COSTA BLANCA SOUTH - AREA SYNOPSIS AND GUIDE TO GOLF COURSES IN THE AREA
The Costa Blanca vies with the Costa del Sol as the number one destination in Spain for holidaymakers and second home owners.
PROPERTY PRICES
Costa Blanca's house prices are cheaper than those on the Costa del Sol, where the average price is £200,000. In Costa Blanca South, there is a lot of property available for under £100,000 on the coast and inland you can still find old properties in need of renovation for as little as £60,000.
New developments are predominant in Costa Blanca South, from Torrevieja and heading south through Punta Prima, Cabo Roig, Campoamor and La Zenia. Here you will find you get good value for money.
Campoamor is popular with golfers and prices are slightly higher. The pretty seaside town of Guardamar is currently seeing a lot of development, with new developments on the edge of town for about £75,000.
Further South around the Mar Menor, in towns such as San Pedroare in the throes of building its infrastructure. Very popular locations 15 minutes from the airport.
CLIMATE
The weather is one of the Costa Blanca's great attractions, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually and very little rainfall between April and September. During the summer months, average temperatures are around 30 degrees, and are usually higher inland as the mountains act as a windbreak.
As you head south towards Murcia, the climate becomes drier (along with the terrain) and hotter.
Winters are mild, with temperatures around 15-20 degrees during the daytime. January is the coolest month.
GEOGRAPHY
The Costa Blanca has two distinct halves. The north is green and mountainous, with sierras which rise suddenly from the coast and terraced hillsides used to cultivate numerous products including almonds, oranges and olives. It makes for wonderful walking or hiking country, also popular with mountain bikers, nature-lovers and bird-watchers, with 20 natural parks in the region.
South of Alicante the terrain is flatter and becomes more arid as you head towards Murcia. Here you will find lots of farmland, with large expanses of vegetable crops and orange groves. There is also a bigger expatriate population in the south, particularly around Torrevieja, favoured by British, German and Scandinavian holiday home owners. Guardamar is a popular place for Spanish families to own a second home beside the sea.
GETTING THERE
The Costa Blanca is a two-hour flight approximately from the UK. Alicante is the main airport, handy for both Costa Blanca North and South as it's the dividing line for the two.
Murcia's San Javier airport is handy for locations in Costa Blanca South.
GOLF COURSES IN THE AREA
Costa Blanca Golf Course information
The Costa Blanca is a paradise for golf players. There are several excellent golf courses, such as Villamartin, Las Ramblas, Campoamor, La Marquesa, La Finca and La Manga in the area. The good standard of these courses is proven by frequent visits of The King of Spain. All courses are challenging in their own way, some parklike, others with plenty of hazards and those devilish gorges that are typical to golf courses in Spain.
They are all of championship length (18 holes). Nearly all of our properties in the Costa Blanca Southern area are either surrounded by or close to four first class 18-hole golf courses Villamartin, Campoamor, Las Ramblas , Ciudad Quesada and Algorfa. Also within very easy distance of over 20 more. Here are just a few.
Villamartin Golf Club
Crta Alicante-Cartegena Km50
03189 Urb Villamartin, Orihuela, Alicante
Tel : (96) 676 51 27 Fax : (96) 676 51 58
Directions 8km south of Torrevieja, Alicante
Course Name: Villamartin Holes: 18 Yardage: 6708 SSS: 72
VillaMartin is situated about 8kms south of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca and is the oldest course in the region. It previously hosted the Mediterranean Open and is probably the best known course in the area. It is a medium difficulty course comprising of scenic fairways and excellent greens. The Clubhouse and pool provide wonderful surroundings for discussing the blobs, pars and birdies! Within a 5 minute drive of VillaMartin there are two more courses Campoamor and Las Ramblas. !
