Hi Kim & Tim
Welcome to the Forum. We've got a place in Formentera del Segura which is 5 minutes' walk from you. We hope to be moving there in the very near future.
On your doorstep are the Cave Houses and the Shell House. Do a search for Cave houses in Rojales and you'll see some pictures.
It very much depends what type of food you like, but there's a good selection within walking distance. There's a really nice tapas bar in the centre of Rojales. I can't remember the name but it's quite near the hardware shop. Then you have a variety of restaurants in Benimar and in Benijofar there's a new one called El Gusto which we'll be trying out in April when we're over and Sonias Tapas Bar (go past the fountains in Benijofar and it's up on the right. Formentera has four or five good eateries. There's Manos bar just as you get into Formentera from Rojales. It's on the right where there is new building going on. Next to Manos is Timanfaya. Both do nice food. There's the Liffey Bar next to that. I have to say I haven't eaten in there because I prefer Spanish! In Formentera itself there are four or five other eateries so you'll just have to have a walk around.
Rojales market is lovely for fresh meat, fish and veg but you need to get there early every day.
Its a nice walk from the water mill in Rojales along the river to Formentera. In the better weather there are lots of flowers to enjoy.
Guardamar is the nearest seaside resort and is absolutely lovely. They have an amazing festival there in August each year. Badminton every morning in the sports centre if you're interested.
Torrevieja is often slated as very English, but sometimes there's nothing wrong with that. It has a lovely beach and promenade and an abundance of good restaurants and is great for shopping. I think their market day is Friday and it is HUGE - takes up about four streets so driving in and parking can be a challenge!
Elche is a must to visit. Lovely botanical gardens and the walkway by the river is lit up at night. If you like people watching, go on a Saturday and watch the weddings in one of the many restaurants by the side of the church.
Almoradi has a very interesting town square with doughnut trees. The trees are SHAPED like doughnuts; they don't actually grow on trees! Their market day is Saturday and again huge. It's lovely to sit in the town square and have a coffee and watch all the comings and goings.
Alicante - well worth several visits. The old town is lovely. The castle is amazing and free entry. The walk down from the castle takes you through lovely terraced gardens. You can go up but it's a hell of a climb. Normally there's a lift but there's also a bus from the centre of town. Lovely beach, great eateries.
Further afield - Guadalest is worth a trip.
I could go on but I had better go and do some work!
Irene