HOME > ALICANTE VEGA BAJA > CABO ROIG
Cabo Roig is an exclusive stretch of the southern Costa Blanca washed by the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, located in the much sought after destination of the Orihuela Costa. Favoured by expats from the UK, Ireland, Belgium and Germany, to name but a few, Cabo Roig is named for the distinctive red rocks that form its cape.
Located less than an hour from both Alicante and Murcia airports, the small enclave is characterised by its attractive lack of high-rise buildings, favouring instead villas and smaller urbanisations just a stone’s throw away from the coast.
A romantic, cliff-side promenade offers a walk from Cabo Roig right into neighbouring La Zenia, home to Alicante’s largest shopping centre, while the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Torrevieja is just a ten minute drive away.
A well-known landmark is the historic Cabo Roig tower built in the 16th century as a defence against pirates, which is situated right beside the town’s stunning marina and blue flag beaches.
Flanked by La Zenia to the north and the beach-side enclave of Dehesa de Campoamor to the south, Cabo Roig’s temperate climate, with an average of 325 sunny days a year, makes it a popular second home destination with expats from around the globe. The surrounding mountains mean that it’s neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter, while the refreshing Mediterranean breeze ensures the area remains comfortable during the warmest months.
How to get to Cabo Roig
The town is well connected to the airports of Alicante and Murcia and just a short trip on the N-332 dual carriageway in each direction. Visitors will know when they’ve hit the spot, as the entrance to Cabo Roig is marked by a round-about sporting a large Egyptian-esque stone pyramid.
The history of Cabo Roig
The town served as an outpost during the 16th century when the famous tower was built, but legend has it that more recently, a large pocket of the coast was bought in the 40s by a Murcian farmer who wanted a clean, coastal retreat for his daughter, who suffered from asthma. As the story goes, the doting parent was ridiculed by friends for purchasing the mostly rural land; that is, of course, before Cabo Roig became one of the most sought-after locations on the Orihuela Costa during the property boom of the 1970s.
According to locals, many of the farmer’s descendants still own properties in the area.
Places to go in Cabo Roig
Cabo Roig’s famous ‘Strip’, which is a kilometre-long promenade parallel to the coastal walk, offers even the most intrepid traveller an extensive choice of bars and restaurants from across the globe, as well as a wide array of shops, banks, pharmacies and hypermarkets.
The large number of surrounding residential areas means that Cabo Roig is stocked with everything the visitor or home-owner needs, including a modern medical centre, English-speaking church services, doctors and much more.
For those looking for a bargain, the Cabo Roig street market, located at the back of the strip and open between 9am and 2pm every Thursday, offers everything from the freshest fruit and vegetables to leather goods, clothing and toys.
Things to do in Cabo Roig
Sun worshippers will be spoiled for choice in this little pocket of Orihuela Costa with Cabo Roig’s two famous Blue Flag beaches, Cala Capitán and La Caleta. Both are awarded this accolade year after year for their services, access, cleanliness, safety and the quality of their waters.
Cala Capitán is at the northern end of Cabo Roig next to La Zenia. This 157-metre-long paradise offers a state-of-the-art children's playground and a beach bar in the summer season.
On calm days, it’s an explorer’s dream with miniature caves and hidden pockets that are a beautiful setting for snorkelling enthusiasts.
On the south side of Cabo Roig you’ll find the 287 metre stretch of La Caleta, a beach right beside the port of Cabo Roig.
The unique cove of La Caleta is protected from the wind and waves all year round and even in winter it is common to see people soaking up the rays.
In high season, boats from all over the area embark on the sheltered bay for the day.
Cabo Roig is home to one of Europe’s largest St Patrick’s Day festivals. Not just for the Irish, each March 17 the iconic strip is thronged with revellers who turn out to watch the world-famous parade. The street-side bars and restaurants fill up quickly, so be sure to get there early to secure a good vantage point.For all the singletons out there, or just those looking for a bit of good-natured fun, the biggest matchmaking festival in Europe hits the streets of Cabo Roig for one action-packed week during October. Veteran matchmaker Willie Daly does the rounds of the bars and restaurants with his 150-year-old “love ledger” in the hopes of adding to the more than 3,000 marriages he has already set up.
