Local amenities in the area.
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POSSIBLE PLACES OF INTEREST
El CAMPELLO (15 minutes drive)
Drive back towards BONNYSA tomato factory and then back on the road which leads you towards the A7 – the motorway you travelled on from the airport.
** This road will split into 3; choose the middle lane which is sign posted El Campello and San Juan. The road will then divide again; choose the left hand lane for El Campello**
The road will take you onto the N332. Straight over at the first set of lights and at the second set of lights; turn right (petrol station on the right hand side).
This is the main road into El Campello. As you start to travel down a hill; on the right hand side you will see a supermarket called CONSUM; just past this on the left hand side is a restaurant called ISWAS which has a dark green canopy to the front of it.
It will not look anything much from the outside however, it is a German restaurant and we have found the food to be fantastic not only for the meals offered but value for money. If you like steak, pork or veal it’s worth a visit. On a daily basis there is a special menu for €5 euros. NB. The above restaurant is closed on Sunday’s.
* * If you continue to travel down the hill you will come to a set of traffic lights (Lidl is on the right hand side and on the left hand corner is an internet café /bar should you want to visit).**
At this stage you will be able to see the sea straight ahead of you – this is El Campello beach. To the left is the beach front which is full of bars, ice cream parlours and restaurants; particularly Spanish and Italian. There is a chocolate/ coffee bar called Valor which is well known.
If you continue to walk along the front you will see a turret on the beach; past this point is El Campello harbour.
** If you were to turn right at the above lights** - there are a series of estate agents and a few shops on the left hand side; just past here is a small one way street which has a fantastic creperie which from memory is called CREYTAM? Well worth a visit!
** If you were to turn left at the above lights** this road runs parallel with the beach; to the next set of traffic lights; turn left again and up a hill; LA VILLA is a Chinese restaurant situated on the left hand side.
Alternatively:
** If you were to turn left at the above lights** the road will divide, go right; go down to the end of this little side road and you will find a Turkish Restaurant at the end on the left hand side. Again; fantastic value for money and we have found it to be good food. Under €6 euros for a mixed kebab and salad on a plate or Platos as they call it!
Any where along these side roads is a good place to park, however, never park anywhere where the kerbs are yellow as your vehicle will be towed away, and I understand that if it is marked with blue paint; you have to pay to park.
Alternatively;
** If you were to turn left at the above lights** and continue along this road for approximately a mile; you will find a bank on the left had side – CAM BANK which is on the corner facing you on the left hand side – opposite an estate agents (further past LA VILLA). You will not be able to drive up the hill as it is a one way street. However, on the right hand side is a BLUES BAR – a Jazz bar which is nice place to go for a drink and on the opposite side of the road is a lovely ladies shoe shop called MAXV1.
Alternatively;
** If you were to turn right at the above lights** this will take you into San Juan. This stretch of beach runs for 8km’s and is a good stretch of beach for body boarding.
ALICANTE is a 20 minutes drive away from the villa.
The easiest way would be for you to drive back towards BONNYSA tomato factory and then back on the road which leads you towards the A7 – the motorway you travelled on from the airport.
** This road will split into 3; choose the middle lane which is sign posted El Campello and San Juan. The road will then divide again; choose the right hand lane for San Juan**
This road will take you into Alicante on the N332. You will travel for a few km’s going through a series of traffic lights and over a number of round abouts. On the right hand side, set back a little bit from the road is a McDonald’s; after the next roundabout, go straight on which will then become a hill. There is a Mercedes and Volkswagen dealership to the right.
**After these dealerships**; at the second set of lights turn right just before a Renault garage on the right hand side –this road will take you up to VISTA HERMOSA which is easily recognisable by a large white canopy.
At VISTA HERMOSA there is a Ten Pin Bowling Alley with a Kentucky Fried Chicken and a small out of town shopping centre.
Alternatively;
**After these dealerships** continue straight ahead into Alicante. You will travel up a hill and then come to a large set of traffic lights; follow the signs for the Harbour and you will then need to be in the right hand lane as you drive down the hill.
