arab occupation of Spain, boasts an interesting bullring dating from the late 19th century, largely destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, it was later rebuilt, also of interest in Ondara is the Clock Tower in the Arabic style and the Assut dam, dating from the times of the Moors. Els Poblets, formerly 3 small villages is now a popular tourist location with some high quality homes, many owned by wealthy north Europeans, this area has some of the most expensive properties in the region. Els Poblets has some remains of a Roman villa, showing evidence of its settlement in the first century BC. The attractive little town of Pedreguer is surrounded by orange groves and vineyards close to the beautiful Jalon Valley, worth is visit is the old town where you will find the parish church of Santa Cruz dating from the 16th century. All in all these 3 towns would keep you occupied for a day and are well worth a look if you are staying in the Denia or Javea areas.

Review of Benidorm Spain

Present day visitors to the lively Costa Blanca resort of Benidorm would find it hard to believe that up until the mid-1950’s it was just a tiny fishing village. The growth of Benidorm as a holiday resort has been phenomenal and it has now become the most popular seaside resort in Europe with between four and five million visitors each year. Many would say that the skyline of Benidorm has ruined the look of this beautiful part of the Spanish coast but the tall sleek Benidorm hotels have a beauty of their own and stand in stark contrast to the surrounding Mediterranean Sea and the mountains in the background. One of the main attractions for visitors are the fabulous Benidorm beaches which are long, sandy and wide and become very busy especially during the hot summer months. Another of the great attractions is the rich and varied Benidorm nightlife for which the resort is famous, having a huge choice for visitors and specialising in spectacular cabarets and live shows. The big draw for families is the fantastic choice of theme parks – this is big budget entertainment folks, check out the amazing Terra Mitica theme park with its scary rides and miniature children’s versions, or maybe the fabulous water park at Aqualandia, one of the best water parks in Europe. Also worth a visit are the Terra Natura safari park and the Mundomar Exotic and Marine Animal Park. Finally perhaps the most important thing which makes Benidorm such a huge attraction especially for north Europeans is the fantastic Benidorm weather, which can usually expected to be fine and sunny from May to October and is also pretty reliable even during the winter months. Much like most of the Spanish towns in this region, Benidorm enjoys over 300 sunny days every year and generally there is very little rainfall.

My Favourite Picture of a Waterfall

A recent visit to the Algar waterfall, located near to Callosa d’en Sarria on the northern Costa Blanca, Spain, reminded me of the pictures that I took the last time we visited in 2006, when my mother was on a trip and we wanted to take her somewhere a little different. The waterfall picture that I took that day is among my favourite photos, and I like to feature it on my website whenever relevant as it shows that the Costa Blanca is not all about beaches and bars. Around the Algar waterfall (Fuentes de Algar) there are a number of beautiful and interesting places to visit including my favourite, Guadalest (I have lots of Guadalest pictures as well!), Callosa d’en Sarria, the Arca sanctuary and the cactus garden. I have posted a small version of my favourite waterfall picture on the left.

