San Miguel de Salinas is a small Spanish municipality located in the province of Alicante, specifically in the Vega Baja del Segura region. The city is located near the municipalities of Los Montesinos (6.6 km), Torrevieja (9.3 km) and Jacarilla (11.4 km).
Some details about San Miguel de Salinas:
- Murcia-San Javier airport distance: 33 km (25 min).
- Alicante airport distance: 62 km (45 min).
- To get there from Valencia, Murcia and Alicante: take the A7 and AP7 motorways.
- Municipality area: 54.9 km².
- Population: 6034 inhabitants (2019 census).
- Distance from the sea: 4 km – straight, or 7 km – by road.
San Miguel de Salinas has a unique healing microclimate, due to its unbeatable location near the salty lakes of Torrevieja. The fresh and pure mineral-laden air, the more than 300 sunny days a year, the mild winters without snow and the fresh fruits and vegetables always available make this place the most suitable for holidays or living.
The history of San Miguel de Salinas
The first mention of the settlements on the site where San Miguel de Salinas is located today dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. However, archaeological excavations also confirm the presence of Arab and Iberian settlements in this area. We can assume that these were the homes of farmers and shepherds who cultivated and herded on these fertile lands.
At the end of the 16th century, the inhabitants of the settlement began to build houses and settle permanently, in order to work the land and take care of the livestock. Currently, these houses are part of the old city centre of San Miguel de Salinas.
At the beginning of the 18th century, its own chapel was built, which was maintained for about 90 years and was later destroyed. The new parish church was built in the early eighteenth century, and to this day it is still open. We are talking about the Parish of San Miguel Arcángel.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the inhabitants of San Miguel de Salinas filed a petition in Murcia, the city on which they were dependent, asking them to withdraw the city from the administrative subordination of Orihuela in order to become an independent municipality. The request was granted, however, due to political unrest (the Liberals came to power, the monarchy returned, and other events), the city lost and regained its independence on more than one occasion.
In 1829, San Miguel de Salinas suffered the consequences of a strong earthquake. The municipality was restored again thanks to a request for allocation of funds from the Bishop of Orihuela.
After long disputes for many years with the neighbouring municipalities of Orihuela, Torrevieja and Almoradí, due to parts of the territory that San Miguel de Salinas claimed, it finally became a legally independent city in 1955, occupying an advantageous position among the Torrevieja salty lakes and the Pedrera reservoir.
Infrastructure of San Miguel de Salinas
The city has everything you need to enjoy a comfortable stay:
- Supermarket chains like Mercadona, Spar, Consum, Dia, Dialprix, Aldi, as well as numerous shops and business;
- San Miguel de Salinas medical centre and pharmacies;
- State educational centres for children and adults: Escuela Infantil de Primer Ciclo, CEIP Gloria Fuertes (educación infantil y primaria), Escuela de Música Municipal, IES Los Alcores (educación secundaria), Centro Docente Público de Formación Básica de Personas Adultos;
- private educational centers: Colegio Internacional El Limonar International School, Escuela de Música Irmgard Beck, Colegio El Limonar International School Villamartin;
- Bankia, Bankinter, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell, Santander bank offices;
- estaurants with local Mediterranean cuisine; such as Market St. Restaurant, Mesón El Prado, Doña Isabel, Las Cuevas;
- cheap cafes and bars. For example, The New Tavern (English pub), Golden Curry (Indian cuisine), The Nut House (Spanish coffee bar), Alingui (European and Mediterranean cuisine), etc.
- green areas, playgrounds, a football stadium (Campo de Futbol Montesico Blanco).
- the local fruit and vegetable market;
- a library;
- hairdressers;
- furniture stores;
- gyms.
The best tourist attractions in San Miguel de Salinas
The charm of this wonderful city is not due to its climate with healing properties, but it also has its own sightseeing spots, since its history dates back centuries. Previously, we mentioned the old church of San Miguel Arcangel, located in the central plaza of the city.
Most of the festivals (there are many in San Miguel de Salinas) are held right next to the church. The most popular festivals are the festivities in honour of San Miguel Arcangel, patron saint of the city, which take place in September; the festivities in honour of the Santisima Virgen del Rosario, which take place in October; and the festivities in honour of Santa Cecilia, which are celebrated in November. In addition, the residents of San Miguel de Salinas celebrate the traditional carnivals.
In summer, a giant cinema screen is set up under the open sky in the plaza Jaime I: The Summer Auditorium. Many tourists and residents enjoy these months watching concerts, shows, etc.
Lovers of history and antiquities can visit the neighbouring town of La Zahurda, where remains of ancient settlements were found.
Lovers of animals and outdoor activities should visit the equestrian stable Hípica Gilillo. They give riding lessons for children and adults.
- Location here
- Telephone: +34 639 21 55 38
- Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Las Colinas Golf & Country Club offers prestigious sports and unforgettable holidays. There is not only a magnificent golf course in the territory of this club, but also a hotel and a gourmet restaurant.
- Location here
- Website: www.aworldapart.es
Also, there is an amazing restaurant in San Miguel de Salinas: Las Cuevas restaurant. It has a very unusual appearance, since it is a cave house. The restaurant offers Mediterranean, European, and international cuisine and has an excellent reputation among visitors.
- Location here
- Telephone: +34 600 00 11 17
- Website: www.lascuevas.es
Housing in San Miguel de Salinas
Due to its favourable geographical location, excellent climate, and low housing prices, the properties in San Miguel de Salinas have been in constant demand for many years. More than 60% of home buyers in San Miguel de Salinas are foreigners, however, Spaniards are also interested in this area.
According to data from the Idealista by May 2020, the average price of housing in San Miguel de Salinas has been € 1562 / m2. In addition, the cost of an apartment starts from € 45 000; the price of a small bungalow − from € 41 500; the price of a house − from € 108 900; and the cost of a villa with a swimming pool − from € 199 900.
It should be noted that in San Miguel de Salinas there are both old construction and high-tech modern designed houses, bungalows and villas. Its range is truly diverse and there are options for all tastes and budgets. Although there are fewer apartments, the cheapest options are generally found in the city centre area. There are also new buildings with beautiful views, green gardens and turquoise pools.
For example, in the luxurious gated residential area Las Colinas Golf you can buy a two-bedroom penthouse, with two bathrooms, starting at € 425 000. The penthouse has a terrace with magnificent views of the emerald golf course, its own solarium, a garage, a swimming pool and private security 24 hours.
If you are interested in this wonderful city and want to buy a home in San Miguel de Salinas, you can get acquainted with our wide range of homes by checking out our catalogue, or you can contact our specialists.
