To do food shopping in Punta Gorda is very easy. From our house there is a Publix supermarket 5 minutes drive away on the Tamiami Trail and a Walmart the same distance on Jones Loop Road. A Home Depot is on the same plaza as Publix. The Shipping Post, several Banks and Gas Stations are also on the same plaza. On the way to downtown Punta Gorda driving north along the Tamiami Trail on practically every corner there is a Walgreens or a CVS Pharmacy. Gas stations also line the route.
Within 5 minutes of travelling north on the Tamiami Trail you reach downtown Punta Gorda. It has many art shops and studios for you to browse and possibly buy. The Visual Arts Centre is particularly worth a visit. Fishermens Village on the waterfront is an esplanade which includes over 30 shops. There is also a marina with boat rides, several good restaurants and even a Military Museum.
Shopping in Port Charlotte
Continuing up the Tamiami Trail, crossing over the twin bridges across the Peace river you reach Port Charlotte. Along the Trail you will find Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, Lowe’s, Best Buy etc. At its centre there is a Mall with all the facilities that you would expect to find in a City of considerable size including JCPenney, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears and a Regal Cinema.
Niche Shops Close By
Below I have listed the more interesting shops in and around Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte that you are unlikely to find anywhere else.
Zenia Boulevard. – Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre.
W : www.zeniaboulevard.es
Situated approximately 15 minutes away by car, this shopping centre offers it all and is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe.
Visit the website for more information, opening times and events being held in the Evening during the summer months.
Habaneras Shopping Centre.
CV-905 – Torrevieja (next to Carrefour).
W : www.habaneras.es
San Miguel de Salinas is located just inland on the Southern Costa Blanca, Spain. It is not a busy tourist resort but it is a busy little town all the year round and it has attracted a lot of expats. The population is approximately 50:50 Expats to Spanish. Both are equally well catered for and appear to have integrated well. It is close to the busy tourist resorts by the sea like Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura.
Beaches
The closest beaches are at La Zenia, Playa Flamenca and Torrevieja. There is also a salt lake ‘La Laguna Salada Torrevieja’ offering walks and bird watching. The nearest beaches of Torrevieja are a ten minute drive away – 20km of beaches, a promenade, bars and restaurants. Torrevieja is also home to the two water parks listed below.
Golf
Las Ramblas, Villamartin and Campoamor are all less than 15 minutes drive away.
International School
Phoenix International School is 5 minutes walk away from the villa. Established in 2001 it follows the British National Curriculum and offers A level and BTEC courses.
Fiestas
Two major festivals take place every year. The Feria festival occurs in August and the San Miguel fiesta takes place in September.
Tourist Office
San Miguel de Salinas Tourist Office is located at Plaza Juan Carlos, 1, 03193, San Miguel de Salinas, Alicante. Telephone: +34 966 723 466
Email: sanmiguel@touristinfo.net
There are so many things to do in San miguel that the list below is just a few of them.
Zenia Park – Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre.
W : www.zeniaboulevard.es
Situated in the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre, Zenia Park offers lots to keep your little ones entertained.
Opening hours are Mon – Thurs : 12:00 – 21:00
Fri, Sat & Sun : 12:00 – 22:00.
Visit the website for more information and special promotional offers and vouchers. (Click on Leisure and restaurants, click on leisure and then click on the Zenia Park Logo).
Go Karts – Orihuela Costa
T : (0034) 965 328 0369
E : correo@gokartsorihuelacosta.com
W : www.gokartsorihuelacosta.com
Situated along the N332 on the way to Torrevieja, Go Karts
Orihuela offer not only Go Karting for all ages but also a play area, trampolines and quad biking. Visit their webpage for more details, offers and opening times.
Mini Golf – La Mosca
T : (0034) 646 666 287
E : info@minigolflamosca.com
W : www.minigolflamosca.com
Situated along the N332 (close to the Go Karts) at the La Mosca Centre. Visit their website for information on fees, offers and opening times.
Fun Fair – Torrevieja
The fun fair is set in the heart of Torrevieja. Parking can be found behind the fair, by travelling along the sea front towards the Marinas. The Fun Fair is usually open during the high season only.
Bowling – Ozone Bowling, Torrevieja
W : www.ozonebowling.com
T : (0034) 965 705 882
E : ozonetorrevieja@ozoneocio.com
Situated just over the road from the Habaneras Shopping Centre. This place offers bowling and an amusement arcade.
Visit their website for more information, opening times, and special offers. (click on the link for Ozone Torrevieja).
Situated in La Siesta just a stones throw away from Torrevieja on the CV-905. This water park will provide hours of fun for the whole family.
Visit the website for more information, special promotional offers and opening times.
Aquopolis – Torrevieja.
W : www.torrevieja.aquopolis.es
Situated in Torrevieja (near Iceland) this is the larger of the two local water parks and offers something for all ages.
Visit their webpage for more details on offers and opening times. You can book your tickets online to avoid cueing in the hot summer sunshine.
Rio Safari – Elche
T : (0034) 966 638 288
W : www.riosafari.com
Situated along the N332 (close to Santa Pola) the Rio Safari is well worth a visit. It has something for the whole family to enjoy even Go Karts and a Swimming pool!
Visit the webpage to get directions and book tickets.
Tabarca Island
This is a beautiful local island and is a protected marine reserve and well worth a day trip taking the boat from Torrevieja or Santa Pola. No need to book just turn up at the port as boats leave every hour and there are plenty of operators to chose from. This is useful website on the island : www.alicanteturismo.com click on “discover” & then “tabarca Island.”
