Options Properties
& Investments operate on the Costa Blanca,
the Costa Calida (La Manga), Costa Almeria and
are networked with a handful of reputable agencies
throughout Spain allowing us access to just about
anything you might want. Listed below are brief
outlines on some of the major towns which lie
within our areas of operation:
Įguilas |
 |
Águilas
is an old Roman fishing port, with a rich seafaring
flavour. It is worth visiting Plaza de España's
beautiful gardens, the City Hall (19th Century),
and the parish church of San José, where
the image of the patron saint is housed. At the
top of the old town, standing on a promontory,
is the castle-fortress of San Juan de Águilas,
built in 1579 for defensive purposes. Surrounding
Águilas an extensive coastline spanning
34 kilometres with solitary coves and beaches
with crystal-clear water, offers the perfect setting
for beach and leisure pursuits. |
Albir |
 |
Nestled
on the coast between Benidorm and Altea, Albir
has retained its unspoiled character and offers
stunning coastal views. Emphasis on low-rise construction
has ensured that Albir has retained its village
feel and, with a broad mix of European homeowners,
boasts some of the best international cuisine
in the area. |
Albox |
 |
Albox
is a typical Spanish market town nestled between
two mountain ranges and surrounded by stunning
scenic olive groves and dramatic hills and valleys.
This is a typical “white village”
with narrow streets and an authentic atmosphere,
however, its facilities include schools, shops,
restaurants and a medical centre. The popular
coastal resort of Mojacar is less than an hour’s
drive away. |
Alfas
del Pi |
 |
The
word ‘Alfas’ means ‘sown land’
and was given to this town by the Moors who originally
grew fruits and almonds in this area as well as
mining metals and gypsum. More recently, tourism
has played a large role in the economic and cultural
development of L’Alfas del Pi. The town
now boasts a Municipal Arts Centre, a Multi-sports
Centre and Health Centre that accommodates its
12,552 inhabitants, half of which are ex-patriots.
Only 2km away from the old town is the pebbled
beach of Playa del Albir, which offers stunning
ocean views as well as an area of beach designated
for naturist use. The Promenade of Stars can be
found here which lists the names of famous actors
who have visited L’Alfas del Pi during the
annual Cinema Festival in July. |
Alicante |
 |
The
bustling centre and capital of the province of
Alicante with commercial centres, marina and excellent
facilities, the city has also retained its style
and charm, with baroque buildings and palm-lined
avenues. There are parks and beaches with the
beautiful, mountain-top medieval castle of Santa
Barbara overlooking this diverse and dynamic city.
Alicante airport is eight kilometres away. |
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Almeria |
 |
Capital of the
area and a cosmopolitan city with a bustling port
(ferries leave daily for Africa) and exclusive
shopping section. The old town is wonderful to
explore and overlooking the city is the old Moorish
11th century, stronghold “The Alcazaba”
with its beautiful gardens and towering battlements.
If you prefer the vibrancy and contrast of a major
city, with excellent transport links to Granada,
Seville and the rest of Spain, Almeria is the
premier choice. |
Almerimar |
 |
A relatively new
and exclusive area of development boasting a large
marina, golf course and shopping facilities. Built
on a hillside, this is the “millionaire’s
row” of the area, rapidly expanding but
to a high architectural standard. |
Aquadulce |
 |
One
of the oldest tourist towns in Costa Almeria,
Aquadulce (which means “Sweet Water”)
has miles of shingle beaches and clear blue waters.
The town is nestled within a dramatic volcanic
coastline and is a firm favourite for holidaymakers. |
Altea |
 |
With its conserved
historic town centre, Altea is one of the most
beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca. It has long
been a haven for artists (the original fishing
village was colonised by painters) and has recently
been boosted by the inauguration of the Arts Academy
and Centre "Palau de Belles Arts", which
serves to educate and promote the arts in the
area. |
Benidorm |
 |
The fastest growing
holiday destination in Europe. Originally known
as the beach of Madrid, this is where it all happened
in the sixties when dictator Franco allowed topless
sunbathing and supported tourism in order to help
revive the economy. Some say it's presently the
most cosmopolitan city in Spain due to its high
rises. With 5 million visitors each year its appeal
is undeniable. Benidorm's reputation is improving;
the town hall now requires every new building
to have a surrounding area of green land, and
much of the once gory architecture now looks attractively
kitsch with the passage of time. The streets may
be busy but are well kept and certainly a lot
of fun. Benidorm is known for its nightlife. It
has a real “home from home” atmosphere
for the British, with the “real Spain”
just around the corner waiting to be explored.
