Peaceful
location with views across the salt lake from the patio of
this ground floor duplex apartment sleeping 4 in Banos de
Europa, Torrevieja.
Torrevieja is surrounded by two large natural saltwater
lagoons. It is said to be good for sufferers of arthritis,
asthma and rheumatism and the area is regarded by the World
Health Organisation as having the healthiest climate in
Europe.
Situated midway between the airports of Alicante and Murcia
with beaches carrying the European Blue Flag Torrevieja has
many local attractions including an aqua park, bowling
alley, cinema, casino and sports complex. There are also
many fine golf courses nearby including Villamartin and Las
Ramblas. For bowling fans, there is a club a few minutes
drive away from the apartment which is open to non-members
on Sundays and Tuesdays with equipment for hire at a small
charge.
There
are many daily markets in the neighbouring towns, but
Torrevieja has the largest in the region which takes over a
large area on a Friday morning. If you enjoy local markets,
this one cannot be missed. There is also a large one on a
Sunday morning in a neighbouring town which is called "the
English market" locally.
A
cycle/pedestrian/joggers path passes close to the property
which will take you to the sea front or in the other
direction, to the other salt lake which is a natural habitat
for several migratory birds. A birdwatchers paradise, it is
located in a conservation area. The use of two bicycles is
included in the rental price.
Within
a half hours stroll (minutes by car) the seafront can be
reached with its numerous sandy beaches and cafes. There is
also a marina, a pier and a fair with an avenue of small
market stores nearby which are open throughout the evening.
If you
prefer to go by bus, the bus stop is located 5 minutes away
with a half hourly service which will take you to the
seafront or the other amenities. A new bus stop has recently
been erected closer to the property.
The apartment is new and ideally situated in a quiet
location beside the largest of the saltwater lakes but only
minutes by car from the many sandy Blue Flag beaches and
coves along the coast. The salt lake gradually turns pink
during the day and is easily accessed being opposite the
complex. It is very popular in the summer months for those
who enjoy the reputed therapeutic powers of taking a mud
bath or simply floating around in its warm salt waters. The
idea is to cover certain parts of the body with its dark mud
and allow it to dry in the sun, before washing it off in the
lake.
The
property is located in a small cul-de-sac with no passing
traffic and very friendly neighbours. At the end of the
access road (no cars to be parked on the access road,
please, although you can park in the surrounding roads)
there is the use of a well-maintained secluded communal
swimming pool which is accessed by card. For the cooler
months, the swimming pool is heated by solar heaters.
(Unfortunately if the card is lost I must ask for 10 euros
for a replacement.)
There
is also an ever-expanding hypermarket complex a 15 minutes
stroll away with Carrefour, Aldi, Lidl, Mac Donald's and the
new Habaneras shopping centre with its numerous shops.
Within 10 minutes walk are several little bars and cafes
including ubiquitous Chinese restaurants. In my experience
they are all very reasonably priced compared to the UK.
Accommodation:
The
apartment consists of a living room, kitchen, bathroom and
two bedrooms with one double and two single beds. The whole
apartment is decorated white with terracotta brown tiles.
There are fans for the hot days and air conditioning which
alternates for the cooler days for heating.
The
washing machine and microwave oven are located on the
enclosed patio at the back.
Digital TV is available with many English channels,
including BBC 1, 2, ITV 1, Channel, 4 and 5 and Sky Movies
and 3 sports channels. There are also 5 Spanish channels.
Approaching the apartment there are three small steps up to
the veranda and front door but otherwise everything is on
one floor. The front patio area is tiled and ideal for
lounging. In view of its situation there is no baking sun
early in the morning but the sun stays on the patio from mid
morning through the evening most of the year making it a
lovely location to eat out on and enjoy the spectacular
sunsets across the lake. There is a table and chairs for use
on the patio and a light-weight sun loungers with two
smaller matching chairs to take to the pool or beach.
Local
shops and cafes, hypermarket shops, salt lake, beaches and
other amenities are all within easy reach by walking,
cycling or local bus.
Cars
however can be hired from either Alicante or Murcia
airports. Any food or drink items can also be purchased for
you prior to arrival at cost plus ten per cent by the same
person who will collect from the airport. If you decide you
do not want to hire a car but take advantage of the
collection service, a local bus passes near to the property
every half an hour making a circular journey passing by the
sea front for 90 cents.
Special Points: The
apartment is located between Alicante and Murcia airports.
My personal preference is Murcia airport as it is very small
and there is no delay in collecting baggage. Both Alicante
and Murcia airports are reached by many low-cost airlines
from regional airports and Torrevieja is located half way
between the two. However, it does seem the earlier you book
the low-cost airlines, the cheaper they are!
Washing
machine, oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, two
bicycles, sandwich maker, electric kettle, toaster, double
bed and two single beds, 4 dining chairs, dining table,
cutlery, crockery and glasses, ironing board and iron, sofa
and two collapsible easy chairs.
Digital
TV with many English satellite channels including 3 Sky
sports and five Spanish channels; English digital radio
Patio
and veranda with views across salt lake which gradually
turns pink later in day and table with four chairs. Beach
umbrella. Lightweight sun Loungers and two aluminium beach
chairs.
No
smoking please.
Booking
Information:
A collection service from either Alicante or Murcia airports
is available - for current rates, please enquire at time of
booking.
A
non-refundable deposit of one quarter up to a maximum of £50
on booking secures the week of your choice with the balance
payable six weeks before arrival please.
A
charge on arrival of 45 euros is payable to the key holder
for the initial clean and laundry charge, which includes the
supply of towels and bed linen.
Rental
is from mid-day any day until mid-day the same day the
following week, unless otherwise agreed.
A
shorter rental can be agreed with a minimum of three days,
but in addition there will be the standard 45 euros cleaning
and laundry charge payable to key holder.
Testimonials:
Just a quick note to say that we really enjoyed our few days
in your apartment, it was lovely, we came away wishing we
could have stayed longer, we had dinner twice at the best
value for money restaurant Royals just round the corner.
Please feel free to add my comments to your website There
were so many things we packed into our weekend, the
apartment was spotless my husband and daughter made use of
the bikes ( which was a laugh ) and we used the bus service
into Torrevieja costing 1 euro each. A truly brilliant
weekend.
Liz Henderson