Review of Benidorm Spain

Sea, sun, sand and sangria – the Spanish resort of Benidorm certainly offers all of these and plenty more besides. Situated in the Costa Blanca region of south-eastern Spain, Benidorm is, these days, the major destination in Europe for tourists looking for a seaside holiday, with in excess of four million visitors per year, this is a serious resort, the fabulous warm Benidorm weather attracting more and more visitors every year. Most visitors today would find it hard to believe that Benidorm was just a tiny fishing village up until the 1950’s when a growing tourist industry would result in huge changes not just to Benidorm but also many other towns and villages throughout Spain. The history of Benidorm, of course, goes back much, much further, with evidence of settlements as long ago as 3000 BC. Fragments of Punic and Roman ships have been discovered in the Bay of Benidorm and there are also remains of a Roman villa in the area. However, the recorded history of Benidorm starts during the Moorish Conquest, when the first genuine settlement was built by the Moors and Benidorm became a fishing community of some significance. Benidorm and the region was reconquered for the Christians by Jaime I of Aragon (Jaume I) in 1245 and in 1325 the town was awarded its first charter. The original Benidorm Castle was built at around this time and was constructed in the area of the old village. Although no evidence now remains of the castle it was, at the time, very important in defending Benidorm from frequent attacks by Barbary pirates. An irrigation drain built in 1666 to supply water to the surrounding land brought some improvements to the area and by 1715 the population of Benidorm had risen to 216. 1740 saw the start of construction on the Parish Church of San Jaime and the population grew rapidly by 1794 had topped 2,700. Although agriculture contributed to Benidorm’s economic survival during these years, fishing remained the prime industry and Benidorm’s fishermen gained a reputation as tuna fishermen. By 1857 the population had risen to 3,750 but dropped back once again in 1920 when an outbreak of phylloxera seriously damaged a thriving grape growing industry. At around the same time there were signs of an emerging tourism industry in the area aided by the building of a narrow gauge railway. A small but growing number of tourists headed for Benidorm from inland towns such as Madrid. Disaster loomed for Benidorm in the early 1950’s as fish catches fell dramatically, however an increase in tourism and a plan drawn up by the town in 1956 for improvements in the town targeted at leisure and tourism, was well founded, it resulted in a huge growth in population, which further accelerated in 1967 on the opening of Alicante (El Altet) airport, Benidorm holidays took off in a big way. Modern day Benidorm is a successful resort with numerous hotels and rental accommodation properties catering for holidaymakers of all ages, nationalities and tastes. There is lots to see and do in and around Benidorm, there are 2 superb beaches (Playa Levante and Playa Poinente), some wonderful theme parks such as Terra Mitica, the Aqualandia Water Park and Mundomar Marine and Exotic Animal Park, whatever you are looking for Benidorm certainly delivers. Map of Benidorm

Car Hire on the Costa Blanca

If you are going on holiday to the Costa Blanca this year, there is a good chance that you will be wanting to hire a car. The most common way to arrange car hire these days is via the internet, and while the process is pretty straight forward, there are some pitfalls you should look out for. Read our useful guide for booking a car on the Costa Blanca, or for that matter, anywhere in Spain, here: Costa Blanca car hire, you will find plenty of useful tips for getting the best value car hire deals.

Torrevieja Clubs - Pacha

For the younger generation visiting the bustling town of Torrevieja, on the Costa Blanca, Spain, this year, one of the main ports of call will be the Pacha Torrevieja disco, a popular club holding foam parties and hosting great music and entertainment in Avenida Delfines Viudes, Torrevieja Spain. The largest Pacha club in Europe, visitors are always guaranteed a great night out.

Elche Spain - The City of Palms

Renowned for its huge palm tree forest, the city of Elche in the province of Alicante, Spain, is the 3rd largest city in the Comunidad de Valencia. Well woth a visit if you are in the Costa Blanca area, Elche has a history going back to the times of the ancient Iberians, who built a city called Helike. The palm trees were introduced by the Phoenicians and over 200,000 specimens surround and invade the city. Elche is also famous for its shoe industry, the largest in Spain, don’t buy your shoes anywhere else, get them during a trip to Elche. The region enjoys a superb climate and is attractive to both holidaymakers and those wishing to relocate, with a good selection of Elche property being available. The beaches of Santa Pola and La Marina are nearby, with the usual range of facilities on hand. Elche Map