Club Services: Club Hire, Caddle-Cart, Buggy-Hire, Practice Balls, Golf Lessons, Pro-Shop, Restaurants, Swimming Pool, Car Park, Currency Exchange, Social Club, Driving Range, Putting Green, Approach-Zone.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6.0km
Slope: 134m
Prices: 50 € - 56 €
Soft Spikes: compulsory
Handicap Certificate: yes
Male Handicap: 28
Female Handicap: 36
Buggy Hire: available
Campoamor Golf Club
Crta Cartegena-Alicante Km48, Apdo 17
03189 Orihuela-Costa Alicante
Tel : (96) 532 13 66 Fax : (96) 532 24 54
Directions Torrevieja 9km (N332) - Alicante
Course Name: Real Campoamor Holes: 18 Yardage: 6786 SSS: 73
Campoamor is a course for the very big hitters. It has the longest par3 of any course in the area ,and is located amongst the Orange Groves. The front and back 9 provide contrasting scenery, with the back 9 being particularly beautiful. The newly opened Clubhouse has superb facilities and their Tapas are not to be missed! The Pro Shop is very large and offers a wide variety of clothing and equipment .Prior to playing you can practice on the driving range and 2 Putting greens. We would highly recommend this course.
Club Services: Club Hire, Buggy - Hire, Practice Balls, Golf Lessons, Pro-Shop, Car Park Cafe, Currency Exchange, Social Club, Driving Range, Putting Green, Approach - Zone.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 605km
Slope: 134m
Prices: 45 € - 55 €
Soft Spikes: compulsory
Handicap Certificate: yes
Male Handicap: 28
Female Handicap: 36
Buggy Hire: available
Las Ramblas Golf Club
Crta Alicante-Cartagena Km 50
03189 Urb Villarmartin, Orihuela, Alicante
Tel : (96) 532 20 11 Fax : (96) 676 51 58
Directions 9km south of Torrevieja
Course Name: Las Ramblas Holes: 18 Yardage: 6312 SSS: 71
Las Ramblas meaning old river beds, is also owned by VillaMartin and is known as VillaMartin 2 but it offers a very different golfing experience. It is 1km from Campoamor, and the holes are designed so that in most cases you have to hit over ravines. Remember to bring a lot of golf balls for this course. However the majority of people who play this course enjoy the challenging experience and want to play it again and again. The Clubhouse facilities are smaller than any other courses but the setting and friendly atmosphere are second to none and the outside terrace overlooks the 18th green.
Club Services: Club Hire, Buggy Hire, Practice Balls, Golf Lessons, Pro - shop, Cafe, Restaurants, Driving Range, Printing Green, Approach-Zone.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 5.6km
Slope: 129m
Prices: 40 € - 41 €
Soft Spikes: compulsory
Handicap Certificate: yes
Male Handicap: 28
Female Handicap: 36
Buggy Hire: available
CIUDAD QUESADA
Ciudad Quesada II
03170 Rojales, Alicante
Tel : (96) 671 95 36/34 / 42 58 Fax : (96) 671 91 74
Directions Rojales, 40km south of Alicante.
Course Details Course Name: La Marquesa Holes: 18
Yardage: 6389 SSS: 70
The run of this beautiful golf course embeds itself perfectly into a urbanisches project. It uses the differences in height of the landscape naturally grown, which the difficulty levels of a golf course gulf-play to constitute and the gulf player over 18 holes a pleasant offer. Use the beautiful weather, which offers the Costa Blanca whole year over. The golf course " La Marquesa " in Ciudad Quesada is also to non-members at the disposal.
Club Services: Club Hire, Caddle-Cart, Buggy-Hire, Practice Balls, Golf Lessons, Pro-Shop, Restaurants, Swimming Pool, Car Park, Currency Exchange, Social Club, Driving Range, Putting Green, Approach-Zone.
