Orihuela is one of those destinations that steals your heart without you even realizing it, thanks to its medieval history in the center and its picture-postcard beaches on the coast. And if we wrap it all up with the Costa del Sol climate… your vacation will be the envy of everyone. It is an ideal place to disconnect, for the most stressed people, and to seek adventures ideal for those who do not want to miss anything. Keep reading!
What to see in Orihuela: monuments, museums, and surprising places
In Orihuela, there are cultural plans and offers for all tastes. Here are the places that, in our opinion, you cannot miss under any circumstances:
Cathedral of the Savior and Santa María
The Orihuela Cathedral is like the wise grandmother of the city that remains imposing on the outside and is full of treasures inside. It was built on Visigothic and Arab remains, mixing Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque in a hodgepodge that leaves you speechless.
You can’t miss its cathedral museum, with paintings by Velázquez and Ribera, and the tower with a 14th-century clock that seems to have been taken from a pirate movie. Climb up if you dare, but be careful with the stairs, which are not for the faint of heart.
Episcopal Palace and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art
This palace is an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of the center, with baroque cloisters and a collection of sacred art that transports you to the Renaissance. It houses works by Salzillo and Vergara, perfect for a bit of culture without crowds.
Monastery of Orihuela, castle, and medieval walls
The Monastery of San Miguel de Orihuela is one of those places that surprise both for its history and its privileged location. Located on top of Mount San Miguel, it shares the spotlight with the Castle of Orihuela and the ancient medieval walls that surround the area. From here you get spectacular views of the Arab walls, the Almohad towers, and the old cistern, which seems to have been taken from a legend.
The walk up to the monastery and the castle is a small physical challenge, but it is totally worth it: the panoramic views of the Segura River and the Oriolan orchard make the effort forgotten as soon as you get to the top. Of course, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes to enjoy the tour and the surroundings without rushing.
Other surprise corners: Church of Santiago and Rubalcava Palace
The Church of Santiago Apóstol boasts a Gothic tower and 17th-century paintings that leave you glued to the floor. Nearby is the Rubalcava Palace, dating from the 19th century, with gardens, Manises ceramics, and a marble staircase that screams elegance. Both are quick but impressive stops, ideal for a pedestrian route without exhausting yourself.
Touring the historic center: past, art, and architecture
The historic center of Orihuela is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets that takes you from the Middle Ages to the Baroque without you realizing it.
You can stroll through the Plaza de la Constitución with century-old palm trees and buildings such as the Town Hall, where you will feel the pulse of a city that was the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia. The architecture is obvious with its Gothic facades, noble coats of arms, and convents such as Santo Domingo.
Its streets are a living history with Arab touches in the towers and Renaissance in the palaces, perfect for those who prefer to be part of the stories.
Orihuela Costa: beaches, coves, and guaranteed sunny days
Orihuela Costa is the beach counterpart to the history of the center. It has 16 km of coastline with fine sand beaches and rocky coves that seem hidden just for you to find them.
Highlights include Cala Capitán, with crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling, and Playa de Mil Palmeras, with a family atmosphere and beach bars where the sun shines almost all year round. Although it is not the Costa del Sol, its Mediterranean climate ensures relaxing days even in winter.
You can combine a morning on Campoamor beach with its lighthouse and virgin coves with an afternoon exploring the cliffs, so that your perfect plan is to disconnect between the sand, the sea, and sunsets that paint the sky orange.
How to get to Orihuela and get around the area easily
Getting to Orihuela is a piece of cake. You can go from Alicante taking the AP-7, which will take about 40 minutes, or you can also take the regional train from Alicante station, which although it is an hour’s journey will avoid possible traffic jams.
In case you come from Madrid or Valencia, you have the option of taking the AVE to Alicante and then a bus towards the beach.
Once on the beach, the roads to the center are good and it is a 20-minute journey. There are local buses that connect everything, but if you want to have more freedom you can rent a car. You also have free parking near the coves for greater comfort.
Practical tips to enjoy Orihuela to the fullest
To get the most out of Orihuela, we advise you to go in spring or autumn, as it is less hot and there is more local atmosphere.
Wear comfortable shoes for the city center because otherwise the stones will be your worst enemy, and you can’t forget the sunscreen, because the sun does not forgive in any season of the year.
Try the local cuisine with its baked rice in the center or paella on the beach. In the case that you are traveling with children, do not worry because there are activities for all ages, even if you are going to see a museum or want to join a free guided tour on weekends.
We remind you that it is important that you respect the heritage and do not touch any ruins or leave garbage in the coves, because everyone has the right to enjoy this shared treasure.
Do you dare to visit Orihuela? History and beach await you
Orihuela is a place full of surprises, one day you are admiring Gothic cathedrals and the next splashing in turquoise coves, all a stone’s throw away. With the apartments of Zapholiday as a base, you have the perfect excuse for a mixed trip with culture in the morning, beach relaxation in the afternoon. It is history with sun, art with sea breeze, so grab the car, book your accommodation and go for it. Orihuela awaits you with open arms and without haste.