The Costa Blanca Resort of Javea

The popular seaside town of Javea sits around eighty kilometres north of the city of Alicante between Calpe and Denia on the northern Costa Blanca coastline. Part of the Marina Alta district, Javea lies on a wide bay and is protected by 2 rocky promontories. A highly popular coastal town, the population of Javea swells from its normal resident population of 29,000 to in excess 100,000 during the hot summer months. Being blessed with a pleasant Mediterranean climate, Javea is sheltered from cold north winds during the winter time by the massive Mount Montgó, keeping temperatures at an agreeable level through the winter months. Aside from the shelter it offers, Mount Montgó also provides a spectacular backdrop for the town and these days forms part of the Mount Montgó Natural Park, covering some 21 square kilometres and containing some significant archaeological relics. Artefacts found in in Mount Montgó caves deep within the earth suggest human activity in the land around Javea some sixteen thousand years ago, during the Upper Palaeolithic Period, further human settlement is likely from the Neolithic Era and also from the Bronze Age. Some fantastic finds dating from the Iberian Culture including pieces in gold and silver, dating from the third and second centuries BC. The arrival of the Romans after the Second Punic War against the Carthaginians heralded the growth of organised society and culture and also certain advances in agricultural activity in Javea. Villas were built, especially in the fertile valley formed by the River Gorgos, and there was a Roman settlement in the area known as Playa de Arenal. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths arrived, and although very little is recorded of their time spent in the Javea region, there is documentation suggesting the possible existence of a monastery, though there is no certain evidence to support this idea. During the Eighth Century the Moors invaded the region and took control of the Iberian Peninsular, where they remained until the 13th century. The Arabs continued with the agricultural advancement of the area, using unique irrigation systems brought from the dry, waterless deserts of the Middle East and North Africa. After the Christian reconquest, the town of Javea was walled and fortified to defend against attacks from marauding barbary pirates who sailed these coasts for centuries afterwards, and there is still some evidence today of these ancient fortifications. One of the best known landmarks in Javea is the fortified Gothic San Bartolomé church, dating from the Fourteenth Century and officially listed as a Ancient Monument since 1931. Evidence still exists of damage inflicted on the church during the horrific Spanish Civil War, its pockmarked walls reminding visitors of more violent times in Javea’s history. The narrow, winding streets of Javea old town are typically Spanish, and the old houses boast examples of traditional wrought iron balconies. Well worth a visit in Javea old town is the Museo Arqueologico, Historico y Ethnográfico, where the history of Javea can be learnt from the Iberian times to the present. The most popular spot for present day tourists to Javea, is the old port and harbour, retaining much of its traditional charm, it has not been ruined by modernisation and development. At the harbour it is possible to see fishing boats arriving with their daily catch or maybe sit in one of the harbourside restaurants and enjoy a delicious local seafood dish. The harbour dates from the Fifteenth Century and excelled in the export of raisins until the collapse of the raisin trade al the back end of the 19th Century. The major beach for Javea is Playa de Arenal, a delightful sandy beach with the usual range of facilities. The beach is backed by an attractive and wide promenade, lined with bars, shops and restaurants and also the location for a local craft market which is held on warm summer evenings, a great place to pick up a bargain. There are a good selection of Javea hotels in the town and there is also plenty of privately owned rental accommodation to be found, many foreign residents have chosen to buy holiday homes in the town and also to relocate, Javea villas are a popular commodity and there are always a good choice on the market, for those with a less generous budget apartments and houses are also available in numbers and you should be able to find a Javea property which suits your budget. Javea holds its weekly local market on Thursdays. Javea, of course celebrates numerous of fiestas and celebrations throughout the year, the main ones being the Moros y Cristianos in July, the Fogueres de San Juan in June and the Nuestro Señora de Loreto (with bull-running) in September. The region is blessed with a wonderful climate and Javea weather can be expected to be sunny and dry for at least 300 days every year, making it one of the finest all year round locations in Spain. Javea Spain can be easily reached via the N332 coast road or the AP-7 motorway junctions 62 or 63. You can view a map of Javea here: Javea Map.

Vega Baja Villages – Hurchillo

One of the Vega Baja villages of the Costa Blanca, Spain, Hurchillo is a charming little village with a population of less than one thousand. A chance to see a piece of the real Spain away from the busy Costa Blanca coastline, Hurchillo is reached via the road from Orihuela, and is a bout 9 kilometres from that town. A maze of charming cobbled streets welcomes visitors, together with the smiling faces of its people who are very friendly. Not to be out gunned by its bigger and better known neighbours, Hurchillo has its own village square and church and also its own feast day and fiestas during which it honours the Patrona Nuestra Señora de Montserrat. Damaged like so many other villages in the earthquake of 1829, Hurchillo relies mostly on citrus farming for its economic survival. Other villages worth visiting around Hurchillo include Bigastro, Beniel, Jacarilla and Cox.

The Spanish Inland Town of Crevillente

The Spanish Inland Town of Crevillente - One of the Costa Blanca’s inland towns, Crevillente is a modern industrial town which at first glance would seem not worthy of a visit. However on inspection visitors will find that Crevillente has a long and interesting history and was in fact occupied even before the arrival of the Romans in Spain some 2,000 years ago. Early settlements were established by the Iberians, and these were extended somewhat when the Romans arrived, though the town did not really develop until the Moorish occupation when agricultural methods enabled the area to be cultivated. During the 18th century a carpet industry emerged turning into a significant earner for the town, early carpets were made from esparto grass and were mostly exported. In the town today you can visit the old Town Hall and take a look at the oldest church the Nuestra Senora de Belen, nature lovers can visit the El Hondo Nature Reserve which is close to the town, some nearby villages which may be of interest are Dolores, Albatera, Aspe, Cox, Callosa de Segura and Hondon de los Frailes, a trip into the city of Elche would also be well rewarded. Map of Crevillente.

