Orihuela is a fairly large town lying twenty kilometres from the beaches of the Costa Blanca. It is a short distance north of Murcia and has a transfer time from Alicante airport of one hour. Orihuela has had a long and turbulent history and the many ancient sites and buildings are testimony to this. The town of fifty thousand inhabitants is a bustling thriving community that has developed a warm and welcoming tourist industry. The range of accommodation is excellent and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The beaches of Orihuela are long expanses of soft sand washed by clear blue waters and offer a range of water sports. An Orihuela holiday offers a choice of activities from exploring historical sites to lazy days on the beach.
An Orihuela holiday offers a guarantee of summer sun with many sightseeing opportunities. With beaches close by, days of cultural sightseeing can be combined with beach activities. Orihuela city breaks are popular with couples of all ages. Golfers are offered a choice of courses.
Orihuela is popular with couples of all ages. Being close to the coast, visitors can enjoy relaxing days on the beach as well as exploring the historical streets of the old town. Although there are some excellent hotels with good pool facilities for children, families often prefer their base to be closer to the beach.
The most popular time for an Orihuela holiday is from April to October when the temperature ranges from a very pleasant twenty five degrees rising to the early thirties in the height of summer.
Orihuela is a city, as well as a region, that sits on the river Seguria and extends to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca. The economy of the area is based on tourism and on agriculture. The climate here is perfect, not only for an enjoyable summer holiday but for the growing of citrus fruits, pomegranates, nuts and vegetables. Orihuela is also one of the cultural centres of the region with many fine buildings and monuments. The two most impressive of these are the Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a former mosque, and the Palace of Rubalcalva. Being a Bishopric, Orihuela has more than its share of wonderful churches and splendid architecture and several days are needed to explore the town. Such a tour should include the forest of towering palms.
Orihuela’s accommodation is wide ranging, from five star hotels to self-catering apartments and from villas to studios. The diversity of its restaurants is also great and caters for even the most pernickety of palates. Nightlife is fairly understated with the occasional lively venue.
An Orihuela holiday can combine city tours with days at the coast. There are several kilometres of soft sandy beaches and sheltered coves providing ample opportunities for relaxation in the sun or for water sports. Cabo Roig attracts an up-market clientele with its newly vamped marina and there are many more popular resorts including La Zenia and Playa Flamenca.
Golfers have a choice of courses including Villamartin and Las Ramblas. Remember to bring your handicap certificate as this is sometimes a course requirement.
As an Orihuela holiday has much to offer both in the town and the surrounding area, car hire is recommended.
Although Orihuela is a sizeable town its nightlife is fairly understated with evenings spent wandering the streets and enjoying a meal in one of the many excellent restaurants. The beaches of the region have some vibrant night spots with live music and karaoke.
Orihuela has a wide variety of shops providing for all your holiday needs. There are numerous opportunities for purchasing gifts and souvenirs. Nearby Elche is a producer of shoes and sandals these items are displayed in abundance. If a greater variety of goods is needed you can make the short journey to Murcia where there are boutiques and department stores. Wickerwork, ceramics, embroidered linens, leather goods, jewellery and trinkets are favourite souvenirs.
Orihuela has many fine restaurants providing a diverse cuisine including international dishes. Fish features prominently on menus and rarely disappoints. A good way to sample Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
Local wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
