Joanne and Denzil think they’ve really found the ideal place to own a holiday home in Spain. For a couple with a multi-generational family to entertain, the area really does offer everything they need close by.
The married couple from Manchester bought a three-bedroom semi-detached home in the residential area of La Herrada, part of the municipality of Los Montesinos, on the Costa Blanca.
It sits behind the La Mata salt lakes and Torrevieja, close to Quesada, and an easy drive from Alicante Airport.
“It’s great as we just grab a cheap flight and go outside peak summer,” says Denzil, 47. “Jo gets out a lot more – every month – as her mum lives in the area full-time.”
The couple bought the home in 2023 after appearing on A Place in the Sun, paying £111,500.
Since then, the family – which includes their 17-year-old daughter Abigail and their son Daniel, who’s in the Navy and father to a young daughter – have enjoyed their home. Here Denzil explains why they love the area.
Great beaches near Los Montesinos
Their favourite beach is La Mata, a long sandy beach towards Torrevieja backed by dunes and the salt lakes. It offers bars, water sports, and it’s big enough to absorb the crowds so never feels really busy.
“But we also love Mil Palmeras for the inflatables they have that keep the kids busy,” he says. Backed by a palm-lined promenade, the beach offers shallow, clear waters and sun loungers for hire, which makes it a family favourite.
Traditional village charm
Whilst most of the area is quite developed, the small town of Los Montesinos still offers a traditional Spanish atmosphere. It grew up on salt mining, citrus fruits and olive oil.
Today it’s a great place to grab a coffee. “We hop on our scooter and head to the square,” says Denzil. With a church and tapas bars around its edges, it’s the heart of the town.
“It’s got more of a Spanish vibe and less hustle and bustle than Quesada, where the expat population is more evident. There’s also a weekly street market.”
Easy access to Alicante City
A revelation for many newcomers, Alicante City is another much-loved location for the couple. A vibrant old town behind the palm-lined promenade along the beach is a great place for a stroll – although Joanne will be doing a half marathon there in February – and it’s full of great restaurants at reasonable prices.
Alongside the castle towering over the town, a must-visit is its historic indoor food market, or Mercado, where you can perch on a stool and eat and drink great tapas with the locals.
So much to do for families and visitors
There’s some serious shopping at La Zenia Boulevard or the Habaneras shopping mall in Torrevieja, plus go-karting at Quesada, a waterpark in Torrevieja, and Greenlands pitch and putt at Los Montesinos.
“It’s great for families but I also love the golf,” says Denzil, who likes La Finca (it has a good restaurant too) or La Torre, near the Mar Menor. Buenos Aires Asador Argentino steakhouse in Rojales is one of their favourite restaurants.
A great base for exploring the Costa Blanca
Having got the train to Madrid and Valencia as well as locations closer to hand, Denzil says that Alicante really works well.
“We even got a cheap flight from Alicante to Ibiza for four days last June – it was very easy.”
They find having two airports to choose from – Alicante or Murcia – is also ideal: “We just pick whichever offers the best-price flights.”
Thinking about your own Costa Blanca escape?
Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat near salt lakes or a family-friendly base close to the beach, Los Montesinos has something to offer.
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