Cala las Estacas beach, Orihuela (Playa Flamenca area)

A popular urban beach with shops and bars nearby

Lying between the residential areas of La Zenia to the south and Playa Flamenca to the north is the Rambla de las Estacas, a floodwater channel which runs into the sea in this funnel-shaped cove. The result is a short but wide sandy beach which is easily accessible from the chalets in both areas, and is very popular with visitors throughout the summer months.

The natural accessibility is boosted by a ramp to aid those of limited mobility, and during the summer there are also wooden walkways, an amphibious bathing chair, designated parking spaces and a specially adapted WC at their disposal. Children are also well catered for, with two play areas at the northern end of the beach, and safety measures include lifeguard shelter, watchtower and police vigilance, while for the more active a beach volleyball court is installed throughout high season (from mid-June to mid-September).

One of the facets which mark out the two beaches in the Playa Flamenca area is the proximity of eating establishments to the sand. Most of Orihuela Costa’s beaches lie in residential areas and are not so well served in this department, but between Cala de las Estacas and Cala Mosca is a promontory on which there is a small group of commercial units, various of which offer refreshments and meals: as a result there’s no need to prepare the cool box or make the trip up to the N-332, 400 yards away, where further shops and eateries are open all year round. Of course the beach also has its own bar on the sand itself, and sunbeds and sunshades can be hired out during the summer.

Other features which are common to all of the beaches in the area include bins (which are emptied every day), foot showers, daily cleaning, seawater analysis and jellyfish warnings when appropriate, and the removal of the seaweed which can accumulate in this well-protected cove.

One of the main drawbacks of many beaches in Orihuela Costa is the difficulty of parking in high season, and although there are numerous parking bays near bars and shops it cannot be denied that in summer, when occupancy rates are high in the residential area, the same can be said of Cala de las Estacas.

Click for map, Cala Las Estacas

Click for beach overview of beaches within the Orihuela municipality