Images: Sarah Keane
Don't let deals turn dirty: Police issue fresh Black Friday scam alertThe Policía Nacional say online shoppers should stay alert as scammers ramp up their tricks during sale season As the Black Friday frenzy begins, Spain’s Policía Nacional stepped up their warning about twelve of the most common online.. 28/11/2025
Cabo Roig rejoins the Mediterranean Trail as cliff walk reopensThe famous Orihuela Costa coastal path was blocked off by homeowners for years Hikers tackling the famous Mediterranean Trail through Orihuela Costa can finally ditch a frustrating detour that's been forcing them inland for the past few years... 28/11/2025
Vehicles in Spain that won't need a V-16 emergency light come JanuaryCertain cars in Spain are exempt from the new rules and won’t have to swap the old emergency triangle From January 1 next year, the approved V-16 emergency beacon becomes the only legal device for signalling breakdowns and accidents on Spanish.. 27/11/2025
Read the December edition of Home & Living magazine online nowWelcome to the December issue of Home & Living! This edition is full of inspiring ideas for Christmas, including festive decor, party wear, how to ‘dress’ your table for Christmas lunch, hairstyles, recipes and so much more..... &.. 27/11/2025
Frosty mornings, sunny afternoons: Alicante weather forecast November 27-30Daytime temperatures will jump back into the 20s in most parts of Alicante this weekend Average temperatures forecast on Saturday November 29 The bright, settled weather is set to continue in Alicante province this coming weekend with.. 27/11/2025
Fresh food takes centre stage this Christmas as supermarkets double down on Spanish favouritesWhile Brits reach for the turkey, Spain’s festive tables lean heavily on seafood, fresh meat and ready-made classics Anyone who has spent a Christmas in Spain knows that the festive menu here looks very different from the British obsession with.. 25/11/2025
Temperatures drop and winds pick up: Alicante weather forecast November 24-27By mid-week, the temperatures will crash to well below 20ºC throughout Alicante province Alerts for strong winds on Monday November 24 Alicante should dodge the rain forecast in much of the country this week but as the days go by.. 24/11/2025
Cutting off utilities to squatters in Spain will no longer be a crimeIf passed, the new law means homeowners of occupied properties across Spain will be able to cut water, gas and electricity In 2024 alone, 16,400 cases of squatting and breaking and entering were reported in Spain, the third highest figure ever. Homeowners..
How to spot a fake V-16 emergency light in Spain and avoid a big fineKnock-off beacons not approved by traffic authorities in Spain are flooding the market ahead of the January deadline From January 1 next year, every vehicle in the country (with a few minor exceptions) must carry an approved and connected V-16 emergency..
Listeria alert in more sliced meats: Are these products in your fridge?AESAN extends recall to more batches of Nuestra Alacena and other brands, urging caution across Spain If you have recently stocked up on sliced meats, it’s worth checking your fridge. Spain’s food safety watchdog, AESAN, has widened its alert.. 21/11/2025
The 'Danish Ikea' chain stealing the homeware crown in SpainThe retail giant plans to open more than 300 new stores across Spain and Portugal It looks like there’s just no stopping JYSK, the homeware giant commonly referred to as the 'cheap Ikea' or the 'Danish Ikea.' Plans are already.. 21/11/2025
Ultra-processed food consumption triples in Spain sparking major health concernsWith nearly a third of daily calories now coming from ultra-processed foods, health experts say it´s “like smoking” and urge stronger policies to protect public health Spain’s diet is changing fast… and not for.. 21/11/2025
Twice as many foreigners choose to buy in Alicante as in MalagaThe British still buy the lion’s share of property in Spain, followed closely by the Germans Alicante is enjoying a remarkable surge in interest from foreign home buyers and the trend has become one of the strongest in the whole of Spain. In.. 20/11/2025
Getting vaccinated against the flu or Covid reduces the risk of stroke and heart attackAccording to Spanish experts, flu and Covid-19 vaccines have benefits far beyond preventing the diseases they were designed for For anyone thinking twice about getting vaccinated this winter season, Spanish experts have an interesting take on things.. 18/11/2025
What Alicante locals are stocking up on for Christmas… And it's not what you thinkPharmacies see early festive demand, but it is more antacids than turrón this year If you thought Alicante residents were already filling their cupboards with turrón and cava, think again. With Christmas party season about to begin, people.. 18/11/2025
Spanish vets warn dog owners about a hidden autumn dangerVets in Spain warn that acorns can cause intestinal blockages and toxic reactions in pets Autumn, with its parks and gardens full of changing leaves and fruits like acorns and chestnuts decorating the paths, is a picturesque scene, but for dogs it.. 18/11/2025
