- Region
- Águilas
- Alhama de Murcia
- Jumilla
- Lorca
- Los Alcázares
- Mazarrón
- San Javier
-
ALL AREAS & TOWNS
- AREAS
- SOUTH WEST
- MAR MENOR
- MURCIA CITY & CENTRAL
- NORTH & NORTH WEST
- TOWNS
- Abanilla
- Abarán
- Aguilas
- Alamillo
- Alcantarilla
- Aledo
- Alhama de Murcia
- Archena
- Balsicas
- Blanca
- Bolnuevo
- Bullas
- Cañadas del Romero
- Cabo de Palos
- Calasparra
- Camping Bolnuevo
- Campo De Ricote
- Camposol
- Canada De La Lena
- Caravaca de la Cruz
- Cartagena
- Cehegin
- Ceuti
- Cieza
- Condado de Alhama
- Corvera
- Costa Cálida
- Cuevas De Almanzora
- Cuevas de Reyllo
- El Carmoli
- El Mojon
- El Molino (Puerto Lumbreras)
- El Pareton / Cantareros
- El Raso
- El Valle Golf Resort
- Fortuna
- Fuente Alamo
- Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort
- Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort
- Isla Plana
- Islas Menores & Mar de Cristal
- Jumilla
- La Azohia
- La Charca
- La Manga Club
- La Manga del Mar Menor
- La Pinilla
- La Puebla
- La Torre
- La Torre Golf Resort
- La Unión
- Las Palas
- Las Ramblas
- Las Ramblas Golf
- Las Torres de Cotillas
- Leiva
- Librilla
- Lo Pagan
- Lo Santiago
- Lorca
- Lorquí
- Los Alcázares
- Los Balcones
- Los Belones
- Los Canovas
- Los Nietos
- Los Perez (Tallante)
- Los Urrutias
- Los Ventorrillos
- Mar De Cristal
- Mar Menor
- Mar Menor Golf Resort
- Mazarrón
- Mazarrón Country Club
- Molina de Segura
- Moratalla
- Mula
- Murcia City
- Murcia Property
- Pareton
- Peraleja Golf Resort
- Perin
- Pilar de la Horadada
- Pinar de Campoverde
- Pinoso
- Playa Honda
- Playa Honda / Playa Paraíso
- Pliego
- Portmán
- Pozo Estrecho
- Puerto de Mazarrón
- Puerto Lumbreras
- Puntas De Calnegre
- Region of Murcia
- Ricote
- Roda Golf Resort
- Roldan
- Roldan and Lo Ferro
- San Javier
- San Pedro del Pinatar
- Santiago de la Ribera
- Sierra Espuña
- Sucina
- Tallante
- Terrazas de la Torre Golf Resort
- Torre Pacheco
- Totana
- What's On Weekly Bulletin
- Yecla
- EDITIONS: Spanish News Today Alicante Today Andalucia Today
HOME > ALICANTE VEGA BAJA > ORIHUELA
town
Orihuela Today
Orihuela is the largest municipality in the Alicante province
Orihuela is geographically the largest municipality in the province of Alicante, covering an area of 365 square kilometres, and is also the capital of the Vega Baja Comarca of the Alicante province within the Valencia region.
It is the fourth largest municipality in terms of population with over 70,000 inhabitants, of which as many as 24,000 are non-Spaniards.
So what brings them here? The reasons for the recent explosion of residential tourism are a combination of all of the factors which tend to attract expats: the weather, the beautiful beaches, the gastronomy, the golf courses, the lifestyle and a host of other factors.
The coastal area was already built up to a certain extent in the 1970s and 80s due to the expansion of Spanish residential tourism, creating tree-lined residential areas, well looked-after beaches and established golf courses: Club de Golf Las Ramblas de Orihuela, Las Colinas Golf and Country Club, Campoe Golf Villamartin and Real club de Golf Campoamor.
Nowadays the residential areas have spread inland, and the golf courses are lined with residential properties, but in the midst of all this development good sense has prevailed and building is, for the most part, low-rise. In total there are 57 different urbanisations, which are loosely grouped into: Dehesa de Campoamor, Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, La Regia, Las Mimosas, Los Dolses, Mil Palmeras and Villamartin.
Inevitably the coast and the City of Orihuela are two very different worlds.
Orihuela Costa has 18 kilometres of coastline,with sporting marinas at Cabo Roig and Dehesa de Campoamor, as well as an excellent offering of beaches, Playas Capitán, Caleta, Aguamarina, la Glea, Barranco Rubio, Cala Estaca, Cala Mosca, Mil Palmeras and Flamenca all offering a range of bathing conditions, but all with excellent access, facilities and activities for holidaymakers, all serviced by an ample offering of hostelry, commercial centres and service sector businesses.
Inland is a totally different landscape, agriculture the primary activity, the land rising on the Sierra de Orihuela, the city itself surrounded by the imposing Sierra de Hurchillo, with the River Segura running at its feet. Even further inland the El Agudo-Cuerda de la Murada offers a higher and drier landscape, split with ramblas, barrancas and pine scrubland, while in the centre is the embalse de la pedrera, creating another unique set of landscapes and leisure facilities.
