Have you ever been to Orihuela Spain?
Not to “Orihuela Costa” but Orihuela city, around 30 km..
It is a very historical city that has been inhabited since the days of the Roman Empire.
Reading this article leads me to believe you are already thinking of making your move to Spain and should you decide that Orihuela is your perfect destination then let me help you to make that move.
Before we start… Yours Free
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Where is Orihuela Spain?
Orihuela city is located on the Spanish Costa Blanca in the south-east of the country.
The small city of Orihuela is located around 50km to the south west of Alicante and can be found between the cities of Elche and Murcia.
Orihuela has around 50,000 inhabitants and is easily reached using the N340 from Alicante.
The capital of what is known as ‘La Vega Baja’, or the low fertile lowlands, Orihuela Spain is located in one of Alicante Province’s largest regions and part of the Valencian Community.
Orihuela City is located 30 km inland from the popular coastal resorts known collectively as Orihuela Costa.
The city has a small expat community, opposite to other cities as Benidorm.
What is the History of Orihuela?
The history of this city goes back a long way, after the Romans left, it became an area of peak importance around the 8th century during the Dukedom of Teodomiro.
The nobleman transpired Orihuela into the local capital of the Christian kingdom.
It was later to came under the control of the Muslim Moorish army during the 9th century before gaining its independence when reconquered in 1265 by Jaime I.
There are several historical reminders of the past for you to view here.
General Information about Orihuela
Orihuela Spain is one of the most beautiful towns near Alicante.
Orihuela Costa is located some 20km from the old city of Orihuela Spain and can be somewhat confusing.
Let me help you to clear that confusion right now.
There are several residential areas that make up Orihuela Costa and stretches from its border with Torrevieja in the north through to its southern extremity at Campoamor.
Travelling from Torrevieja, the first suburb you reach is Punta Prima, from here a nice coastal path takes you all the way to Campoamor.
If you enjoy your picturesque coastal walks, this one is for you.
There is a good selection of shops, with many available under one roof. Ideal if you wish to keep out of the afternoon sun.
The next location is Playa Flamenca, one of the most popular areas along the Orihuela Costa with two Blue Flag beaches and a number of shopping centres.
You will then find yourself in La Zenia, the largest shopping complex in Alicante Province is located here at Zenia Boulevard as well as another Blue Flag beach.
In Cabo Roig you will find an excellent assortment of entertainment venues to suit all tastes, or if you prefer this area of the Costa contains a good beach and a small marina.
Campoamar is home to one of the largest areas along this coastline, with a selection of upmarket beachfront properties, a sailing club and golf courses.
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What is the Weather like in Orihuela?
The weather in Orihuela is renowned for its mild climate throughout the year.
The annual level of sunshine is around 2,800 hours and the average temperature over the year is just under 19.5C, and only falling to 16C during the very pleasant winter.
The annual rainfall is very low, with only around 20 days of rain throughout the year.
Other inland cities such as Elche have an identical the weather, just 20 minutes away.
However, coastal cities such as Torrevieja or Guardamar, have an almost identical weather to other coastal towns.
The weather is at its most pleasant from May until October with long days of sun and lots of fresh air.
However, you will need to be aware that during the month of August, it is best you avoid the hottest part of the day as the temperature will often rise to around 40C.
What Architecture can be seen in Orihuela?
There is lots of historical architecture for you to discover throughout Orihuela City.
Coastal towns such as Calpe, Altea and Javea have a lot in common because of
The city of Orihuela has an abundance of religious buildings and a few museums dating from Roman antiquity.
The Iglesia Santa Justa Church was constructed during the medieval era and contains some beautiful interior architecture.
Another church worth your time to visit is the smaller Catedral Del Salvador y Santa Maria.
This church built in a Gothic style and contains a fantastic choir and organ.
Other churches in the city are fine examples of either gothic or baroque styles of architecture.
How much does it cost to rent or buy property in Orihuela?
You will be happy to learn that property prices across Alicante Province are cheaper than many other areas of Spain.
In the area around Orihuela Spain you may be surprised to learn that you can buy good quality modern 2 bedroomed apartments of up to 100 square metres in size, from just €80,000.
While similar sized apartments can be rented for the fee of around €400 per month.
What are the most Interesting Attractions I should visit in Orihuela?
Orihuela Castle
Lying in a ruinous state, Orihuela castle retains a dominant view over the city below.
The castle was built in about 713AD by the Visigoth Count Theodimir to defend the region from invasion by the Moors.
In its day the castle commanded an excellent defensive position from the top of Monte de San Miguel on the Sierra de Orihuela Mountain.
It is possible to walk up to the castle, it is quite a steep climb and unclear in some places, but the effort is well worth it for the views once you reach the top.
Miguel Hernandez House and Museum
The poet Miguel Hernandez was a native of Orihuela Spain and the house in which he lived along with his family is now a museum.
The poet was jailed for his anti-fascist views and wrote some of his best work while in prison.
The house is a modest home from the early 20th century and typical of the region.
Included in a visit here is a tour of the poultry yard, small patio and inside are photos, furniture and personal effects that surrounded the family life of one of this region of Spain’s great literary figures.
Catedral Del Salvador y Santa Maria
The Catedral Del Salvador y Santa Maria or the El Salvador Cathedral is built in the gothic style and was built on the grounds of a former mosque (Aljama Mosque) that was dated from the 12th century.
The church was built in the early 14th century and became a cathedral in 1564 at the time the city was granted its bishop status.
Walking through the 15th century Door of Loreto (a later addition to the church) will bring you to the baroque organ. Another door then takes you into an area full of Renaissance style architecture.
The Palace of Rubalcava
The Rubalcava family lived in this building until 1933, in 1976 it was granted to the city.
The best features include a marble staircase that takes visitors up to the very noble looking main salons.
The Red Salon houses generations of family portraits while the Yellow Salon is chiefly used for occasions such as weddings.
There is also a dance hall and a French style hall of mirrors.
The Diocesan Museum of Religious Art
This museum housed in the Episcopal Palace contains an interesting collection which includes paintings, precious metalwork, sculptures, furniture and textiles.
Within the chapel visitors will find the most important painting in the museum’s collection, ‘The Temptation of Saint Thomas Aquinas’, by Diego Velazquez.
Other paintings housed here include works by Sanchez Coello.
Medieval works dating from the 13th century are on show in addition to a textile dating from 1493 and known as the ‘Nuremberg Chronicle’.
Beaches
Orihuela has 16km of beaches along the length of Orihuela Costas with several being Blue Flag beaches.
Playa Flamenca has two sandy coves, the main cove is well serviced including lifeguards during the summer.
La Zenia is a beautiful golden sandy beach that attracts visitors all year. Several small beaches make up the expanse of beaches along this section of the coastline containing crystal clear water with the beach sheltered by the coves making for a safe bathing area.
Campoamor Beach is in a more residential area and the beach itself has good facilities including being wheelchair accessible.
Golf Courses
There are two wonderful 18-hole golf courses at Campoamor, offering different challenges to players of all standards.
There are also practice facilities, a driving range, equipment hire facilities, and club houses.
Villamartin has the areas third golf course, and this course is one of the most popular and challenging courses in the area with hilly fairways including some deep gullies to trap you should you not connect correctly with your ball.
Credit image: William Helsen
Yours Free
Spain 101 is a free ebook full of unique tips that will save you thousands of Euros when moving to / living in Spain.
Would you like to get your copy now?
Please click / tap on the image below:
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