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La Zenia is located on the Costa Blanca South just south of the major town of Torrevieja. This stretch of the coast is known as the Orihuela Costa.
La Zenia is a small but busy beach tourist resort. It has many restaurants, bars, shops and good facilities due to the large number of people who live here all the year round.
There are many Irish bars including the well-known Paddy’s. Most bars show Sky Sports and it is easy to find a goodall-day English breakfast in one of the many cafes and restaurants.
This excellent video below shows video images of La Zenia featuring the most important tourist attractionsincluding the beaches at La Zenia.
If you want a more typical experience of Spain then there are plenty of other resorts to choose from.
Clearly La Zenia is a great location for a beach holiday, you won’t need to go anywhere else, as everything you need for a great family holiday in the sun is right here in La Zenia.
Where is La Zenia in Spain – Getting There
La Zenia is approximately 40 minutes drive south of Alicante Airport. San Javier Murcia airport is only about 15-20 minutes to the south with cheap flights from Ryanair.
Road access to La Zenia isgood with the AP-7 autoroute (toll motorway) coming down from Alicante airport and goes south to Murcia San Javier airport.
Also the N-332 goes directly through La Zenia and this also goes from Alicante airport in the north all the way down to Murcia San Javier airport to the south.
To the south of La Zenia is Cabo Roig, further south is Campoamor, Pilar de la Horadada, San Pedro del Pinatar and La Manga.
To the north of La Zenia is Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, Residencia Los Altos and then Torrevieja.
For accommodation there is the landmark La Zenia Hotel right on the beach, a four star hotel.
Golf
La Zenia is a popular base from which you can go play on the many nearby golf courses should you wish to take a break from the beaches.
The nearest isRoyal Campoamor golf club withLas Ramblas de Orihuela golf club and Villamartin golf club just a short drive away – about 20 minutes.
Beaches in La Zenia – Things To Do and See
La Zenia’s major attraction is clearly it’s beaches which are set in coves but with the most wonderful sand and shallow waters ideal for families.
Cala Bosque and Cala Cerrada are the most widely known and popular of La Zenia’s beaches. It almost goes without saying that they are very popular during the summer and very crowded.
The facilities with the restaurants and bars just off the beach are excellent and of very good quality. The nearby beaches of Cabo Roig and Playa Flamenca are also very much worth a visit.
Going south towards Cabo Roig are promenades which are great for walking. There are more good quality beaches but also cliffs which make for great scenery.
5 Great Ideas for Excursions
If you are going to a holiday to La Zenia, here are some of our ideas for day trips to explore theCosta Blanca South:
1. Head north to the inland town of Elche famous for its palms.
2. Go south to the Mar Menor where theLa Manga Club is located.
3. The historic city of Murcia is not far and here there are a couple of good sahopping malls.
4. If you want history, nearby Rojales and Orihuela have old towns and cave houses.
5. Torrevieja is still very Spanish and has wonderful beaches and promenade.Torrevieja is the nearest major town and worth a visit. How much is a taxi to Torrevieja from La Zenia? From La Zenia to the bus station in Torrevieja, a taxi fare is €17 one-way.
Living inLa Zenia
We are often being emailed by people wanting to know if they should consider moving to La Zenia.
This completely depends on what you are looking for. With many small, low-cost and low maintenance apartments La Zenia is a cheap place to retire to and live in.
Molino Blanco is a popular complex to live in and is only600 metres to the beach nd surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops.
There is a lot of competition between the bars and restaurants and a good variety of different types of cuisinesso there are good deals to be had. Eating out is cheap.
The only negative is that La Zenia is very developed and lacks Spanish culture. In fact there aren’t many Spanish here really!
It is a personal preference but we prefer the Northern Costa Blanca coast where there is still a largeexpatriate population yet much more variety. At least you feel like you are actually in Spain! Also the more mountainous and green terrain is much more interesting and scenic.
