Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 3:52pm
Hi Ken & Sue,
You appear to be in the same position as we were 2 years ago, not sure whether to go for Playa Flamenca or Villamartin. We rented an apartment in Villamartin for 3 weeks intending to view properties there first. It is a very pretty area and well maintained but we felt that it was a place that you must have a car. We bought in Playa Flamenca and live in the Las Piscinas area, close to the CDM Sports Centre. I managed without a car for the first year, and know many people who continue without one ok. The bus service is very limited. However, it will take you to the medical centre at Cabo Roig, and the hospital at Torrevieja. La Zenia Boulevard, Playa Flamenca beach, Orihuela Costa town hall, Civic Centre, local Police station etc are all within 10-20 minutes walk for us. The bars and entertainment are open all year round. In particular, the urbanisation called La Florida, again just 10 minutes walk, has good bars/restaurants which have live entertainment all through the year. The Emerald Isle is a very popular venue. ( We were there yesterday afternoon, sitting in the sun listening to live music. A special deal for November being a meal and a glass of wine or beer for 5€). The Playa Flamenca street market is in Calle Nicolas De Bussi on a Saturday. Pick up a free map from somewhere and look at all the urbanisations to see where any properties are situated. If you have a car, and are a keen golf player, then Villamartin might suit you. It is only 10 minutes from here in the car, so nowhere is totally isolated if you drive. For bars and entertainment I would choose Playa Flamenca any day.
Very best of luck in finding the ideal spot for you both, and I hope you will be as happy as we are.