The city of Orihuela itself is a fascinating historic location, the modest story of its development over the last two hundred years masking a period of splendour in the late Middle Ages and Early Modern period, when imposing churches, convents and palaces were built.
These dominate the urban structure of the city today, the city crowned by the remains of the Arab castle, the Castillo de Orihuela, and beneath its modern streets the Museo de la Muralla still holds the remains of the former Moorish city and the wall that surrounded it.
The 13th century Gothic Cathedral, the Santa Iglesia Catedral del Salvador stands in the heart of the city, the Convento de Santo Domingo the largest monument in the Valencia region.The Iglesia parroquial de santas Justa and Rufina has a rare Gothic tower, the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Monserrate an important collection of paintings, the Iglesia parroquial de Santiago Apostól an impressive carved façade, the Monasterio de San Sebastian a reproduction of the shroud of Turin, and there are many other convents and religious buildings, some of which sell sweets and pastries directly to the public.
The locals are fiercely proud of their heritage, as can be witnessed during the fiestas. The Day of the Reconquista on July 17 stands out among these, celebrating the events in 1243 which led to Orihuela being liberated from Moorish rule, and there is also a museum dedicated to these Moors and Christians celebrations, which are also at the heart of the winter Mediaeval market, held at the end of January, one of the largest in Valencia. The Easter Week celebrations are another spectacular demonstration of the Oriolanos’ sense of identity, and there is a museum dedicated to Semana Santa, a rare 17th century sculpture by Nicolas de Bussy in the archaeological museum which still participates in the parades and the town also has the unique tradition of the Caballero Cubierto, who can be seen in the form of a statue outside the Cathedral .
Another source of great pride is the Orihuela poet Miguel Hernández, who died in prison aged only 31 in 1942 after fighting on the losing side in the Civil War. The city is now full of reminders of the man and his work, and apart from his childhood home, which is now a museum, visitors should also pay a visit to the murals of San Isidro which were painted in his honour during the transition from dictatorship to democracy.
Another reminder of the historic past of Orihuela is the palmeral, the palm grove which has survived more than a thousand years, virtually intact from the days of Moorish occupation.
These links to the Arab past of the area are still echoed in the gastronomy of the area, the fruit and vegetables, the olive oil, the local meats and of course the products of the sea all combine to ensure succulent and healthy eating at every turn. Among local specialities are arroz con costra, all kinds of paella and a variety of sweet dishes which can be sampled in the restaurants and tapas bars of the municipality.
The municipality is further subdivided into a number of pedanías, or administrative districts, linked to the city by bus routes, and a train station: Arneva, Barbarroja, Camino de Beniel, Camino Viejo de Callosa, Correntías Altas, Correntías Medias, Correntías Bajas, El Escorratel, El Mudamiento, Hurchillo, La Aparecida, La Campaneta, La Murada, Las Norias, Desamparados, Los Huertos, Media Legua, Molino de la Ciudad, Molins, La Matanza, Raiguero de Bonanza, San Bartolomé, Torremendo.
The airport of Alicante-Elche is just a short drive away and the San Javier airport is also close by just across the border in the Murcia Region.
Orihuela is also a University city, the University (Universidad de Miguel Hernández) having two main campus: Campus de las Salesas and Campus de Desamparados.
All of this is supported by an extensive network of health facilities, commercial centres and sound infrastructure, all governed from the City of Orihuela itself.