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Benissa |
 |
Benissa proudly
offers visitors the elegant neo-gothic temple
of the Purísima Xiqueta (Our Holy Maiden),
which is part of the Marian tradition of the La
Marina district. To the right, on the way to Alicante,
lies the town centre, with a Medieval quarter
still very well preserved. This is an ideal place
to do some shopping in the many establishments
which offer traditional products. There are fine
old houses with ornate window grilles. La Lonja
de Contratación, or marketplace, built
in the 15th century, is the most notable construction.
Also worth a visit is the Casa de los Torres Orduna
- the lords of Guadalest - which is an important
family monument. Today this mansion has been transformed
into a Cultural Centre. |
Calpe |
|
Calpe is a friendly
fishing village, and is an authentic tourist site,
with a coastline boasting sandy beaches, Roman
ruins and ancient salt flats, which all give the
town a unique feel of its own. The area has two
beautiful, golden sandy beaches, which hold blue
flags for cleanliness issued by the EU and is
surrounded by dozens of restaurants, bars and
clubs offering a wide variety of food, drink and
entertainment. The towering cliffs of the Peñon
de Ifach (a maritime signpost for old Phoenician
and Roman sailors) is one of the best known images
of the Costa Blanca. The old town has a variety
all of its own. This is a place where modern buildings
and wide avenues harmonise with an ancient fishing
port, where locals are proud of their past, yet
welcome tourists and visitors with warm hearted
hospitality. Calpe is almost three thousand years
old and as you would expect still full of history
and tradition. |
Carboneras |
|
The origins of
Carboneras lie in the 17th century, following
the construction of the Castle of San Andrés
when lands were distributed to soldiers who guarded
the coast against raids by Turkish pirates. Carboneras
lies at the mouth of the Albas River and is one
of the best coastal locations in Costa Almeria.
The old town is built in an Arabic architectural
style and a new Marina is currently under development.
One of the up and coming locations on the Almeria
coast, Carboneras has a population of around 7000
inhabitants it is located about 70 km from the
capital of the province. |
Cartagena |
|
Cartagena has been
inhabited since Carthaginian times and several
cultures have left their mark, due to the town’s
strategically important position on the Murcia
coast. The Sea Wall (built in the 18th century)
marks the start of its historic quarter and the
13th century Cathedral is built on the remains
of a Roman Theatre. Many examples of the town’s
rich history are housed in the local Municipal
Archaeological Museum. The town is also famous
for its modernist architecture. A place of contrasts,
vibrant and rich with history, Cartagena holds
great cultural appeal. |
Denia |
|
A rapidly increasing
and up and coming town, this is the capital of
the county of Marina Alta and has a modern hospital
which serves the area. Denia retains many of its
traditional qualities and fiestas such as the
"Bous al mar" celebrated in July every
year. There is a pretty church, castle and old
quarter with regular ferry services to the Balearic
Islands. Many of the tree lined streets have nice
bars and good shopping. The recently enlarged
marina, sailing club and the La Sella golf course
(with the addition of the recently inaugurated
Marriott Hotel) increase Denia's appeal. Much
quoted as the healthiest place to live on earth
by the World Heath Organisation, Denia also boasts
22km of beautiful white beaches most of which
are awarded the Blue Flag year after year.
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Elche |
 |
An
ancient inland town redolent with times past.
Its museums are impressive and festivals spectacular.
Elche itself has been declared a World Heritage
Site and thousands of tourists flock to the town
each year to wander through its vast gardens containing
over 300,000 species of palm from all over the
world, initially established by the Moors in the
11th Century. The 12 kilometre coastline of Elx
is located 15 minutes from the city.