PLAZA MAR 2 shopping centre is on your left however in order to reach this; turn right at the second set of lights – to the island and come back to the same main road – choose the middle lane and this will take you across the road to PLAZA MAR2 which is above you on the hill.
If you are not familiar with Spain; their roads often have sets of traffic lights which are used as if you were driving around an island.
Alternatively:
**After these dealerships** continue straight on into Alicante. You will travel up a hill and then come to a large set of traffic lights; follow the signs for the Harbour.
As you descend down the hill; as above you can go to Plaza Mar 2 or continue straight on until you reach an island with water fountains. To the left is a large hotel called HOTEL MELIA. Turn left at this island as there is under ground parking on the right hand side.
After you have parked your car there will be side steps which lead up to the harbour. Turn left and follow the Harbour right the way around and you will find café bars and restaurants overlooking the Harbour.
For us this is more of a lazy day on the back of some good shopping and a beautiful harbour. Old town Alicante is located up from the harbour and there are various bars and restaurants.
You will see an orange tram that runs the entire stretch of Costa Blanca coast line from Alicante Harbour up to Denia. There are various station points, one of which is by the island next to HOTEL MELIA in Alicante or alternatively at the top of El Campello town.
From Alicante harbour you will be able to see a castle; called SANTA BARBARA. Although we have not ventured there as yet; it is supposed to be worth a visit. There is a lift that you can use to access entry which I believe is by the island with the fountains (under an archway).
If you wanted to source different shops; walk along the front where there is an avenue of large palm trees. Much further along and up the hill to the right are shops. An English department store named COURT DE INGLES which stocks designer makes of clothes.
BENIDORM is a 20 minutes drive.
Drive back towards BONNYSA tomato factory and then back on the road which leads you towards the A7 – the motorway you travelled on from the airport.
** This road will split into 3; choose the left lane which is sign posted Valencia, A7/E15. To travel on this section of the motorway it is a Toll road although a minimal cost is charged**
If you are able to find Benidorm Old Town it is in the centre of two beaches there are lots of leather shops particularly, for leather jackets; all colours of the rainbow – literally! If you get lost at least there will be lots of English people to ask directions.
If you want a night out until the early hours then the choice is either Benidorm or Alicante (old town). El Campello will be busy until midnight during peak season.
Great for people watching; especially, when dining in a restaurant along the sea side.
Beaches
El Campello beach. – Fantastic, with plenty of bars along the beach front for you to enjoy. El Campello beach front is also a nice place to go at night. There are various shoe shops along here and the prices cannot be beaten. New fashions are extremely cheap. The fact that the shoes are so cheap it costs more money because you will buy too many pairs.
San Juan beach – Is equally as good. The waves are higher therefore it is better for body boarding.
Both are lovely beaches depending on your choice – more sheltered or more vigorous waves.
Theme Parks
All based in Benidorm. All are excellent and more information is provided at the villa. Again follow the direction of A7/E15 towards Valencia and then 20 minutes later you will see the signs posted along the road directing you to various parks;
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• Aqualandia water park is a good day out
• Terra Mitica, theme park
• Sea World, theme park
• Naturana – zoo and water park
Mundomar - Marine and exotic animal park.
Terra Mitica - Fun Park for the whole family.
Canelobre Caves - Caves.
Safari Aitana - Safari Park.
Water Park -
Internet café
This is located on your approach to the centre of El Campello. As you get to the bottom of the hill you will come to a set of traffic lights. The internet café is on the left of the lights. Lidl is opposite on the right. The beach is 100 yards in front of you.
Tram
Can be caught in El Campello and goes one way to Alicante (1/2hour) then the other way as far as Denia (2hrs) due to other stops in between. This is a good way of viewing the coastal scenery.
Boat rides
Various from El Campello harbour and also Alicante harbour. There is an island off Alicante which from memory is called Tabarnaca which is supposed to be good for snorkelling; only 30 houses on the island with a small hotel.
