Ciudad Quesada Travel Guide: Our Week on the Costa Blanca | Two Passports Away

The majority of our week was spent doing something we don’t do often enough: absolutely nothing.

Most mornings began with a leisurely breakfast before finding a comfortable spot on the roof terrace, where we could sit back, enjoy the warmth of the Spanish sun and appreciate the views. When the temperatures climbed a little higher, the communal pool offered the perfect place to cool off and unwind.

There was no rushing, no strict schedule and no pressure to be constantly on the move. Instead, we embraced the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle that makes this part of Spain so appealing.

Although relaxation was very much the focus of the trip, we still managed to fit in plenty of exploring. Throughout the week, we ventured out to several nearby destinations including La Zenia, Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura, each offering something a little different. Whether it was strolling along picturesque marinas, wandering bustling promenades, browsing local markets, exploring shopping centres or discovering new places to eat, there was always something to keep us occupied.

One standout was Zoco Sunday Market, which is well worth a visit if you’re in the area. With around 300 stalls selling everything from clothing and homeware to local produce and gifts, there’s something for everyone. Better still, parking is plentiful and free, making it an easy and enjoyable morning out.

We also spent time exploring nearby Rojales, a charming town that quickly became one of our favourite local discoveries. Just a short walk from La Marquesa, it offered a much more traditional Spanish atmosphere, with attractive streets, welcoming cafés and a relaxed pace of life that felt a world away from where we were staying.

One of the things we enjoyed most about this part of the Costa Blanca was the incredible variety on offer within such a small area. While some parts of Ciudad Quesada have a strong international and expat feel, it only takes a short drive to find authentic Spanish towns, beautiful beaches, vibrant markets and excellent local restaurants. Whether you’re looking for culture, coastlines, shopping or simply somewhere pleasant to wander for a few hours, there’s no shortage of places to discover.

As always, food played a major role in our holiday, and fortunately there was no shortage of excellent dining options close by.

One of our favourite meals of the week was at Punjabi Palace in La Marquesa. The food was bursting with flavour, beautifully prepared and served by a friendly team who made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived. The Chicken Biryani was every bit as good as we remembered, while the Alishan Tikka, a boneless chicken dish cooked in a traditional tandoori oven with onions, peppers, chickpeas and aromatic spices, was a real standout. Served sizzling at the table, it was both impressive and delicious. Combined with the quality of the ingredients and excellent value for money, it’s easy to see why this remains one of our favourite restaurants in the area.

We also enjoyed dinner at Tastebuds in La Marquesa, another well-established local favourite. Offering great food in a relaxed and welcoming setting, it has clearly earned its loyal following among both residents and visitors. The Chicken Brochetas was a particular highlight, perfectly cooked and full of flavour. Our only criticism is that, like many local restaurants, it doesn’t have a dedicated website, which can make it difficult to browse the menu before visiting.

For something a little different, we headed to Yoku in Ciudad Quesada. The stylish presentation, attentive service and quality of the main courses made it one of the standout dining experiences of the trip. The starters were somewhat underwhelming, particularly the vegetable spring rolls, which failed to live up to expectations. Thankfully, the main courses more than compensated. Both the Pollo Al Curry Rojo Thai (Thai Red Curry) and the Pollo Con Anacardos (Chicken with Cashew Nuts) were packed with flavour and cooked to perfection, leaving a much more memorable impression.

Another restaurant we would highly recommend is RAMË in La Marquesa. Situated beside La Marquesa Golf, it offers an excellent selection of tapas, cocktails and spritzes, all enjoyed from a spacious sun-drenched terrace with wonderful views. The Chicken Satay, Croquettes and Crispy Gyozas were particular favourites, each showcasing the high quality of the ingredients used throughout the menu. While prices are slightly higher than those of some neighbouring restaurants, the exceptional food, friendly service and stunning rooftop terrace make it well worth the extra expense.

Overall, the area offers an impressive variety of dining experiences, from authentic Indian cuisine and relaxed local eateries to stylish gastro bars and international flavours. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, sunset cocktails or a memorable evening meal, there’s something here to suit every taste.

No holiday is complete without a few leisurely breakfasts, and Bar Cafeteria El Paseo in nearby Rojales quickly became one of our favourite spots of the week. Perfectly positioned overlooking the banks of the River Segura, it offered a wonderfully relaxed setting to start the day. There was something special about sitting in the morning sunshine with a coffee in hand, watching locals go about their daily routines while planning our own day ahead. The menu was refreshingly simple, but that’s exactly what made it so enjoyable. The freshly prepared tostadas, served alongside freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee, were consistently delicious and quickly became a daily ritual. Even better, breakfast for the two of us came to less than €10, making it exceptional value. If, like us, you prefer an authentic Spanish breakfast experience over the more tourist-orientated full English options, El Paseo is well worth a visit.

Our week in La Marquesa, Ciudad Quesada wasn’t about ticking off famous landmarks or following a packed itinerary, and that’s precisely what made it so enjoyable. Between lazy afternoons by the pool, catching up with family, exploring the surrounding towns and discovering some fantastic places to eat, it struck the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Sometimes it’s these slower-paced trips that leave the biggest impression, giving you the chance to properly unwind and appreciate your surroundings.

The Costa Blanca continues to surprise us with its charm, excellent food and laid-back lifestyle. While parts of Ciudad Quesada understandably have a strong expatriate community feel, it doesn’t take much effort to discover a more authentic side of the region. A short drive into nearby towns and villages reveals beautiful squares, traditional cafés, local markets and a much deeper sense of Spanish culture.

Food and drink prices varied considerably depending on where we visited, as did the quality, but there are some real gems to be found if you’re willing to explore a little. The local markets were a particular highlight, packed with fresh fruit, vegetables and other regional produce. We also quickly became fans of the rotisserie chickens available at several local markets and shops, which were packed with flavour and made for an excellent, affordable lunch. Combined with the region’s year-round sunshine and relaxed pace of life, it’s easy to understand why so many people return to this corner of Spain time and time again.