ZENIA BOULEVARDis the Orihuela Costa's largest shopping centre, the South Costa Blanca's biggest mall, and one of the area's most visited tourist attractions, thanks in part to a packed social events calendar that runs throughout the year.
A commercial sanctuary for hardcore consumers and casual window shoppers alike, Zenia Boulevard sports a spectacular 161,000m of magnificent retail heaven.
More than 150 shops representing global and national Spanish brands are spread (mainly) across a single floor, navigated via avenues that meander around the shopping complex opening up into spacious plazas and a large central courtyard that provides a focal meeting point.
As you wander through the shopping mall you'll find plenty of familiar and instantly recognisable brands. Clothing retailers H&M, Gerry Weber, Bershka, Mango, and Massimo Dutti rub shoulders with jean giants, Levis.
Zenia Boulevard, a shopper's paradise
And of course, no respectable avant-garde shopping centre would be complete without a Primark store, and fast-fashion gurus will be pleased to hear that Zenia Boulevard has one too.
In fact, the successful Irish and British clothing and accessories company has 45 stores located throughout Spain, and the Iberian peninsula is the second biggest market for the prominent retail giant.
You might be surprised to find a little blast from the past, as C&A have an outlet at Zenia Boulevard.
The prolific Belgian retailer was exceptionally beloved for their sensible-if-sober fashion clothing in the UK, but shops disappeared from the British high street more than two decades ago.
Your international shopping centre, a European retail heaven
Nestled alongside these familiar (and sometimes forgotten) names are a wealth of Spanish retailers such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Punt Roma, Cortefiel, Koala Bay, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius and one of our personal favourite fashion brands, Desigual.
But it's not just the fashion stores which contribute to an international feel, and Zenia Boulevard offers a full complement of European shops including the Spanish hypermarket Al Campo, and a consumer electronics outlet from German corporate giant Media Markt (Europe's largest retailer of home electricals).
France is well represented, with a large sporting goods store from French retailer Decathlon, and Parisienne retailer Conforama also have a presence at the large open mall-style complex, offering a furnishings and homewares store.
Zenia Boulevard's upper floor offers a selection of eateries, and with nine cafes, coffee bars, and ice cream parlours, in addition to 16 fast food or international fine dining restaurants, there's plenty to choose from. Each one is an amazing place to stop, relax, and people watch.
Zenia Boulevard, relax and people watch
The international atmosphere continues with American food chains Subway and Burger King. For those looking for something a little more authentic, the Spanish tapas bars Lizarran and My Tapas are highly recommended.
Restaurants La Tagliatella and Muerde la Pasta present Italian dining choices for weary shoppers, the latter offering a fixed price entry fee in exchange for an all-you-can-eat unlimited buffet that includes unfettered access to a self-service bar – replete with a choice of beers and wines.
The upper food court offers a wide variety of informal take-away style dining choices, with venues surrounding a common courtyard for casual and family dining.
Of course, the Orihuela Costa's favourite shopping centre is more than just a high quality beautifully designed open-air mall, and Zenia Boulevard is a comprehensive entertainment hub that serves the local leisure needs at the centre of the community.
Entertainment 24-7, more than just shopping on offer
There's more on offer than just great shopping, and the Blue Ribbon facility boasts free Wifi for all visitors, the Casino Mediterráneo, a 5D cinema, a video arcade and a bowling alley.
Younger shoppers will enjoy Zenia Park, an open-air children's funfair with rides and an imaginatively designed playground.
A playroom for children aged 4 to 10 years old is provided free of charge, and with safety in mind at all times, the mall offers free identification bracelets for each child so that they can be located easily and returned to their parents.
Zenia Boulevard runs a perpetual calendar of social events throughout the year, including special events for children and families.
A wide variety of entertainment takes place annually, including Flamenco dancing in the central plaza, Spanish wine tasting sessions presented by local vineyards and urban wineries, and large charity events.
Zenia Boulevard, family-friendly and speciality events
The Christmas festivities are especially spectacular, and the stunning display of lights and a towering Christmas tree in the main plaza draws visitors from across Europe.
Catering to the needs of die-hard shoppers and open on Sundays during the summer season, the centre offers daily late night shopping until 22:00 with a seasonal summer tourist train that connects the mall with Playa Flamenca and Campoamor to the south.
Ample free car parking is available both over and underground, and Zenia Boulevard offers lift access throughout the shopping centre at all levels for parents with young children and those with limited mobility.
Definitely, a wonderful place to visit on a hot summer's day during your holiday and just as equally rewarding out of season too. Visit the Zenia Boulevard website and discover more about the Costa Blanca's favourite shopping mall. Alternatively, find out the shopping centre's opening hours today.
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costaor join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: LaZenia.com