Where is Orihuela city? Click for map, Orihuela
SELECT A SUBJECT OR READ THE LATEST TOWN ARTICLES BELOW
Palaces, Churches, MonumentsTourist info/useful infoWhat's on OrihuelaLocal news OrihuelaThings to do OrihuelaCultural and community venuesWhere to eatHistorical backgroundProperty, residential areasMiguel HernándezOrihuela beachesSporting facilities and servicesChurches and hours of serviceMedical svcs, useful numbers
ORIHUELA
Palaces, Churches, MonumentsTourist info/useful infoWhat's on OrihuelaLocal news OrihuelaThings to do OrihuelaCultural and community venuesWhere to eatHistorical backgroundProperty, residential areasMiguel HernándezOrihuela beachesSporting facilities and servicesChurches and hours of serviceMedical svcs, useful numbers
14-year-old boy who led gang of assassins is caught by police in SpainThe boy was head of an international network of underage killers who were hired to assassinate targets A 14-year-old Swedish citizen of joint Moroccan origin has been arrested in a major police operation in Spain, orchestrated by the.. 04/12/2024
Primark opens its newly renovated stores in Orihuela and ElcheThe improvements include a more modern look, plus self-checkout tills for customers Primark has unveiled its renovated stores at the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre in Orihuela and L’Aljub Shopping Centre in Elche. These store refits are part.. 29/11/2024
From Mercedes to Lamborghini: Alicante becomes the new hotbed of luxury car theftsThieves and criminal organisations choose high-end vehicles from tourist towns in Marina Alta and Vega Baja Alicante has become a hotspot for luxury car thefts, with a 9% increase in vehicle robberies in the first half of 2024 compared to the same.. 29/11/2024
Roadworks between Vega Baja and Alicante-Elche airport for the next 3 yearsThe contract for the work is set to be nearly 16 million euros The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility in Spain is ready to release the contract of the works for the maintenance and operation of state roads in the province of.. 25/11/2024
Orihuela sets its sights on golf tourism from Alicante cruise passengersThe cultural capital of the Costa Blanca wants to lure Alicante holidaymakers down south Cruise tourism is booming on the Costa Blanca and by the end of 2024, a hundred cruise ships with more than 230,000 cruise passengers are expected to arrive at.. 18/11/2024
A day with nature: Caser Residencial Santo Ángel residents visit El Valle Wildlife Recovery CentreThe residents enjoyed learning about wildlife conservation in Murcia’s natural reserve The residents of Caser Residencial Santo Ángel nursing home recently enjoyed a memorable daytrip to the El Valle Wildlife Recovery Centre in.. 09/10/2024
The internet company making a difference in SpainMore than just providing great internet connection, Excom help many good causes in the local communities where they are based Excom | Telecable are known for supplying high-quality home internet, mobile and TV services in Alicante and Murcia.. 24/09/2024
Where to get help with Excom internet, phone and TV service in SpainHere is a list of Excom stores in Alicante and Murcia and contact details Mobile, WiFi and television service provider Excom is a favourite among expats living in Spain and those who have a second home in the country, largely thanks to their flagship policy..
Using Excom mobile phone service abroad: Calls and internet dataFind out all about roaming, international calls and using your Spanish SIM card outside of Spain Spain-based telecoms company Excom is a popular provider for expats living in Spain who need mobile data, texts and calls, as well as flexible home WiFi..
Does a hot tub use a lot of electricity?Find out what the average energy usage is to help you decide if you want to buy a hot tub or spa product Owning a hot tub can bring immense relaxation and therapeutic benefits, but many potential buyers often wonder about the electricity usage and.. 18/06/2024
Internet in Spain for home and mobile with no extra fees from ExcomGet the best mobile internet and home WiFi in Spain from Excom Telecable Many people coming to Spain, whether permanently or for an extended vacation, wonder how they can get WiFi internet for their home and data for their mobile phone, plus calls.. 13/02/2024
Affordable all-season heating and air conditioning solutions in SpainHeat your home in winter and cool it in summer with an all-in-one A/C unit As the temperatures are expected to begin dropping in Murcia and the Costa Blanca over the next couple of months, now is the perfect time to consider a versatile.. 12/01/2024
Costa Blanca day trips: 6 fantastic places to discover in southern AlicanteMake the most of the cooler weather and enjoy everything the Costa Blanca has to offer this autumn/winter The Costa Blanca, or the White Coast in English, effortlessly conjures up images of pristine Mediterranean beaches and turquoise waters. But.. 21/11/2023
The Camino de Levante hiking and religious pilgrimage route to Caravaca de la Cruz2024 will bring thousands of walkers to the north-west of Murcia as they hike to Caravaca As Caravaca de la Cruz prepares for its 7-yearly Holy Jubilee in 2024 and gets ready to welcome thousands of hikers and religious pilgrims there are various new routes..
When you have to ask permission from the Community of Owners to have work done on your house in SpainIf you want to make changes to your Spanish home, you may have to get permission from the ‘comunidad’ and Community Administrators first… Sometimes your villa or apartment in Spain needs a bit of a spruce up, so you think you&rsquo.. 15/11/2023
The benefits of hiring a tax and financial assistance lawyer in SpainIs it worth contracting the services of a legal professional in Spain to help with your taxes and paperwork? Navigating the complex world of tax and financial regulations can be a daunting task, especially for individuals and businesses in Spain. To ensure..
town
Contact Murcia Today: Editorial 000 000 000 /
Office 000 000 000
News Orihuela
Whats On Orihuela
Where To Go Orihuela
Andalucia News Orihuela
Alicante News Orihuela
Lifestyle Orihuela
Spanish News Orihuela
Property Listings Orihuela
Weather Orihuela
Spanish Lifestyle Orihuela
Spanish Travel & Tourism Orihuela
Spanish Arts & Culture Orihuela
Spanish Weather Orihuela
Andalucia Weather Orihuela
Andalucia Lifestyle Orihuela
Andalucia Travel & Tourism Orihuela
Andalucia Arts & Culture Orihuela
Alicante Whats On Orihuela
Alicante Where To Go Orihuela
Alicante Lifestyle Orihuela
Alicante Weather Orihuela
Alicante Property Orihuela
Property News Orihuela
Motoring & Travel Orihuela
Spanish Property News Orihuela
Car Sales Orihuela