PROPERTY AT PORTOCALA, COSTA DEL AZAHAR, SPAIN

Please note that Portocala is not included in my guide to quality new developments in Spain.

Introduction to Portocala, Benicasim, Costa del Azahar

The Costa del Azahar – or Orange Blossom Coast– is one of Spain’s hidden jewels. One of the main reasons for this is because to date there has been no international airport serving the region.  With a new airport being built this situation is changing, and the number of foreign tourists visiting the Costa del Azahar is set to surge. As the premier resort on the Costa del Azahar, Portocala will benefit from the coast’s growing reputation as an authentic Spanish region, with a traditional Spanish feel to it.

Description of Portocala, Benicassim, Costa del Azahar

Portocala is an upmarket, gated development, set on a hill on the shores of the Mediterranean. Because of Portocala’s slight elevation, there is nothing to disturb the lovely views of the sea from everywhere on the resort, and spectacular sea views are without question one of the great strengths of Portocala.

The reason why sea views are so sought after is because there is nothing like them to lift the spirits. With this in mind the developers have been careful to maximise the views from all properties at Portocala. The result is that vast majority of properties at Portocala will have great sea views. This is possible because of the way the hill curves, offering panoramic views from east to west, which is also helps get the best of the day’s sunshine.

Spread over some 80 hectares of land, Portocala is a new resort, so although the infrastructure - roads and street lighting – has been installed, only a fraction of the planned total of 800 properties have been built. Portocala has a build density of 26%, which is low for a sea-front development. In practical terms this means a high percentage of the land will be dedicated to landscaped gardens, sports areas, and communal zones, which in turn means an open, spacious development that is a pleasure to live in.

Apartments, town houses, and villas will be built at Portocala, so all types of property requirements are catered for on the resort.

The infrastructure is in good condition, and it is clear that quality materials have been used to build communal areas, which is always a good sign. It is the sign of a developer not trying to penny-pinch or cut corners with communal areas that do have an impact on the quality of life on any resort.

Much of the value of Portocala is yet to come, such as a luxury hotel with wellness centre and spa, own beach access, on-site mini-market, shops and restaurants. There will also be paddle tennis courts and practise putting areas, and the developer plans to organise a full range of property management services for owners at Portocala.

The Area Around Portocala

Portocala is situated just outside the town of Benicasim, in the province of Castellon, Valencia. It is 80 kilometres north of the city of Valencia, and the same distance again south of the border with Catalonia.

The scenery is dominated by the Mediterranean Sea on one side, and the hills of the ‘Desierto de las Palmas’ natural park on the other. Behind the hills of the natural park are the mountains of the Sierra d’En Garcerán. The dramatic contrast between the hills and the sea ensure that Portocala has a stunning natural setting.

You could almost describe Portocala’s setting as rural. In front there is virgin coastline, and behind the wild hills of the natural park. But just 5 minutes away to the south by car you reach the popular beach of Benicasim, and the pretty little town of the same name. 10 minutes drive up the coast northwards you are in the town of Oropesa, with its railway station for fast trains to Barcelona and the City of Valencia. 10 minutes drive inland and you are in wild, hilly countryside.

The natural park behind Portocala is a lovely spot for hiking or biking. Despite the name, it is far from a desert. These are rocky hills covered with thick vegetation, including palm, carob, almond and olive trees, not to mention aromatic plants such as rosemary and thyme. Monks of the Carmelite Order retreated into this area in the 16th Century to get away from the ‘modern world’. There is still a working Carmelite monastery here today.

The most attractive town on this coast is Benicasim, with its air of gentility, and its world-famous jazz festival. Another lovely town on the coast is Peñiscola, with its imposing castle on a headland that juts out into the sea. For a full range of shops and services there is the city of Castellón de la Plana, 15 minutes away, and Valencia – Spain’s 3rd largest city - is only 1 hour’s drive.

Benicasim has always been popular with affluent holidaymakers from Madrid, this being one of the easiest coasts to reach by car from the capital. A history of affluence can be seen in the elegant Modernist villas at the end of the beach at Benicasim. Plans to link Madrid and the City of Valencia with a fast train are expected to increase Spanish demand for property in this area. A new, international airport being built in Vilanova d’Alcolea, just 20 minutes away by car, is expected to increase international demand.

The Costa del Azahar has also managed to conserve its Spanish identity and civility better than other coasts further south, which makes it enormously appealing to many English-speaking buyers, who crave traditional charm and decency. The popularity of the region may well surge when word gets out, and people realise what it has to offer.

About the Developer of Portocala - Onofre Miquel

Grupo Onofre Miguel was one of the first private Spanish developers to gain the ISO 9001 European Quality Certificate. Grupo Onofre Miguel has been in operation since 1940.

Always use an independent lawyer when buying property in Spain. When buying off-plan or under construction, always insist on a bank guarantee to cover your stage payments. Make no payments without one.