The ultimate list of things to do in Rojales
Our nearby town of Rojales is becoming really popular with tourists of all nationalities, as well as with foreigners moving to Spain. You may even have seen it featured many times on the tv show A Place In The Sun.
It’s in a great part of the Alicante province, as it’s not far from the beach, is close to the airport, and there are plenty of things to do in Rojales and the nearby towns for all ages and interests.
We love living in this area as we have everything we need right on our doorstep.
If you’re coming to Rojales on holiday, looking for locations for a permanent move or for a holiday home, this blog will tell you everything you need to know about Rojales as well as what there is to do here.
Some of the links below are affiliate links which means we may make a small commission at no cost to you on any purchases made through these links.
Where is Rojales?
Rojales is a small town in an area called the Vega Baja in the Alicante Province, conveniently located between the cities of Alicante and Murcia. Situated along the Segura River, Rojales is approximately 10km inland from the Costa Blanca’s coast.
How to get to Rojales
By Air: The nearest airport to Rojales is Alicante-Elche Airport which is 49km away. You can also fly into Murcia International Airport which is 75km away. Both of these airports have regular flights from the UK.
By Car: Rojales is easily accessible by car via the AP-7 motorway. You can hire a car at both Alicante and Murcia airports.
By Public Transport: There is no train station near Rojales and buses to Rojales from either airport are very difficult to come by. If you’re not hiring a car we would recommend pre-booking a taxi.
Is Rojales worth visiting?
Yes, we think that Rojales is definitely worth visiting. For those visiting on holiday, there are many villas and apartments to rent locally which are ideal for families. For all visitors there is plenty to do in the area, particularly for those visiting Rojales with children. In Rojales you have the best of both worlds, an authentic Spanish town, near the beach, and just a short drive from the airport.
Rojales is also worth visiting for a day out as there are lots of attractions in the area to keep you busy.
When is the best time to visit Rojales?
The best time to visit Rojales is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the town is much less crowded. At this time of year you can enjoy wandering around without getting too hot, will be able to park easily, and be able to get a table in one of the many restaurants in Rojales.
However, we know most people will want to visit during the summer months when the children are off school, and this is also a good time to visit as all attractions are open during the peak season and there are also a lot of fiestas you can join in with!
Where is the nearest beach to Rojales?
The nearest beach to Rojales is Guardamar del Segura which is approximately a 15 minute drive. You also have the beautiful La Mata beach just 20 minutes away.
What is there to do in Rojales?
Whether you are on a day trip to Rojales or spending a week or 2 on holiday in the town, you’ll be pleased to know that you won’t be short of things to do. Here are some of the best things to do in Rojales…
Explore the Cuevas del Rodeo
This unique cave house neighborhood is located in the hills just behind the town centre and is accessible either on foot or by car.
Las Cuevas del Rodeo are home to a number of cave houses which contain artists workshops and galleries. There are also some fantastic sculptures made of scrap metal, beautifully painted patterns and murals, as well as stunning panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
You can go and wander around this little neighbourhood at any time, and most of the cave houses will be open during the day. However, the best time to visit is on the first Sunday of every month when there is also live music, a bar, craft stalls and various workshops you can take part in.
Google Maps link to the Cuevas del Rodeo
Have a day out at the Water Park
When you need to cool off, the water park is the best place to go and one of the most fun things to do on holiday in Rojales! Aquapark Rojales is open from June-September and is a good sized waterpark for younger children and early teens.
There’s various water slides including the winding rapids and the ‘Kamikaze’, a lagoon style pool for small children with fountains, and a swimming pool. You’ll also find an onsite restaurant and cafe, sunbeds and umbrellas, and free parking.
Ticket prices are €11 for children aged 4-10 as well as seniors, and €16 for aged 11 and over. Unfortunately you still have to pay the full price even if you just want to accompany the kids and not go on any rides.
For older teens and adults, we’d recommend Aquapolis in Torrevieja, which although a 20 minute drive from Rojales is much better suited to an older age group.
Visit the Shell House
The Shell House in Rojales is close to the Cuevas del Rodeo and a fun, quirky place to stop for a quick visit.
The owner Don Manuel Fulleda Alcaraz, began collecting shells from the local beaches when he retired in 1993 and has decorated his house inside and out. Not one surface isn’t covered in shells!
In total there are 600 square meters of wall covered with over 700,000 shells, in various shaped mosaics such as flowers and animals.
Known locally as the Casa de las Conchas, the Shell House has recently been opened to visitors by the owners son, and costs €5 per adult. (Children are free).
You can find directions to the Shell House Rojales here.
Wander around the town and along the Segura River
Rojales is a small traditional Spanish town, divided into two parts with the River Segura flowing through the middle. There isn’t much in the way of shops or sightseeing in the town, but you can have a pleasant stroll along by the river and stop for a drink or some lunch. Even in the busy summer months it’s quite a peaceful place to spend some time.