Moving to La Zenia
If you are thinking of moving to La Zenia, then you must read our expat interview with Alexander Pichlmayr, the managing director of Inmo Investments below:
La Zenia is special and unique. Centrally located on the Orihuela Costa, with the City of Torrevieja just a few minutes away by car, La Zenia offers a choice of three Blue Flag beaches, carefully tended daily throughout the summer to ensure that they remain in a blissfully idyllic condition. Lapped by the Mediterranean Sea, each beach offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the average 320 days of sunshine that the Costa Blanca is blessed with throughout the year.
You will find hundreds of cosmopolitan cafes, lively bars, and exquisite restaurants to enjoy in La Zenia. Restaurants cater for every conceivable taste and budget, and with a multicultural mix of visitors and residents alike, you will no doubt be surprised to find that you have more choice here than you have at home.
La Zenia is also home to the Alicante Province´s largest shopping centre, La Zenia Boulevard. A commercial sanctuary for hardcore consumers and casual window-shoppers alike, La Zenia Boulevard boasts a spectacular 161,000m2 of retail heaven. More than 150 shops representing local and global brands are spread across a single floor, navigated via spacious avenues that meander around the shopping complex.
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
With so many local amenities, great restaurants, fabulous shopping, and idyllic beaches, La Zenia is popular year round with local residents from other areas and visitors alike. But that can mean that summers in La Zenia can be busy and car parking spaces can be difficult to locate in high season. I love La Zenia, and I believe that that is a small price to pay in order to enjoy the benefits that the local area has to offer all year round.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
La Zenia is home to a multicultural mix of residents, but the traditional Spanish population is outnumbered by British, German, Dutch, and residents of many other nationalities. The Spanish population remain an absolutely vital part of La Zenia, bringing with them their vibrancy, natural charm, and legendary Spanish friendliness.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
Nothing beats grabbing a beach bag and getting down to La Zenia beach – whatever time of day it happens to be. In the mornings, the beaches of La Zenia are deserted but for a few hardy joggers and beach-loving insomniacs, and the Mediterranean Sea provides a reliable visual spectacular suited to end even the busiest of days.
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
It´s certainly no secret that Indigo Indian restaurant in La Zenia is the locals favourite dining spot, but for those looking for truly superb cuisine off the beaten track, try the Old Asia Restaurante or Che Ristorante Italiano. Both offer a mouthwatering experience at excellent value prices.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
I have already mentioned the fabulous shopping experience available at La Zenia Boulevard, but there are plenty of local shops around too that cater to the requirements of the sophisticated consumer. The nearest medical centre is in Cabo Roig, just 1.5 kilometers to the South of La Zenia, and the main hospital at San Miguel de Salinas is just five minutes away by car.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
Drive to the neighbouring town of Villamartin, just 2 kilometers inland, and you´ll think you have been transported to a faraway place. Green rolling valleys, copses of palm trees, and the slower pace of life contrasts so vividly with the beaches and cosmopolitan vibrancy of La Zenia. Villamartin is home to three championship golf courses too, and it´s reached within mere moments by car.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
The El Limonar International School in Villamartin is particulary locally respected. The Phoenix International School in neighbouring San Miguel de Salinas follows the British National Curriculum, offering recognised English qualifications in a wide variety of educational subjects with a natural focus on languages.
Is crime an issue for expats?
Crime is rarely experienced in La Zenia and in common with other areas of the Orihuela Costa it enjoys a very low crime rate, with petty crimes representing the vast majority of Police complaints. La Zenia is a very safe and family friendly place to live, and the local Police provide friendly and unobtrusive support to residents.
Coming onto buying property, what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, or down or staying the same?
Right now, prices are stable. We are tending to find that sellers with their properties on the market here are unable to reduce their prices much further, having already offered them to market at a price that would be tempting to potential buyers.
Buyers are always looking for the best value for money, but we´re experiencing an increased focus on location with sellers being more selective about exactly where they want to live, perhaps being prepared to pay that little bit more for a location that fits their requirements or lifestyle.
