Everything You Need to Know about San Miguel de Salinas

In the southern part of Alicante province, between the city of Torrevieja and the province of Murcia, is the quaint countryside town of San Miguel de Salinas. Situated on a hill—75 meters above sea level—the town boasts panoramic views over the surrounding greenery, lemon and orange groves, and the large salt lakes of Torrevieja and La Mata. To the west are the mountains of Sierra Escalona and La Pena.

ACCESS & TRANSPORT ROUTES

Passing through San Miguel de Salinas are the CV-940 and CV-95 main roads. The AP-7 major highway is situated less than 3 kilometers northeast of the town, and can be accessed via the CV-940. Due to its location, the two international airports, Alicante International Airport (ALC) and Región de Murcia International Airport (MJV), are less than an hour away from the town by car.

SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS LIFESTYLE

Due to its traditional Spanish atmosphere, which is evident in the town’s architecture, culture, cuisine and lifestyle, the town is popular with expats (many hailing from Northern and Western Europe).

Much of the town’s homes, shops and restaurants showcase traditional Spanish architecture, characterized by stucco walls, low-pitched red-tile roofs, and arched entryways. Locals embrace many traditions and practices, including holding various local festivities throughout the year. Many of the restaurants and tapas bars throughout the town serve authentic and home-cooked Spanish cuisine and traditional tapas.

When visiting San Miguel de Salinas, one immediately notices the serene ambiance, as well as the healthy air and environment. Residents and tourists alike can enjoy a peaceful, laidback and green lifestyle. Though situated 12 kilometers from the Orihuela Costa coastline, San Miguel de Salinas still enjoys a climate similar to its neighboring towns near the beach: with plenty of sunshine, pleasant temperatures and a cool evening breeze.

Establishments such as supermarkets, clinics, restaurants and shops can be found within the town—providing convenient and accessible sources of goods and services for residents and visitors to the area. San Miguel de Salinas is an idyllic place for people looking for a peaceful home in a quaint Spanish town away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

The Blue Flag beaches of Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja are only a quarter hour away. The closest beaches to the town are Playa Flamenca, Playa Punta Prima, and Playa del Cura. These beaches are known for their white sands and crystal clear waters, with facilities such as restrooms, beach volleyball areas and sunbeds for hire.

Orihuela Costa is known for its abundant golf courses, and San Miguel de Salinas is conveniently located near some of the most notable, namely Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, Ramblas Golf Course and Vistabella Golf. These 18-hole courses on expansive resorts boast of manicured green, panoramic views, and modern facilities and services. Las Colinas Golf & Country Club and Ramblas Golf Course are both located in Dehesa de Campoamor, just 12-15 minutes from San Miguel de Salinas by car. Vistabella Golf in the city of Orihuela, is only a 10-minute drive from the town.

The salt lakes of Torrevieja are among the top attractions when visiting the city, and are clearly visible from the hilly town. These two huge lakes—mined for their rich salts—are greatly responsible for the healthy microclimate around the area. The larger of the two, Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja, is especially popular due to its natural pink hue, while the smaller one features a green tint. These two form a nature reserve called Las Salinas de Torrevieja.

A unique attraction found within the town of San Miguel de Salinas are the cave houses, or Las Cuevas, dating back to the early 1800’s. These houses were made as a result of soft layers of sandstone eroded between harder rock. Agricultural laborers would chisel out the soft layers to create a sizeable dwelling place. Today, these houses have been converted into art studios and craft shops, with the largest of them being turned to a family-run restaurant: Las Cuevas Restaurante.

One of the town’s famous traditional activities is the annual Tapas Run, a day-long event that is part of the two-week-long fiesta (from the 10th of September to the 7th of October) held in honor of the town’s patron and namesake, Miguel Arcangel. September 18 is the day of the Tapas Run, and on this day, tapas snacks are available in 22 different restaurants and bars throughout San Miguel de Salinas. Participants can pick up a route card, then follow the map to complete the run. It’s a fantastic way to discover hidden bars and enjoy the authentic local Spanish cuisine.

The local market of San Miguel de Salinas is open every Wednesday, from early in the morning to mid-afternoon. This spacious outdoor market houses around 165 stalls selling a wide array of products and goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, general household items, decorative objects, accessories and much more.

For those who maintain an active lifestyle, or who simply want to play sports or enjoy a swim, the Municipal Sports Centre of San Miguel de Salinas is situated on the eastern part of the town, below the main town centre. Facilities include a multi-sports court, two tennis courts, a full-size football pitch, and the multi-lane swimming pool which is open from late June to early September. The sports centre is open to everyone, with fees depending on the facility used.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS

Due to the town’s wide expanse of land and abundant countryside greenery, many of the residential properties in San Miguel de Salinas consist of villas, chalets and spacious townhouses. Villas usually range from 180-250 square meters, with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, a garden area, solarium and private outdoor swimming pool. These are mostly situated in villa compounds in urbanizations such as Las Colinas and El Galan.

Attached townhouses and single-family detached houses are also abundant in various urbanizations across the town, such as that of Lago Azul. These properties are around 75-90 square meters, with two storeys, 2-3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. They offer private parking and spacious gardens.

Usually located near the town center and its establishments are flats and apartments—most of which offer around 85-95 square meters of space. These residences usually have their own terraces, 1-2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Some apartments and flats belonging to complexes also offer a shared outdoor swimming pool, barbecue area and gardens.

For more about the current property market you can visit:

https://www.engelvoelkers.com/en-es/orihuelacosta/property-san-miguel-de-salinas/

TOP RESTAURANTS, BARS AND PUBS

-Las Cuevas Restaurante (Unique cave house restaurant)

-Castillo de Conesa (Restaurant set in a preserved castle with picturesque grounds and panoramic views over the salt lakes)

-Phoenix Nights Bar and Restaurant (British / English bar and restaurant)

-The New Tavern (Family-friendly restaurant with sports TVs and live music)

-The Olive Tree Restaurant (British / English restaurant known for homemade pies)

-Golden Curry (Indian restaurant with a large selection of curries)

-O’Neills Irish Pub (Irish pub with sports TVs and live music)

-Restaurante Doña Isabel (Luxurious restaurant serving traditional, homemade Spanish cuisine dishes)

SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS AMENITIES AND SERVICES

MEDICAL / HEALTH CENTRES:

Health Center San Miguel de Salinas

Isana Fisioterapia

Andrés Torrecillas Fisioterapia

DENTAL CLINICS:

Clínica Dental Cristina Calatayud

SUPERMARKETS:

Masymas Supermarket

Supermercados Eurosalinas SL

Spar Express