Villajoyosa Spain is Chocolate Heaven

Villajoyosa Spain is Chocolate Heaven - Well worth a visit if you are travelling around the northern Costa Blanca in Spain, the town of Villajoyosa is one of the prettiest in the region. Well known for its multi-coloured houses, Villajoyosa is an old fishing village, turned holiday resort, it has several fine beaches and a charming fishing harbour, where you can watch the locally caught fish, landed and auctioned off. Be sure to visit the chocolate factory and the chocolate museum, for this is one of Spain’s major chocolate producing towns, its turron and chocolate delicacies well known throughout Europe. If you can pick your time to visit, try to coincide with a local fiesta, so that you can join in with local customs, the Fiesta de San Isidore is held in May, and in September, a fiesta in honour of the Archangel Michael takes place. If you are visiting between May and October you can expect the Villajoyosa weather to be sunny and dry, as the town experiences over 300 sunny days each year. Villajoyosa Map.

The Picturesque Town of Altea Alicante

The Picturesque Town of Altea Alicante - One of the prettiest towns on the Costa Blanca, Spain, Altea old town is perched on a hilltop, overlooking the sea close to the huge resort of Benidorm. Separated from Benidorm by the Sierra Helada, Altea could hardly be more different, as yet unspoilt by mass tourism and over development, it still retains much of its old Spanish charm. Altea has one or two decent hotels including the Negret Cap Hotel located right beside the beach, but a better option for a holiday, might be to rent out a holiday villa and enjoy a bit of luxury during your stay. The town boasts a super climate and Altea weather is pretty reliable all year round, Altea is just 45 minutes drive from Alicante airport and is easily reached via the N-332 or the AP-7 motorway. Map of Altea.

Admiral Chief Received in Pilar de la Horadada

Admiral Chief of General Staff of the Navy, D. Manuel Rebollo García, received in the headquarters of the Navy to a representation of the Municipal Corporation of the Municipality of Pilar de la Horadada. Led by the mayor, Ignacio Ramos, pilareños six councilors held a cordial meeting in which they exchanged gifts in memory of so gracious visit. Manuel Rebollo Garcia was born in Pilar de la Horadada in 1945. He joined the Navy and Marine Professional at the age of seventeen years in the Naval Military School in 1969 where he finished his studies and received clearance Navío Ensign of the sixteenth day of July 1974. Their fates afloat as an officer include the destroyer Admiral Ferrándiz the minesweeper Guadalmedina, Galicia amphibious ship and training ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano. Order has been Chief of the 31st squadron of bodyguards, second commander of the patrol commander of the Second Princess and ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano. She has been commander of the following vessels: Tabarca patrol, transport Contramaestre Married, with the frigate Santa Maria was composed in the Standing Naval Force of NATO in the Mediterranean, STANAVFORMED and the training ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano, ship which has made a total of six trips, three of which were around the world. Their destinations include land that has been assigned to the Naval Military School, where he was Professor of Tactics, the Communications Section of the Staff the Navy, the Joint Staff, the Division of Planning Staff of the Stadium as the Navy Chief of Strategic Plans, Advisor to the Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Defense and Chief of the Operations Division of the General Staff of the Navy. Between October 2006 and July 2008 he served as Second Admiral Chief of the Navy. It Communications Specialist Diploma in Marine and Naval Warfare and the Joint Staff. Is in possession of the Grand Cross of Naval Merit, Grand Cross, Cross, Commendation and Badge of the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo, six Naval Merit Crosses, Silver Cross of Merit of the Civil Guard of Encomienda the Order of Agricultural Merit, Fisheries and Food and Medal City of Melilla. The eighteenth day of July 2008 was promoted to Admiral of the jobs and General Admiral Admiral and appointed Chief of the Navy. As to his personal life, is married to Rosa and they have three children, Teresa, and Belen Manuel.

Benidorm Spain – Whats the Attraction?

