A Step Back in Time: The Story of Urb La Marina. How did it all begin? Part 1

Part 1: The Birth of Urb La Marina – From Vision to Reality

"Have you ever wondered how Urb La Marina began? For those who bought their homes here back in the 80s and 90s, this post will feel like a trip down memory lane. We’ve dug out the original MASA brochures that first promoted La Marina, showing exactly how this now vibrant town was introduced to the world."     Urb. La Marina, located in San Fulgencio, began its journey back in 1986, when Masa Promotora S.A., one of Spain’s biggest developers, launched what was then a brand-new concept: a self-contained residential urbanisation on the Costa Blanca. Masa’s brochures from the late 80s proudly showcased the Mediterranean lifestyle – with sunny terraces, sandy beaches just minutes away, and affordable bungalows and villas designed for international buyers seeking a “new home in the sun.”

The promise was simple yet powerful: affordable homes, a relaxed lifestyle, and sunshine year-round. Masa promoted not only the houses but the Spanish way of life — fresh produce from local markets, fiestas, tennis courts, and “the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.”

By the early 1990s, La Marina had grown into a thriving community, attracting buyers from the UK, Holland, Germany, Scandinavia, and beyond.

1998 – A turning point 

  That’s when Barclays Properties opened its doors, becoming the first English-speaking estate agency in Urb. La Marina. Barclays quickly became the go-to agency for international buyers, helping thousands of families settle into their dream homes.

Over the years, Urb. La Marina has transformed from a newly built development into a vibrant, multicultural community. What began with Masa’s vision in the 80s has become one of the most sought-after residential areas on the Costa Blanca – and Barclays and Watsons have been part of that journey since the very beginning.

2015 – Expanding the vision 

  With demand continuing to grow, the company expanded with the launch of Watsons Real Estate, a sister agency dedicated to exclusive listings. Today, both agencies work hand in hand, ensuring homeowners in La Marina receive maximum exposure for their properties while buyers benefit from a trusted, experienced team.

NATURAL BALANCE 

 The «La Marina» development is situated just a stone's throw from Elche and very few minutes from the city of Alicante on a small ridge running parallel to the coast, facing the Mediterranean, from which it is separated by an age-old State-protected pine wood.

The success of this town, shaped over the last five years and with a development that will not conclude until the end of this decade, stems from its ability to serve as a holiday retreat or permanent residence for those who prefer a habitat in direct contact with nature.

«La Marina» is a development in demand both by the Spanish and foreigners on account of its wide range of options. Villas, bungalows, garden apartments, business premises...

WELCOME TO URB LA MARINA, SPAIN 

 As a house owner you will have a little more time to yourself and more importantly, freedom from poor weather, rush hour traffic and nasty, official-looking envelopes.

You will be able to spend the greater part of the year or just the holiday period here. Invite your friends or your family to spend time with you. Life in Spain is good. Welcome to a fantastic country.

LA MARINA 

 La Marina offers you a part of Spain all to yourself. The Marina development is situated close to the old Spanish village of the same name. It is located inland and does not boast a maritime view in the sense. Your house will be only a few minutes away from the Mediterranean and the true Spanish way of life.

The Marina lies some 20 km north of Torrevieja and about 15 km south of Alicante international airport.

Turn left from the main village high street, between the monastery garden and the lemon groves and you are about 2.5 km from the entrance to the estate.

A NEW DEVELOPMENT 

 La Marina is a comparatively new estate, work having begun in March 1986. This is hard to believe when you see the number of villas, bungalows and gardens which have been constructed.

Such attractive estates always grow quickly, and La Marina is just an early first link with abundant horticulture and roads and charming little landscape touches that add its character to the estate.

From your bungalow, the Mediterranean, the sea shore and Sierra mountains will often all be visible. Enjoy the cooling afternoon breeze in your hillside home. During its history this area has been inhabited by many varied cultures including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and finally the Spanish.

MARINA SERVICE 

 La Marina is a busy activity centre where you can purchase cheaply all you require from the new shopping complex, the food store, restaurants and all kinds of cafés and bars. The many Spanish housewives who live nearby are keenly aware of shopping value and so be it that prices are kept at a realistic level for a prosperous market aimed more at locals.

MASA PROMOTORA also has a local office at La Marina. The staff will be only too pleased to help you with any problems. There is a sports complex with tennis courts and a large swimming pool for the more energetic.  

17 KM OF SANDY BEACH 

 On the way to the beach you will pass through the pine wood, where many Spanish families spend the weekend and afternoon sleeping. And there it is before you, the seven-kilometre long El Pinet beach, stretching from La Marina to Santa Pola. This sand dune area has always been famous for its crystal clear coves. It is a paradise for underwater fishing enthusiasts. Tabarca can be reached by boat from both Santa Pola and Alicante.

"I just love gardening, so this is a real paradise for me. Bougainvillea, jasmin, marguerites, hibiscus and geraniums thrive here. I would have needed a greenhouse back in England!" says Mr. Dole who has even begun to grow orange trees outside his home at La Marina.

THE REAL SPAIN

 When you live on the La Marina development you live close to the real Spain, because you are so close to the charming village of the same name. A village that has been lucky enough to retain its small, old world atmosphere. The area, which is mostly owned by the municipality of the village, is fresh and green with luxuriant gardens, large lemon groves and swaying palms.

The main street cuts straight through the village in typical Spanish style ending with a tunnel of pines at each end. The tree tops are full of singing birds. So many that you often wonder where they all come from.

Restaurants, bars, offices and shops line the street in the centre of the village. The old wooden shutters are usually shut—the big thing here is to keep the heat OUT not keep it in. La Marina offers you a slice of the real Spain all to yourself.

The story continues...

Did you find it interesting to learn about the beginnings of La Marina? If you are looking for houses for sale in La Marina urbanisation, you will discover that this place has retained its unique charm since its inception. What's more, our estate agency in La Marina urbanisation can help you find your ideal home.  

 In our next post, we will take a closer look at how La Marina went from being a pioneering project to becoming one of the most sought-after residential areas for investors. Don't miss it!