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Cabo Roig is an exclusive stretch of the southern Costa Blanca washed by the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, located in the much sought after destination of the Orihuela Costa. Favoured by expats from the UK, Ireland, Belgium and Germany, to name but a few, Cabo Roig is named for the distinctive red rocks that form its cape.

 

Located less than an hour from both Alicante and Murcia airports, the small enclave is characterised by its attractive lack of high-rise buildings, favouring instead villas and smaller urbanisations just a stone’s throw away from the coast.

 

A romantic, cliff-side promenade offers a walk from Cabo Roig right into neighbouring La Zenia, home to Alicante’s largest shopping centre, while the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Torrevieja is just a ten minute drive away.

 

A well-known landmark is the historic Cabo Roig tower built in the 16th century as a defence against pirates, which is situated right beside the town’s stunning marina and blue flag beaches.

 

Flanked by La Zenia to the north and the beach-side enclave of Dehesa de Campoamor to the south, Cabo Roig’s temperate climate, with an average of 325 sunny days a year, makes it a popular second home destination with expats from around the globe. The surrounding mountains mean that it’s neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter, while the refreshing Mediterranean breeze ensures the area remains comfortable during the warmest months.

 

 

The town is well connected to the airports of Alicante and Murcia and just a short trip on the N-332 dual carriageway in each direction. Visitors will know when they’ve hit the spot, as the entrance to Cabo Roig is marked by a round-about sporting a large Egyptian-esque stone pyramid.

 

 

The town served as an outpost during the 16th century when the famous tower was built, but legend has it that more recently, a large pocket of the coast was bought in the 40s by a Murcian farmer who wanted a clean, coastal retreat for his daughter, who suffered from asthma. As the story goes, the doting parent was ridiculed by friends for purchasing the mostly rural land; that is, of course, before Cabo Roig became one of the most sought-after locations on the Orihuela Costa during the property boom of the 1970s.

 

According to locals, many of the farmer’s descendants still own properties in the area.

 

 

Cabo Roig’s famous ‘Strip’, which is a kilometre-long promenade parallel to the coastal walk, offers even the most intrepid traveller an extensive choice of bars and restaurants from across the globe, as well as a wide array of shops, banks, pharmacies and hypermarkets.

 

The large number of surrounding residential areas means that Cabo Roig is stocked with everything the visitor or home-owner needs, including a modern medical centre, English-speaking church services, doctors and much more.

 

For those looking for a bargain, the Cabo Roig street market, located at the back of the strip and open between 9am and 2pm every Thursday, offers everything from the freshest fruit and vegetables to leather goods, clothing and toys.

 

Sun worshippers will be spoiled for choice in this little pocket of Orihuela Costa with Cabo Roig’s two famous Blue Flag beaches, Cala Capitán and La Caleta. Both are awarded this accolade year after year for their services, access, cleanliness, safety and the quality of their waters.

 

Cala Capitán is at the northern end of Cabo Roig next to La Zenia. This 157-metre-long paradise offers a state-of-the-art children's playground and a beach bar in the summer season.

 

On calm days, it’s an explorer’s dream with miniature caves and hidden pockets that are a beautiful setting for snorkelling enthusiasts.

 

On the south side of Cabo Roig you’ll find the 287 metre stretch of La Caleta, a beach right beside the port of Cabo Roig.

 

The unique cove of La Caleta is protected from the wind and waves all year round and even in winter it is common to see people soaking up the rays.

 

In high season, boats from all over the area embark on the sheltered bay for the day.

 

Cabo Roig is home to one of Europe’s largest St Patrick’s Day festivals. Not just for the Irish, each March 17 the iconic strip is thronged with revellers who turn out to watch the world-famous parade. The street-side bars and restaurants fill up quickly, so be sure to get there early to secure a good vantage point.

 

For all the singletons out there, or just those looking for a bit of good-natured fun, the biggest matchmaking festival in Europe hits the streets of Cabo Roig for one action-packed week during October. Veteran matchmaker Willie Daly does the rounds of the bars and restaurants with his 150-year-old “love ledger” in the hopes of adding to the more than 3,000 marriages he has already set up.

 

 

 

Images: Sarah Keane