The undisputed holiday capital of Spain is without doubt the resort of Benidorm, located in the Costa Blanca region about 30 minutes drive from Alicante airport. What makes Benidorm so special? Is it the wonderful beaches, Benidorm has two main beaches Playa Poinente and Playa Levante, and these stretch for many kilometres of unbroken sand? Is it the vibrant and exciting night life, Benidorm has hundreds of bars, restaurants, clubs and discos? Is it the wonderful climate, everybody enjoys the weather Benidorm has to offer with over 300 days of sunshine each year? Or is it the great range of theme parks, Benidorm is second to none with the famous Terra Mitica, the exciting Aqualandia, the fascinating Mundomar Marina and Exotic Animal Park, the inspiring Terra Natura Safari Park? Who knows exactly what it is that attracts visitors to Benidorm, but attract them it does and in fine style with over 4 million visitors per year. You can view a map of Benidorm with most of the main attractions featured here: Benidorm Map.

Callosa de Segura Costa Blanca

The traditional Spanish town of Callosa de Segura lays at the foot of the Sierra de Callosa just back from the Costa Blanca coastline of south-eastern Spain. Having a population of around 17,000 it is a medium sized town with an interesting history. Above the town stands the Sant Roque Hermitage and way above that the ruins of an ancient castle in a seemingly inaccessible place, the hermitage is built on the spot where Saint Roque supposedy appeared. Amongst surrounding buildings but easy to spot from the hermitage is the large Saint Martin’s church (see church picture on the left), built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries and containing some significant gold pieces by Miguel de Vera. Other interesting places to visit include the Archaeological Museum, the Hemp and Agricultural Museum, the Holy Week Museum and the Fiesta Museum. Callosa de Segura can be accessed from the AP-7 motorway junction 733, the neighbouring village of Cox is a former Moorish farmstead. Callosa de Segura Map.

Calpe – A Costa Blanca Resort

One of the northern Costa Blanca’s major holiday destinations, Calpe is located north of the massive resort of Benidorm and south of the more laid back resort of Moraira. Calpe boasts one of the Costa Blanca’s best known landmarks in the form of the Penon de Ifach rock formation, now a protected Natural Park. Calpe was formerly just a small fishing village and was originally the site of Iberian settlements, the Romans arrived there during their conquest of the Iberian Peninsular and founded a fish salting factory near the present day beach, remains of which still exist in the form of the Queen’s Baths. The Penon de Ifach was always important for the town as a watchtower and was also the location of the town of Ifach which was later destroyed during the War of the Two Pedros. Calpe itself grew after this and developed as a walled town often attacked by pirates. During the mid-twentieth century a small tourism industry developed and this grew into a major earner for the town by the 1970’s. Attracting those seeking a slightly more laid back atmosphere than its neighbour Benidorm which is one of the major seaside resorts of the world, Calpe is still more developed than many of the areas other towns and has a good range of facilties.

Torrevieja and the Property Market

One of the best known towns on the southern Costa Blanca, Spain, Torrevieja has grown a great deal during the last 20 years or so. Most of the development has been due to the growing demand for holiday homes in the sun and Torrevieja has been pushed by many of the top estate agents as “the place to be”. There is certainly much to commend the town, not least the wonderful climate which it experiences, to be precise it is a unique micro-climate, influenced by the huge salt lake to the rear of the town, the resulting Torrevieja weather making it one of the healthiest places in the world to live (as stated by the World Health Organisation). The current recession in the UK and the downturn in house sales in the Costa Blanca and Spain in general has changed the situation in Torrevieja somewhat and the Torrevieja property market have ground to an alarming halt. The situation is obvious to those living in the area as the majority of building projects have also come to a halt after years of continuous action. In the long run this may help the resales market although very few buyers are about at the moment and those that are investing are looking for real bargains. There certainly are bargains to be had as many UK residents bought property as an investment or second home and have found that their mortgages in the UK have gone up as well as their mortgages in Spain and they can no longer afford two properties. Many are selling and in order to sell have had to reduce prices drastically, possibly even losing money on their original purchase in order to offload the property. Is now a good time to buy? Who knows, prices look set to fall further and it will probably be another year before things level off and maybe begin to pick up, but if you have cash to spend you could find yourself a real steal in the current Torrevieja house market. Torrevieja Map.