We have been in La Zenia since 2003, and we have noticed that the local Spanish property market has much more energy, much more positivity; and with 2016 looking like a record-breaking year for Spain in terms of international visitors and the tourism industry, we believe the financial outlook is exceptionally good.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
There has never been a better time to consider buying a property in La Zenia. With stable property prices, an energised market, and the recommencing of new build projects, potential buyers can still take advantage of low prices that offer excellent value. With prices remaining at 2007 levels, there is only one direction that property prices can go in the future … up!
We always have a great selection of bank owned and repossessed properties for sale in La Zenia and the surrounding areas, and for those looking for the ultimate money saving investment property, bank repossessions always offer outstanding value.
When you buy a bank repossessed property from Inmo Investments, the bank keeps any and all debt associated with the home. This includes any mortage or other loans, in addition to community fees, taxes, or anything else that may not have been paid. Only the most established and trusted estate agents are chosen to represent national Spanish banks. That’s why we are proud to work with our banking partners and offer a fine portfolio of great value local properties.
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
La Zenia is actually remarkably small, covering little more than a single square kilometre. Squeezed between Playa Flamenca to the North and La Regia and Cabo Roig to the South, La Zenia is split into the beach area which runs the length of the coastline, and the inland areas of Monte Zenia and Torre Zenia. The beach area is predominantly occupied by luxury villas whilst the inland areas closer to La Regia and Castillo de Don Juan tend to be more affordable.
How much are typical property prices in La Zenia for apartments, villas etc?
A small apartment suited for use as a holiday home or a modest retirement property in La Zenia can be found for as little as 79,000 euros, with larger apartments and penthouses offered to market around 130,000 euros.
Villas command premium prices due to their close proximity to La Zenia beach, and you should expect to pay at least 250,000 euros for a detached villa here. Prices increase substantially the closer you get to the Mediterranean Sea, and budget for a cool half-million Euro´s if you´re looking for a first line beachfront villa in La Zenia.
Townhouses and quad-villas in La Zenia offer great value considering the space they offer, and our top-tip would be to look around at this particular segment of the market. It is still possible to get a lovely spacious townhouse within just a few minutes walk from La Zenia beach for as little as 130,000 euros.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in La Zenia or surrounding area?
The best advice we can give people, both to maximise their enjoyment of their new property in Spain, and to achieve the best price should they choose to sell in the future, is buy close to amenities. Properties within easy walking distance of a beach or a popular commercial centre always command the best prices and sell the fastest.
When you are looking for property make sure you get local “on the ground” knowledge of the area and the current properties on the market by getting in touch with local estate agents, subscribing to mailing list offers, and generally interacting with the people who work in the community you are interested in living in.
Of course, Inmo Investments are an estate agents and we’re here to sell property, but La Zenia is a small and close-knit community so it´s ultimately important that we help people and provide them with reliable advice too. We never forget that one day they might be our new neighbours!
Alexander, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact him, you can find his details below.
Calle Alhambra 18
03189 Orihuela Costa
Tel. +34 966 919 917
Email: info@inmoinvestments.com
Website: inmoinvestments.com
We’ve got another fantastic expat interview and this time it’s with Ian Comaskey of Comaskey Property. Read the full interview below.
I moved to La Zenia in 2001 and I love it here.
It’s busy all year round and so many people live here permanently. My life has changed since my days behind the bar but La Zenia accommodated my new life perfectly.
My kids go to school just down the road and they’ve made some really good friends in the community.
The weather is good right through the winter and there is always something to do because of the climate.
In my line of business (Real Estate) the very things we like about the area are the reasons people want to live here, climate, security, prosperity, accessibility- it makes selling property very easy.
The Orihuela Costa town hall work hard to ensure we have (fairly) good infrastructure too. They understand the importance of the expat community to the local economy.
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
La Zenia is not really suited to the ravers and hard core partiers you might see in Ibiza!
It’s a very family orientated area.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
I suppose the population has 50 percent Spanish, 20 percent British, 10 percent Irish and 20 percent Scandinavian/ German/French/Belgian.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
Sports and Beach. Or both.
