Orihuela, Costa Blanca, Spain

Villa and Apartment Holidays

Orihuela is the largest region in the Alicante province of the Spanish Costa Blanca, covering large inland and coastal areas. The capital, also called Orihuela, is about 20 Km inland, and has a fascinating Spanish cultural heritage.

Here, the Costa Blanca has 16 Km of fine sandy beaches with rocky coves, and the clear sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea stretch from Punta Prima just south of Torrevieja to Mil Palmeras.

Orihuela Costa, including resorts such as Cabo Roig, La Zenia, Campoamor and Playa Flamenca, is now one of Spain's most popular destinations for a Spanish summer holiday, attracting visitors from all over Europe to the Costa Blanca.

The town of Orihuela is about 22 km from Murcia and just under 60 Km from Alicante, on the southern Costa Blanca. Its rich Spanish culture and history can be seen in its remarkable romanesque, gothic and renaissance style churches, convents and palaces, five of which have been declared national monuments by the Spanish government.

In the 16th Century it became the Episcopal seat of the Alicante region, lasting nearly four hundred years, and contributing to its important artistic heritage and traditions. Orihuela has more museums in the region than any other town and there are five national monuments - Saint Domingo Convent, Saint Salvador Cathedral, Church of Saint Jusa and Rufina, the Bishop's Palace and the Church of Santiago.

It reached its peak of importance in the 8th Century under the influence of the Duke of Teodomiro, who established Orihuela as the capital of the Christian kingdom in Spain. Later, during the Muslim conquest, the city retained its independence until the 9th Century. The town was re-conquered by Jaime I in 1265 and given to Castilla although it was repopulated by people from Catalunya and Aragon.

The Cathedral and the Palace of Rubalcalva are monuments you should not miss. The Gothic-style Cathedral was built on grounds of a former mosque in the 12th century. Entering through the Door of Loreto you come across a beautiful Baroque organ, and through another entrance you will find the Renaissance style.

The Palace of Rubalcava was the family's residence until 1933, and in 1976 it became property of the town. The Palace has a sweeping marble staircase leading to the noble main rooms. The Red Salon is lined with the family portraits, the Yellow Salon used today for weddings and the Dance Hall or Hall of Mirrors which has a distinctly a French style.

The River Segura runs through the middle of Orihuela, the older part of the city being mostly north of the river. In common with other Spanish towns, the town  has many fiestas and celebrations. However one is unique to Orihuela, the Burial Procession at Easter, when the "Diablesa" (the female incarnation of the devil) is paraded through the streets of the city.

The region is largely agricultural with a varied landscape with mountains, orchards and palm groves leading to the coast, where there are two marines and several superb golf courses. It is also popular for horse riding, tennis and walking, having extensive rural pathways. The excellent tourist facilities, good communications and over 300 days of sunshine with an average temperature of 20 degrees Centigrade makes Orihuela on the Costa Blanca the ideal year-round holiday destination for sports and leisure.

Picture by Martin Röll

Alicante airport is only 60 minutes away, and within a short drive the excellent motorway provides easy connection to nearby towns on the Costa Blanca and the rest of Spain.