LA FINCA - ALGORFA
This newly opened 6,394 metre course is fast becoming THE course on the Costa Blanca. On the 5th you must hit the ball onto an island green and 17th is protected by a large lake. It costs a little more than average for the area but the experience makes it well worth while. A "must" to play. La Finca golf course is situated at the foot of Mount Escotera, in the municipality of Algorfa, right in the heart of the Segura region. Designed to host top tournaments, La Finca golf course has the greatest variety of greens of any course on the Costa Blanca, ranging in size from very large to very small. In addition, the course has a reserve hole so that, in the event that one of the holes has to be closed off unexpectedly, players are still able to complete a full 18-hole round.
Club Services: Club Hire, Buggy Hire, Practice Balls, Golf Lessons, Pro-shop, Cafe, Restaurants, Driving Range, Printing Green, Approach-Zone.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6.0km
Slope: 131m
Prices: 60 € - 68 €
Soft Spikes: compulsory
Handicap Certificate: yes
Male Handicap: 28
Female Handicap: 36
Buggy Hire: available
Mosa Trajectum
Mosa Golf hosted the PGA EuroPro Tour Championship on the October 22-24 2004 which confirms that Mosa Golf is a world class Championship Golf Course. Mosa Golf can be split up in the following: Championship Course - This is a brilliant 27 holes course which will range itself under the top Courses of Europe.
The course is of high quality and built according the highest course specification both USGA- and PGA-standard. - Superior design. - Ecological Design: use of an ecological foam for the course through which the water consumption is reduced with 70%, on top of this there has been built a water recycling factory on the resort.
The recycled water will be used for the reduced water consumption of the golf course. Unique landscaping of the course which resulted in three different 9 holes Championship Golf Courses with each a different theme. Challenge Course The exclusive 9-holes par 3 Challenge Course distinguishes itself through its particular design.
The greens and fairways are laid out to harmonise perfectly with the existing countryside. As the terrain is slightly rolling, this golfing paradise will offer you the unique experience of a subtropical landscape that finds its way through canyons.
Holes: 18.
Par: 72
Length: km
Slope: m
Prices: 65 € - 65 €
Soft Spikes: compulsory
Handicap Certificate: yes
Male Handicap: 28
Female Handicap: 36
Buggy Hire: available
Roda Golf Course
Roda Golf Course is the new, excellent 18 hole, par 72 golf course on the Mar Menor in Murcia, exclusively designed by Dave Thomas, one of the most prestigious European golf designers. The layout was created by combining different environments, and working for a total adaptation to the Mediterranean landscape and vegetation. Roda Golf Club has only recently opened but is already the local golf topic of conversation. An absolute "must" to play, you will not be disappointed with this superb new golf course. Book, reserve your discount golf green fees at Roda Golf Course with autogolfspain.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: km
Slope: 132 m
Prices: 70 € - 70 €
Soft Spikes: compulsory
Handicap Certificate: yes
Male Handicap: 28
Female Handicap: 36
Buggy Hire: available
Club de Golf Torre Pacheco
On flat ground the biggest difficulty here is the shortness of the course and the accuracy it requires. The fairways are flanked by several bunkers so the player has to aim very carefully. Four lakes and several trees run through the course and border the fairways. Suitable for young players.
Torrevieja, Southern Costa Blanca
The city of Torrevieja lies about 50 km southwest of Alicante. It is a popular hub in the southern Costa Blanca and is a lively ex pat centre on the Mediterranean close to many of the developments we have for sale.
Further in the Murcian south you will find more and more "Spanish-only" speaking people, while the area of Torrevieja and upwards is usually bilingual (Valencian, English, and Spanish).
Torrevieja area's salt lakes
The entire area around Torrevieja and Orihuela is famous for their salt production. Huge salt lakes surround the road down from Alicante. Annually these produce over 500,000 tons. Due to natural causes, these are differing colours – pink and purple and if flying into Alicante can be seen from air and via Google Earth, go to our map sections on http://www.girasolhomes.co.uk to see it for yourself.
