Located just over 45 minutes to the south-west of Alicante city, an enjoyable drive from the airport, Orihuela offers the style and appeal of a traditional Spanish town.
The birthplace of influential poet Miguel Hernández, Orihuela is well off the beaten path – away from the sand, sea and tourist hotspots you might otherwise associate with the region.
The more rural ambience of the location makes it great for walkers and those looking for a simple and relaxed experience.
There is a large expat population, and Orihuela is especially popular with the British.
This is unquestionably the ideal place to explore the more natural and classic attractions of the Alicante area. Here are some of the best reasons to visit…
Historical Monuments
Orihuela is one of the most storied towns on the Costa Blanca, with a fascinating past for you to delve into.
Visitors can marvel at the ruins of Castillo Orihuela, a castle which once enhanced Orihuela’s status as one of the most important settlements in the area. In fact, the destruction of the castle led to Alicante becoming a major city.
Inside the town itself there are plenty of interesting landmarks to view. The main church is Orihuela Cathedral, which was initially built as a Gothic church and was “promoted” to cathedral status in the 16th century.
Built over the top of an Islamic mosque, the cathedral features a mix of architectural styles, including Valencian Gothic and Renaissance, a grand and impressive interior, and even an organ from a Baroque renovation in 1733.
Head to the Course
If you are interested in getting in a little golf during your time in Spain, Orihuela should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
There are five golf courses in close proximity to the city, all with high-quality facilities, idea for all skill levels:
- Real Club de Golf Campoamor Resort
- La Finca Golf Resort
- Vistabella Golf
- Las Colinas Golf & Country Club
- Club de Golf Villamartin
Explore the Museums
Orihuela has an appealing array of cultural attractions, for a fun and insightful day trip. The former house of poet Miguel Hernández has been turned into a museum about his life, taking you on an interesting journey through the Spanish Civil War and Hernández’s persecution by the Franco regime.
Also well worth a visit is the Episcopal Palace, where you will find the Diocesan Museum of Religious Art – including paintings by Diego Velázquez and Alonso Sánchez Coello.