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Javea |
|
Relocated 2km inland
from its ancient coastal site (due to repeated
attacks by marauding pirates), Javea lies close
to the most easterly and dynamic coastline of
the Costa Blanca, with numerous coves and beaches
ideal for diving . It is a large town divided
into 3 areas; the port, Arenal Beach and the old
town. Each area has a charm of its own although
the Arenal is very frequented by foreigners who
are attracted by the restaurants and nightlife.
Two good international schools service the large
ex-patriot community.
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Gador |
|
Located at the
foot of the Sierra Gador mountains, this pueblo
dates from Roman times. It has narrow streets
of white houses and its landscape is dominated
by the 18th century Parish Church of the Virgin
del Rosario. The town even boasts some cave houses.
The town is surrounded by citrus groves; an oasis
in the surrounding desert landscape. |
Guardamar |
|
In the south of
the province, Guardamar del Segura has lately
been subject to heavy investment in infrastructure,
resulting in excellent leisure and sporting facilities.
Eleven kilometers of fine golden sand, a product
of centuries of sedimentation on the seabed of
the Segura river mouth, run from one end of Guardamar
to the other and the town lies alongside 840 hectares
of protected forest park, rich in flora and fauna
and wonderful for exploring. The people of Guardamar
also place great emphasis on cultural activities
and the local cuisine deservedly enjoys an excellent
reputation. |
La
Manga |
|
The La Manga Strip
is unique in Europe, having sea on both sides,
and the sunrises and sunsets are stunning. This
area is ideal for lovers of water sports of all
kinds, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, windsurfing,
kite surfing and swimming. With exclusive golfing
and other leisure activities centred around this
region, it is ideal for those seeking an active
yet relaxed environment.
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Las
Negras |
|
A typical, unspoiled
Andalusian village where the local fishermen still
sail out each night and sell their catch to the
local population the following morning. Its location,
in the midst of the Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve,
ensures that this village will maintain its charm
and tranquil atmosphere as no major building developments
are allowed to encroach upon this protected area.
With blue sea and hidden lagoons, this town will
appeal to lovers of the real Spanish way of life. |
La
Union |
|
In 1850, four small
adjacent villages amalgamated to form the town
of La Union. Historically a wealthy area due to
its local mining industry, La Union has a well
established Spanish presence and traditionally
every August the town is home to a fiesta of mining
choirs who travel from all over Spain for the
festival. Relatively untouched by tourism, La
Union is centrally located, just 20 minutes from
San Javier (Murcia) airport and a short drive
from the La Manga Club (with three 18 hole golf
courses) and the coastal town of Cartagena. |
Mojacar |
|
Mojácar
enjoys some 3.000 hours of sunshine per year and
the refreshing summer evenings are ideal for relaxing
moonlight walks along the beach as a cool breeze
flows and mellows the daytime temperature. Mojacar
falls naturally into two areas: a long seafront
development with many villas and low rise developments
with a strong Moorish influence and the old town
(“Pueblo”) an ancient city hidden
in the surrounding hills (as a defence against
invasion by sea) with stunning views, ancient
winding, cobbled streets and numerous shops selling
the local craftwork (ceramics, rugs, baskets etc.).
