Cala Bosque beach, Orihuela (La Zenia)
Excellent facilities for the disabled and a wide swathe of sand for all sun-lovers
Located next to the popular residential area of La Zenia, this busy beach is most easily reached by turning off the N-332 at the La Zenia roundabout and following the Avenida la Playa down to the shore, although most of the streets in the part of La Zenia on this side of the main road also lead down to the Paseo de Mar. Here the moderate amount of parking available is generally sufficient except at the very height of summer, when those not willing to try their luck can make use of the taxi rank and bus stop located on the Paseo.
The beach is relatively short at 258 metres – this is a “cala”, or cove, after all – but also wide (60 metres), so there is plenty of space for numerous bathers as well as a beach bar, volleyball court and children’s play area. Sunbeds and sunshades are available for hire, as are pedalos and jet-skis for those who feel like looking back at the picturesque setting from the sea.
The disabled are especially well catered for at Cala Bosque. Not only are there designated parking spaces for those of limited mobility, there are also ramps and a wooden walkway which is wider than usual to allow easy wheelchair access and a designated toilet and shower. An amphibious bathing chair is also available, and is among the disabled facilities which are supplied all year round rather than just in high season.
As at all of the beaches in Orihuela Costa there are foot showers, bins (emptied daily), and in the summer bathing safety is enhanced by the presence of lifeguards (with watchtowers) and first aid facilities as well as daily reports concerning the water quality and presence of jellyfish. These complement the daily seawater and foot shower water analyses performed in high season (mid-June to mid-September).
In terms of nearby bars and restaurants, Cala Bosque is better served than some of the other nearby beaches. On the headlands at either end of the beach are hotels with restaurants and bar terraces where non-residents can enjoy either a full meal or a light snack, and of course in summer the bar on the beach itself is the first port of call for many.
Naturally, many of the facilities listed are present only in high season, which can be extended if the weather holds into October or even November, but some of the services for the disabled and the beach cleaning are maintained all year round, making Cala Bosque an attractive place to visit twelve months of the year.
With such a wide range of services and facilities it comes as no surprise to learn that the coveted Blue Flag for quality, awarded to the best beaches in Spain flies from the flagpole located at the northern end of the beach.
Click for map, Cala Bosque
Click for beach overview of beaches within the Orihuela municipality