History
Torrevieja translated is "old" or "ancient tower" which is found on the north side of the town overlooking the sea. Originally, a Moorish defence now recently restored, with gardens laid around. It is a popular place for wedding couples to be photographed with the blue Mediterranean as a backdrop. This is the area where Spanish people take their holidays, and many buy a second home.
The two natural salt lakes are very beneficial for those people with chest problems, arthritis, rheumatism etc. The winter climate has an average temperature of 15ºC together with over 300 days sunshine each year, and a famous Mediterranean diet of fresh meat, fish, vegetable, fruits and delicious local wine, go towards making a healthier lifestyle a reality.
The beaches of the Southern Costa Blanca are famous throughout Europe. With long stretches of soft white sand and clear Mediterranean Sea. Each stretch boasts the European Blue Flag awarded for clean beaches and very unpolluted water.
The two salt lakes of Laguna de la Mata and the Salinas de San Miguel that surround Torrevieja create a wonderful microclimate producing superb Winter weather.
These lakes are also home to a host of wildlife including large flocks of Flamingos. Laguna de la Mata is now a Conservation Area with many paths and tracks around the lake, perfect for long walks or a mountain bike ride to take you away from it all, and yet a few moments from the town centre.
Torrevieja, situated on the Costa Blanca, was once a lively fishing village, it still maintains a lot of its original charm, however, the main industry here is now tourism, with many new developments and constructions in the area. Girasol has numerous quality developments close to the area, beaches, and nature spots.
Monuments and culture.
In Roman times, Torrevieja was an important port, the remains of which can still be seen in La Mata, called the embarcadero romano or Roman docks. Along the coast are the ancient watchtowers called El Moro and La Mata, used in the Middle Ages to warn the coastal inhabitants of attacks by Barbary pirates. Among the town monuments is the Archpriest's Church of the Immaculate Conception, from the turn of the century, the masonry bridge of the Acequión and the Modernist Casino, with an original Neo-Mudejar salon where numerous cultural activities are staged.
Fiestas
Torrevieja's festive calendar begins in February with the sounds and colourful sight of the Carnival celebrating the arrival of Spring. During Holy Week, the locals form processions up and down the streets of the town dressed in spectacular traditional costume and lining the streets with colourful markets. In the month of May, in the Real de la Feria, Torreviejans dance sevillanas, taste the finest sherries from the South, and enjoy riding on horseback. In summer, there are outdoor parties and processions, especially on 16 July, the feast day of Our Lady of Carmelo, the patron saint of sailors, with a traditional sea-and -land procession.
Cuisine
The cuisine and gastronomy of the area is mainly fish and seafood, in combination with produce from local market gardens. Meat is also very popular cooked on the "plancha" and served with fresh salads and seasonal vegetables. There are many fine restaurants and tapas bars in the area, and if you miss a good British meal, you can find traditional roast beef, fish and chips, and even MacDonald's.
Beaches and the port
Torrevieja has a superb sandy beach that is ideal for sun seekers and for those interested in water sports, you can partake in many sports along the beach including diving, sailing, windsurfing, sea fishing, and yachting. The port operated by The Royal Nautical Club and the International Sports Marina has over 1500 berths for sailing boats.
Polaris World Golf Courses - Murcia, Spain
Polaris World opted for the best player in the world, Jack Nicklaus, the big bear, to design their golf courses on their luxury resorts in the area. At the present time, Polaris World is building 9 Golf Courses in Murcia, Costa Cálida.
The Jack Nicklaus Golf Trail at Polaris World is the network of these 9 golf courses, unique in Europe, that gives the possibility for property owners to play on all the golf courses that make up this circuit.
Condado de Alhama will incorporate three Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses - two Bear´s Best and the Principal Golf Courses.
The other six Polaris World Golf Resorts will feature their own golf courses, by Nicklaus Design.