We’ve got great sports facilities, tennis, golf, gyms etc.
The beach provides all sorts of activities- volleyball, sailing, jet ski fun etc. and this year I’m particularly enjoying stand up paddle boarding- great fun on a calm day and good exercise too.
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
Paddy’s Point Irish bar in La Zenia is all you need to know. It’s the busiest restaurant in the region for a reason- always consistent always good value and it’s perfect for the family. Live sports on one of the hundred (slight exaggeration!) screens, indoor and outdoor areas, live music, ice creams, really well trained qualified and professional staff. It’s renowned as one of the best Irish bars in all of Spain. That bit is absolutely not an exaggeration!!
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc.?
Shops? Mmm, yes. The La Zenia Boulevard is one of the largest retail outlets in Europe, not just Spain.
Media Markt, Primark, Zara, Leroy Merlin, Alcampo, a host of Spanish tapas bars, a German beer house, bowling, gym, indoor pools, fountains for the kids to run around in and it’s all right on our doorstep. There are 200 units in total, built just a couple of years back, the La Zenia Boulevard has done wonders for the whole of the La Zenia area.
The Medical Centre in Cabo Roig is just up the road and with all the Scandinavians around… that means really good dental care- Apple Teeth, Happy Teeth, La Zenia dental all have very good reputations.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
San Pedro down the road is a beautiful spot for a day trip, in fact the whole Mar Menor region is gorgeous. It’s a relatively small inlet from the med (it literally translates to little sea). Because of the size and small body of water it’s always a few degrees warmer, safer for kids with no waves and the mud baths of Lo Pagan have got to be seen to be believed!
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
My kids attend Spanish school in Pilar de la Horadada, just ten minutes away. The standard is very high with an emphasis of really developing the children socially, physically and academically. I love the emphasis on sports in particular.
There is a host of private fee paying schools, El Limonar and Castellar College are the two which stand out.
The nursery our boys went to, Planetarium, costs 200 euros per month, is accessible when the kids turn 6 months and it really was a God send for the whole family.
Is crime an issue for expats?
Just like anywhere you need to watch your stuff when you’re out in public, but in general it’s safer than Ireland. We don’t have the violent crime that exists in the UK- society here is pretty relaxed and settled. It makes for a very safe place to live.
Coming onto buying property, what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, or down or staying the same?
The post Brexit market is hot, excuse the pun. Brits are getting out by the plane load. Belgians and Scandinavians are really increasing their buying especially the New Build properties.
Prices on New Builds are increasing due to this demand while prices on resales are slowly edging back to pre-boom levels.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
I’m a salesman… I can never say it’s not a great time to buy. That said, it’s a great time to buy!!!! Prices can only increase but for people who want to be in La Zenia, there is only so much space that can be built on.
We have a few repossessions on our books and we often deal with distressed sales due to separation and other personal issues. It’s unfortunate for the sellers but a great opportunity for buyers. Often these properties never even make the market and we have a waiting list for this sort of value. We recently took possession of a full block of property direct from Caja Murcia bank so the answer to the question is yes, special deals very much exist.
(readers can register to get notifications of these deals through our web site www.comaskey.com)
What Urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
Oooft…. there are so many!! The new build property around the La Zenia Boulevard is selling due to the fact it’s new and shiny in a brilliant location. The Colinas De La Zenia property for example we sell maybe half the price and many people prefer it because they are such well-established communities, built with wide open areas when space in La Zenia was not so expensive.
Here townhouses go for 80,000 euros but with such a variety of price ranges buyers can spend as much as they like.
It’s another great thing about La Zenia, millionaires living next door to the rest of us! Seriously, it makes for a great community feel, everyone rubbing elbows together. The guy earning 25,000 euros per year looks the same as the guy earning 250,000 euros when they are having a beer together on the beach bar in their Speedos!
How much are the typical property prices in La Zenia for Apartments, Villas etc.?
