*** Within a 5 minute walk a new small attractive shopping centre has opened, Torremarina.Amongst it’s shops there is a Mercadona supermarket - very popular with locals as it is very reasonably priced.There are also a few bars & restaurants,our favourite being the Chinese Mandarin with menu of the day from 5.20euros per person for a 3 course meal with wine or beer.Also there is a travel agency where you can book day trips.The Torrevieja bus stop is outside the complex & there is the biggest market in Spain held there on a Friday morning.With many churches,beautiful beaches,squares,walks,parks,gardens & other natural beauty spots(Ferriz),as well as some wonderful historical monuments.Every month there are a variety of festivals and carnivals.In town several restaurants and bars cater for all tastes/ages plus a good choice of shops from budget to designer can be found.Boat trips from the port & a variety of activities are available including go karting & bowling.An 8 minute walk will bring you to Las Lomas commercial centre with bars,restaurants,shops & a bus stop for Torrevieja along the coastal road or,in the other direction to La Mata.Also a less frequent service to La Mata town runs just round the corner from the complex approx once an hour.In La Mata are the remains of the old port at Torrevieja,called the embarcadero romano,or Roman docks.Along this coast are the ancient watchtowers called El Moro and La Mata.La Mata is a smaller,more village like town than Torrevieja and in the pretty square is a gathering point with the locals,especially of an evening.There are pretty bars & restaurants,for a beachside drink or meal.If you prefer to walk there is wooden promenade from the beach nearest to the apartment right along to La Mata town.There are several bars along the promenade to stop & enjoy the view.The beach at the La Mata town end is particulary attractive & there is a childrens play park.On a wednesday morning a market is held in the colourful back streets