Thanks to his experience and knowledge in designing and supervising golf course he has paid a special attention to the natural landscape of this area and has created a real challenge for golf lovers at the Polaris World Golf Resorts. Today, Nicklaus also stands for superior golf course design, a team of the world´s most accomplished golf course design associates, agronomists, industry consultants, and experts in golf course construction and marketing.
Polaris World Golf courses are designed by a legendary golf player - Jack Nicklaus. Enjoy golfing at Polaris World Golf Resorts.
The result of that dedication and ingenuity is hundreds of spectacular golf courses, over 270 worldwide. Yet as unique as each design is, they all share the Nicklaus philosophy of working closely with clients, enhancing the natural environment and creating courses that are both challenging and enjoyable for players of all levels.
Polaris World preserves a series of requisites to ensure maximum quality of the golf courses, golf is understood as a complete experience. For this reason, apart from creating courses in perfect conditions, careful attention is also given to landscape. The courses generate an excellent game for al type of golfers.
Polaris World Golf Resorts - Girasol has information packages on each resort and expert knowledge of which property to choose should you be interested
Being a resident on a Polaris World Golf Resort gives you the exclusivity to play on all 9 Polaris World golf resorts, so all you have to do is choose in which resort you want to live. Prices start at 119.000€
Condado de Alhama
Condado de Alhama will feature three Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses.
Two Bear´s Best courses boasting a compilation of the best 18 holes in the world, laid over 160 hectares of green. One of them containes the most famous Jack Nicklaus golf holes in the desert, while the other is a collection of parklands, masterpieces of green designs.
One Principal Golf Course, the most ambitious one. Given the natural layout of this region, this will be the most exclusive golf course in the region.
Condado de Alhama features two new developments:
Jardines de Alhama:Only apartments - Prices start at 119.000€.
Cortijos de Alhama: Only villas - Prices start at 595.000€
Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort - 18 hole golf course
This 18 hole, Par 72 will really become a championship golf course. Exciting tee shot and the highlights on the 2nd and 3rd shot.
Polaris World Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort features exclusive luxury apartments designed to maintain the charm and spirit of the beautiful old Hacienda that is still remaining and integrate these fabulous apartments into this romantic style of the past surrounded by natural beauty. The works on Hacienda Riquelme continue making a good progress, and the first apartments have been handed over.
Prices start at 171.000€
La Torre Golf Resort - 18 hole golf course
This 18 holes, par 68 golf course really requires a lot of strategy. You will have a lot of fun as water comes into playas on 7 out of the 18 holes you will have to deal with water. The resort offers a beautiful towncenter designed around a wonderful lake. Prices start at 170.000€
La Loma Golf Resort - 9 hole golf course
La loma Resort of Polaris World is a Jack Nicklaus 9 hole, par 27 golf course. It is the only 9 hole golf course in Polaris World. This resort features modern style villas designed be the famous Mexican architect José de Yturbe, beautiful apartments and bungalows surrounded by fountains, waterfalls, paths and plazas. Prices start at 244.000€
Mar Menor Golf Resort - 18 hole golf course
The success of Polaris World Mar Menor Golf Resort has encouraged Polaris World to extend the area by a further 885,000 m², upgrading the golf course, supervised by Nicklaus Design, to 18 holes. The new apartments start at 156.000 € and the resort is only 5 minutes away from the beach. Prices start at 170.000€
El Valle Golf Resort - 18 hole golf course
Again a championship course. 18 hole, par 71. This golf course features rolling fairways and astonishing views and offer a tee shot you will not forget of a very elevated area.
El Valle is Polaris World most exclusive Resort, where delivery of properties is planned for the second half of this year. The complex houses 369 villas and 319 apartments. Prices start at 196.000€
Terrazas de la Torre Golf Resort (New) - 18 hole golf course
Polaris World Las Terrazas de la Torre is the resort adjoining the current La Torre Golf Resort. An area of 1,555,129 m² with an 18-hole golf course, designed by Nicklaus Design. Prices start at 144.000€