Comaskey sell apartments in La Zenia from 70,000 euros – that’ll be entry level property but decent stuff, two bedrooms well-built and walking distance to the sea communal pools etc. Rental return is really good right now as tourism is through the roof with the current unrest in other parts of Europe.
We sell really nice townhouses for 90 – 125, 000 euros and detached villas 200,000 euros all the way to 1.5 million euros for beach front property.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in La Zenia or surrounding area?
People tend to get the order of things wrong. They see a house that looks good and lose the run of themselves.
If you want to get it right…. You get your lawyer first (Spanish solutions are the most trusted legal firm in La Zenia) then find an agent then start looking for a property.
We had an Irish guy recently pay a deposit on a house, private deal, no legally binding contract. Once he ran into trouble he contacted Comaskey. We sent him to Spanish Solutions because we knew this was not going to end well. He had bought in an Urbanisation called Sun and sea in La Zenia. The whole development is in bankruptcy with the developer so he has no deeds or chance of ever getting deeds in his name. No wonder it was cheap! Had he contacted either Spanish Solutions or Comaskey first, he’d have saved 5,000 euros plus a pile of stress.
We know the market and if it sounds too good to be true!!
I knew another guy, a business man, bought through the waiter in the hotel, seriously. This buyer has been recommended to contact Comaskey by a friend yet thought he’d find a short cut. The waiter told him he knew a guy who knew a guy and our business man rather than saving a few percent commission, stupidly and avoidable, lost 3,000 euros cash!
Final tip – to absolutely get it right, send us an email and trust us when we show you how much money we save our buyers.
Like doctors or wedding singers, all estate agents are not the same and picking the right one is so important.
Ian, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact him, you can find his details below.
C/ Malaquita local B, 1-B
C.C. Costa Zenia
03189 Orihuela Costa
Alicante
Tel: +34 966 773 026
Fax: +34 966 773 266
Comaskey Property
Avenida Villamartin 1
C.C. Zenia Golf 17
03189 Orihuela Costa
Alicante
Tel: +34 966 773 453
Fax: +34 966 773 266
Rentals: +34 865 774 406
Tourist Offices
Currently we are unaware of an official tourist information office in La Zenia.
The closest official tourist officeis inTorrevieja – for phone numbers, addresses and email adresses see our tourist office page.
Hotels in La Zenia
Situated right on the beach in an unbeatable seafront location, the popular 4 star La Zenia Hotel is beside two sandy beaches in a quiet residencial area in La Zenia on the Orihuela Costa, Costa Blanca, Spain.
Just 3 miles from the bustling town of Torrevieja, the La Zenia Hotel is handy for the other resorts of the Orihuela Costa, such as Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca and Cabo Roig, and is within driving distance of a great variety of Costa Blanca golf courses, including the nearest ones at Villamartin, Las Ramblas and Campoamor.
The La Zenia hotel has 220 comfortable air-conditioned rooms with sea views, TV and internet connection.
Facilities include 2 swimming pools, wellness centre, tennis court, playground and sports activities.
La Zenia Hotel telephone number: +34 966 760 200.
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
La Zenia Tourist Information – Page Summary – This page contains unique content about the beach resort of La Zenia, a popular tourist destination on the southern Costa Blanca coast of Spain. Many people mistakenly call La Zenia, Zenia in error.
Most Important La Zenia Pages:
- Airport Transfers to La Zenia
- La Zenia Car Hire and Rental
- La Zenia Map
- La Zenia Weather
- La Zenia Webcams
- La Zenia Estate Agents
- Restaurants
Nearby Towns & Resorts:
- Campoamor
- Cabo Roig
- Playa Flamenca
- Torrevieja
- Villamartin
- Costa Blanca
About the Author
Mark Eastwood
Main author and owner of SpainMadeSimple.com which was started in 2004 when I first moved to Spain.
Spain Made Simple features expert advice on all aspects of moving to and living in Spain as well as useful tourist information and travel tips.
As well as my own articles we have many contributions from professionally qualified experts in varied occupations in Spain.
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