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Moraira |
|
Exclusive
and relatively unspoiled, Moraira lies off the
beaten track and its architecture is characterised
by large villas dotted amongst the local pine
trees. With good sports facilities and upmarket
shopping, Moraira is also known for its gastronomy
and is home to the Girasol Restaurant one of the
few establishments in Spain to boast 2 Michelin
stars. The marina is currently the biggest one
on the coast with 600 berths and a new 18 hole
golf course, currently under development, can
only add to the attractions of the area. |
Murcia |
|
With 300 000 habitants,
Murcia is the capital of the province and boasts
its own University. Located amidst the mountains
of the Sierra de Orihuela and the Cresta de Gallo,
the city dates from around 800 AD and its 15th
Century Cathedral de Santa Maria is a major tourist
attraction. Take time to wander through the ancient
streets and sample the local cuisine in its many
bars and restaurants. |
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Orihuela |
|
The
historic town of Orihuela is rich in civic tradition
and its architecture includes numerous examples
from the late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque
periods. Five national monuments, including “The
temptation of Saint Thomas Aquinas” by Velázquez,
are situated in the area. Seat of the Bishopric
of Orihuela for four centuries, strong religious
influence has left its stamp on the town’s
artistic character. The town beaches stretch for
16 kilometres, the district houses the second
largest palm forest in the Alicante area and three
golf courses are within easy reach. |
Roquetas
de Mar |
|
Meaning
“Little rocks of the sea” Roquetas
de Mar is a favourite with the British holidaymaker
with miles of shingle beach, a wonderful, flat
promenade stretching for miles and a relaxed and
friendly atmosphere. There is a small Marina and
restored Fortress which now houses art and cultural
exhibitions. |
San
Javier |
|
San
Javier is located on the coast of the Mar Menor
and was built around a shrine to the Apostle San
Francisco Javier during the 17th century. Its
main industries are agriculture and fishing and
the town has a wonderful sea front area. Nowadays,
the town has a very modern look and is very much
a tourist resort, especially popular with water
sport enthusiasts and known for its close proximity
to excellent beaches. |
San
Pedro del Pintar |
|
Skirting the tranquil
waters of Mar Menor, San Pedro del Pinatar is
one of the main tourist destinations on the Murcia
coast. Traditionally a seafaring and agricultural
centre, there is now a lively tourist centre and
extensive beaches, ideal for sunbathing, sailing,
scuba diving and windsurfing. The protected Salinas
(salt flat) area of San Pedro del Pintar is home
to many rare species of migratory birds. |
Santa
Pola |
|
In the centre of
the town stands one of the most impressive castles
and fortresses in the area. It dates from the
16th century and is still used today. It now houses
an impressive museum as well as a chapel dedicated
to the Virgin of Loreto. Opposite the entrance
to the castle is the Plaza de la Glorieta, a pleasant,
shaded area lined with cafes and alive with character
at night as the local inhabitants meet to catch
up on the day’s events. The town also offers
a marine museum, located close to the police station
and the beaches, several towers and viewpoints
and a boat ride to the nearby island of Tabarca.
The resort has 6 beaches, all with golden sand
and a fully operational fishing port and sports
marina. All manner of water sports can be found
here and (as a key local industry) fresh fish
are a speciality of the town's restaurants or
you can bargain direct with the fishermen and
select your meal straight from the boat!
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Torrevieja |
 |
A bustling town
all year round. A thriving cosmopolitan centre
with a large number of British and Irish residents.
It has seen substantial inward investment and
the seafront is very attractive. Apartment block
rarely rise over 4 storeys and new developments
are on the outskirts of town. A 24-hour bar and
restaurant culture prevails. The "Salinas
de Torrevieja" is quite famous for they contain
over 800,000 tons of salt, which makes them the
largest salt mines in Europe excluding the Dead
Sea. |
Turre |
 |
Nestled a few kilometres
inland from the popular coastal resort of Mojacar,
Turre is a traditional market town located in
the foothills of the Sierra Cabrera mountains
and is an ideal base for those who love hill walking
and rock climbing. Much of the town’s modern
architecture is sympathetic to the Moorish style
of its old town of white washed houses and flat
roofs. A newly completed golf course and leisure
complex is just a short drive away. Ideal for
those who want a tranquil lifestyle but still
wish to be within easy reach of all modern amenities. |
Vera |
 |
Vera is a fair-sized
town approximately 6 miles inland from the stunning,
volcanic Almeria coastline. There are a large
number of apartment blocks and hotels, large furniture
stores and excellent restaurants. The town has
a bull ring, water park and a large, local weekly
market and is home to a growing international
community. |
Villajoyosa |
 |
Villajoyosa or
“Villa Joiosa” in Valencian, means
'joyful or happy town'. This very popular Costa
Blanca City is situated at the mouth of the River
Sella and is the main town of the La Marina region.
Villajoyosa has its fare share of beaches, with
a myriad of secluded coves and bays to explore.
Among these can be found Bon Nou, or the Colonia
Holandesa, both sheltered from the North wind
and described as havens of peace and tranquility.
Villajoyosa's church is a Gothic building with
renaissance doorways, although these have been
somewhat changed by Neo-classical alterations
carried out in the 18th century and the old town
has been declared an historic monument. |
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