Getting to the Orihuela Costa. - Plane Simple.
Most people who come to the Orihuela Costa, especially for visitors, arrive by air.
The Orihuela Costa is well server by nearly all of the budget airlines and, for those of you who want a less 'intersting' flght, some of the major airlines arrive on these shores too.
The 2 main airports that serve the region are Alicante (El Altet - ALC) & San Javier, Murcia (MJV). A new airport, Corvera (the other side of Murcia) is curretly under construction and is due to be opened sometime between 2102 & 2011.
The Best Flight At The Right Price.
Choosing your flight can be the best bargain or the most expensive and frustrating experience you can go through.
Using websites like Skyscanner (see right of the page) can help you compare the prices of most of the low fare and scheduled airlines, all from one website, usually with most of (possibly not all though ) of the charges and taxes. Getting a fair or bargain flight isn't as easy as days gone by, with soaring fuel charges, online check-in charges and increasing baggage fees, it can almost seem not worth the hassle, but once you book, snag a bargain or at the very least are happy with your airfare, then you can relax, know that one part of your trip is paid for and start saving for the headonism, or the trip to your new life.
Why not check out comparecarhire.co.uk for comparisons on the very best in car rental prices.
El Altet - Alicante Airport.
Situated about 10-15 minutes south of the city, lies El Altet Airport, one of the main hubs of the region.
Alicante airport is the largest of the regional airports serving the Orihuela Costa and the North & South Costa Blanca. This is a very busy, thriving airport and all of the main low-cost and national carriers provide fligts to and from here, including:- Iberia, British Airways, Ryanair (the main hub in Southern Spain), Air Berlin, Easy Jet, Jet 2, Fly Globespan, Veuling, Clickair, Air Nostrum, BMI Baby, Flybe and many more.
Flights to all major European destinations can be had from here and also regional flights to Barcelona, Madrid and then onto long-haul connections worldwide.
Facilities at El Altet include:-
- Short & Long Stay Parking
- Tax Free Shopping
- Car Hire
- Public Transport Facilities
- Meet & Greet for package Tours
- Onward Connections
- Cafes, Bars & Restaurants
The journey to the Orihuela Costa from El Altet (Alicante) is roughly 40 - 60 minutes, via the AP 7 going south, exits for Playas Orihuels or Torrevieja Sur (please remember that AP roads have tolls, which can be quite costly at holiday times).
If you have a sat nav or know the area, you can avoid the tolls, but it will add a bit more time onto your journey.
You can also get onto the N332 from the airport and although the journey time is longer, it is a more pleasant drive, through the Salt Lakes at Santa Pola and offering breathtaking views of the coastline & the Mediterranean.
San Javier Airoprt - Murcia.
Although much smaller, San Javier (MJV) is, for many, the better airoprt to arrive at for the Orihuela Costa, as it is closer, nestled on the egde of the Mar Menor and only a 20 minute drive from the O.C.
Flights currently, can only land after midday, the down side of this being a more limited choice of flights in and out and normally slightly more expensive flights too.
However, many feel that for the ease of getting to and through to the sun, sea, family & friends, the extra expense is worth it.
Facilities include:-
- Short & Long Stay Parking
- Car Hire
- Tax Free Shopping
- Small slection of cafes (plus a Subway)
- Public Transport to Murcia
- Onward Connections
You can exit the AP7 just after the tunnel (travelling north) to avoid the toll, joining the N332 and completing your journey that way.
Airport Safety.
Take extra precautions when arriving and leaving Airports, as these individuals, or groups look for the slightest amount of chaos, during which time, they sneak in and out, and before you know it, there are items of yours missing.
Reporting a theft here, is a long complicated process and can end up being expensive, which is propably the last thing you need, either at the beginning or end of your holiday, or flight to your new life.It isn't really a great start, is it ?
Use common sense..keep a tight hold of the bags that are carrying your valuables, passsports etc and keep purses, wallets and money belts hidded away, keep pockets buttoned if possible and be aware of anything odd or suspicious going on around you, like the stranger offering to 'help' you with your bags.
If in any doubt at all, just politely refuse their help. It could save you stress and possibly a small fortune to boot.