There’s also some great street art throughout the town to stop and take a look at, and on a Thursday morning you can find a bustling market in the middle of the town, selling the usual fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, clothing, bags, and toys.
Explore El Recorral park
A short drive out of the town centre you will find a fantastic park called El Recorral, the perfect place to spend a peaceful morning or afternoon.
As well as a children’s play park and picnic areas (including BBQ area), there is a nice pathway around the lake where you can spot various birds, fish, frogs and other wildlife.
Detailed wooden sculptures are dotted around the lake, and there are also signposts with questions about nature for kids to try and answer. You can follow various pathways to walk further around the park and take in the mountain views. Dogs are allowed on leads and there’s lots of free parking.
There’s also a water pump which is great fun for children to have a play with, and use to cool off in the summer!
Visit the Easy Horse Rescue Center
In Rojales you can find the Easy Horse Rescue Center, an amazing sanctuary for rescued horses and donkeys. The owners and volunteers do such a great job of rescuing and rehabilitating abused, neglected and abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys and paying a visit can help them to raise the much needed funds they need in order to continue their work.
The centre is open to the public every day from 12pm-2pm (booking required) and they also host a monthly open day where you will be given information about each of the animals and can also have a wander around to see the stables.
We visited on an incredibly hot and humid August day a few years ago, and I’d personally recommend visiting in the cooler months!
Play a round of golf at La Marquesa Golf Club
If you enjoy a round of golf then you’re in luck as La Marquesa Golf Club is one of the most historic courses on the Costa Blanca.
Golf champion Miguel Angel Jimenez is a member of this club, and the mythical hole “The 17th hole of Sawgrass” is unique!
You can book a round of golf on their website for €64, and enjoy lunch or dinner in the beautiful restaurant.
Visit a museum
In Rojales there are two interesting museums you can visit. The archeology museum in the centre of town is located in the former Town Hall building, and has two large areas showcasing paleontology and archaeology from the local area.
The Museo de la Huerta located just outside the town, shows you first-hand what farm work was like in this part of Spain. The beautiful old house acts as a living museum with has lots of old furniture, photos, and various other items to admire and learn about. The gardens have orchards, various farming machinery, stables and more.
These two museums are free to enter and a great way to entertain kids in Rojales.
Walk up to the windmill
If you’re out exploring Rojales, make a stop at the traditional windmill which has been recently restored. It’s located on the hill close to La Marquesa Golf and you’ll be able to see it if you drive down the CV-91 from Rojales to Guardamar.
You can only admire the windmill from the outside, but it’s worth a stop if you’re passing by. The views from the hill stretch out towards the mountains and at night the windmill looks beautiful all lit up.
Have a game of Crazy Golf
The neighbouring town of Ciudad Quesada is part of the municipality of Rojales and here you’ll find a small crazy golf course at Quesada Mini Golf.
You can also have a drink and a meal here, a good option if you want to have a drink while the kids play mini golf. Quesada Mini Golf is open daily from 9:30am – 11:30pm.
If you have a car, there’s a bigger and more impressive crazy golf course at Greenlands Sports Club approximately 6km from Rojales.
Go Bowling
Also in Quesada you’ll find a bowling alley, a perfect place to get out of the sun on a hot day!
It’s only a small place with 5 lanes, but at €4 per game you can’t go wrong! There’s also pool tables and a bar serving drinks and snacks, as well as on road parking outside.
Quesada Bowling is open daily from 12pm – 12am.
Wear the kids out at Soft Play
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Rojales, this one is ideal. There aren’t many soft play venues in Spain, but in the centre of Quesada you’ll find the Cerveceria Don Carlos, a modern bar with soft play upstairs that is free for clients to use.
It’s located in the middle of the high street with plenty of parking nearby.
Where to go on a day trip from Rojales
The beauty of this area is that there are so many fantastic places to visit within a short drive. Check out these posts for some suggestions of local places ideal for a day trip from Rojales…
Where to stay in Rojales
Looking for accommodation in Rojales? There’s plenty to choose from but we recommend booking early as most places book up fast!
Modern Villa with Private Pool – A modern 4 bedroom villa in Rojales with private pool and whirlpool, barbecue facilities and private terrace. Find out more and book here.
CH Marquesa Golf – Situated close to La Marquesa Golf Club is this three bedroom house with outdoor communal swimming pool, garden, terrace and mountain views. Find out more and book here.
Belvilla by Oyo – This two bedroom villa with private pool, garden and barbecue facilities is located near La Marquesa Golf Club. Find out more and book here.
Casa Riva – A beautiful villa on a modern complex in Rojales, with pool and gardens. Located just 8 minutes from the beach. Find out more and book here.
Hotel La Laguna Spa & Golf – Just outside Rojales is this beautiful 4 star hotel with a lagoon-style saltwater pool, spa overlooking a Japanese garden with a large saltwater jacuzzi, gym and restaurant. Find out more and book here.
If you are visiting the Rojales area, we hope this blog post has given you plenty of ideas of things to do and places to stay.