Go Karting
Go towards Benidorm and follow the signposts for Finestrat. There is a good go-karting track here. (30 minutes drive away)
In Door Bowling
At Vista Hermosa. Go towards Alicante and follow signs for Vista Hermosa. There is a KFC here and very modern surroundings. This is like an out of town shopping centre with various coffee bars for your enjoyment. (25 minutes drive away). Refer to directions above.
Harbours
El Campello and Alicante. Alicante harbour is the larger of the two and a nice place to visit if you like to relax and people watch.
Shopping
GRAN VIA shopping centre in Alicante and PLAZA MAR 2 also in Alicante are good shopping centres with all the main labels and fashions on display. Both are approximately 25 minutes drive away.
Local Places
Horse Riding - (5 minutes drive away) – Go back towards the aerodrome and at the staggered T junction turn right and the riding school is about 3km’s on the right hand side. They only speak Spanish but we have been able to communicate and the charges were €15 euros per hour for a lesson. Well worth it for a professional lesson. I do think they offer hacks to those who want to go.
Mutxamel Aerodrome; has a bar and restaurant (within walking distance). We have never been so are unable to say what it is like.
Supermarkets
MERCADONA in MUTXAMEL village – The cheapest supermarket in the area.
Travel back to BONNYSA tomatoes and this time go straight on into Mutxamel village. After going through a series of traffic lights; you will see a flashing green cross on the left hand side which denotes a pharmacist. Take the next turning on the left and MERCADONA supermarket is on the left hand side.
An English supermarket has just opened up on your way into Mutxamel village. Travel straight on at BONNYSA tomatoes and the Supermarket is on the left before you reach the petrol station.
Carrefour – follow the signs back towards the A7, take the middle lane sign posted Juan - N332 and then opt to go right for San Juan. Straight on at two set of lights and then immediately right. The road will go underneath the bypass as you will be able to see Carrefour on the opposite side of the dual carriageway N-332.
I hope the above is not too much information to absorb.
As you can see lots to do; or alternatively enjoy a lazy time around the pool…
Whatever your choice: “HAPPY HOLIDAYS”
Alicante Weather
Is well known for it's very mild climate amongst the cities on the Costa Blanca. Covered in the north by small hills and further north by higher mountains (about 1600m), the area keeps the Alicante weather in a kind of microclimate. This limits the rain days per year to just about 20 per year. The average temperature even in winter time does not fall below 16° C.This allows a whole series of outdoor pursuits or relaxation.
Fun and Theme Parks
You can also enjoy beautiful sandy beaches along the coast and only a few minutes drive away.
Local supermarket
Carrefour -10 minutes drive away
Carrefour (San Juan) is located on N-332. If you follow directions back towards the A-7 (junction 67) then follow a white sign to San Juan. At the ‘t’ junction at the end of this road turn right towards San Juan central. This is like a dual carriageway. You will then go through a set of traffic lights and Carrefour is on the left hand side. ... However, you can take a right turn about 100yds past the traffice lights and this will take you around and under the dual carriage way.If you miss this turning go to the next roundabout, turn around and come back on the opposite side of the dual carriage way. I am sure you will get the hang of it.
Beach area and Alicante Old town
We would recommend either El Campello beach front and main street area or a visit in to Alicante harbour and a walk up the hill into Alicante old town. Alicante does not start properly until 12 o’clock at night.
Golf Courses in the area.
Alicante Golf Club, Playa San Juan, Alicante
Alenda Golf Club,Monforte del Cid, Alicante
Bonalba Golf Club, Mutxamel, Alicante.
Real Club de Golf Campoamar, Orihuela, Alicante
Don Cayo Golf Club, Altea, Alicante
La Finca Golf Club, Algorfa, Alicante
El Plantio Golf Club, Elche, Alicante
La Sella Golf Club, Jesus Pobre-Denia, Alicante
La Marquesa Golf Club, Rojales, Alicante
Las Ramblas Golf Club, Orihuela, Alicante
Villamartin Golf Club, Orihuela, Alicante
Our villa is located 5 minutes drive from Bonalba and 15 minutes from San Juan. We highly recommend the Bonalba Golf Club as it is a well established eighteen hole championship course.