Fiestas de la Reconquista (Moors and Christians)
Around 17 July, Orihuela's streets fill with splendid parades, gunpowder battles and historical re-enactments of the 1265 conquest. The festival is of national tourist interest.
PlizioGo
A unique regional rice dish baked in the oven with a thick egg crust and savory sausages.
Traditional syrup-soaked pastries that are a local specialty in the historic center's bakeries.
Visit local convents (like Santa Ana) to buy traditional almond cakes and pastries made by the nuns.
One of Europe's largest open-air shopping centers, designed like a Mediterranean village.
A traditional market where locals buy fresh produce from the fertile Vega Baja region.
The historic center's main street, home to independent boutiques and specialty shops.
A vast palm grove offering peaceful walking paths away from the city traffic.
A small, secluded cove south of the main beaches, surrounded by palms and offering clear waters.
Water temperature…
Orihuela is located in the south of the Alicante province within the Vega Baja del Segura region and possesses a rich historical legacy spanning millennia. The city once served as the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom of Tudmir and later became an episcopal see and university center, contributing to its monumental architectural heritage. Notable landmarks include the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador and the Santo Domingo College, often referred to as the 'Escorial of the East' due to its grandeur. Its geography is characterized by the Segura River, which irrigates the surrounding fertile plains, and the limestone peaks of the Sierra de Orihuela that frame the city to the north. Orihuela is also the birthplace of the renowned Spanish poet Miguel Hernández, and his former residence is now a dedicated museum. The municipality uniquely extends to the coast, where Orihuela Costa provides numerous beaches that contrast with the historic urban core.
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 23 | 19 | 13 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 27 | 16 | 34 | 32 | 19 | 11 | 3 | 14 | 35 | 27 | 35 | 34 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day in Orihuela begins at the monumental Santo Domingo College, followed by a literary detour to the house of poet Miguel Hernández. You'll cross the historic center to discover the Gothic splendor of the Church of Saints Justa and Rufina. Midday is dedicated to the city's rich history with a visit to the Museum of the Reconquista, which brings the famous Moors and Christians festivities to life. After a well-deserved lunch break, you'll explore the heart of the city, the impressive Orihuela Cathedral. The afternoon turns elegant at the Rubalcava Palace, where you'll get a glimpse into the aristocratic life of yesteryear. The day concludes with a peaceful stroll through the Palmeral de Orihuela, an oasis of calm and natural beauty, providing a perfect contrast to the historical hustle.
Start your day at Santo Domingo College, using its Renaissance cloisters as a beautiful refuge from the rain. At midday, head to the Cathedral and the Reconquista Museum to explore Orihuela's heritage in dry, indoor comfort. Spend the afternoon at the Miguel Hernández House-Museum, feeling the poetic atmosphere of the rain. Finish with a quick walk through the refreshed Palm Grove before finding a cozy spot for dinner in the historic center.
Enjoy the mild winter sun starting at Santo Domingo College. At midday, the winter light in the Cathedral is exceptionally clear, highlighting the Gothic stonework. Afternoon is perfect for the Reconquista Museum and Miguel Hernández's home. Since the sun sets around 17:45, make sure to reach the Palm Grove in time to witness the golden hour through the fronds before the evening air turns crisp.
Your bike tour begins with a peaceful ride through the Palmeral de Orihuela. From there, you'll cycle to the old town to immerse yourself in the poetic atmosphere of Miguel Hernández's house, followed by exploring the majestic cathedral and the nearby Church of Saints Justa and Rufina. After lunch, enriched with a visit to the Museum of the Reconquista and the elegant Rubalcava Palace, you'll cycle to the northern part of the city. The monumental Santo Domingo College awaits you there. The highlight of the afternoon is the ascent to the Castle of Orihuela. The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view over the city and the surrounding landscape, a perfect end to your active day.
A rainy bike tour starts in the Palm Grove, where the canopy offers some natural cover. Cycle past Miguel Hernández's house to the Cathedral and Reconquista Museum for extended indoor breaks. Rubalcava Palace and Santo Domingo College are perfect stops to park the bikes and enjoy the interior splendor. Despite the rain, the flat route remains easy to navigate, finishing at the Castle if the clouds break in the late afternoon.
The winter morning is perfect for cycling to the Palm Grove while the air is crisp. After Miguel Hernández’s house, continue to the Cathedral and Justa y Rufina church. Midday at the Reconquista Museum provides a warm break. Following the Rubalcava Palace and Santo Domingo College, take on the climb to the Castle. The clear winter views over the Segura Valley are your reward before heading back as the early dusk approaches.
Start your day by car at the highest point, the Castle of Orihuela, for breathtaking views. After a short walk to Santo Domingo College, drive into the heart of the city. There, you'll park and explore the Cathedral, the Church of Saints Justa and Rufina, and the Museum of the Reconquista on foot. After lunch in the old town, continue your walk to the elegant Rubalcava Palace. This first part of the day gives you a comprehensive overview of Orihuela's historic and religious center. In the afternoon, get back in the car and head to the southern part of the city. You'll visit the house of poet Miguel Hernández and end your day with a peaceful stroll through the expansive Palmeral, a perfect green diversion after so many historical impressions.
Exploring Orihuela by car keeps you dry and comfortable during the rain. Start at the Castle for views from the vehicle before heading to Santo Domingo College. The Cathedral and Justa y Rufina church are close together, minimizing outdoor exposure. Midday is perfect for an extensive indoor visit to the Reconquista Museum. After Rubalcava Palace and Miguel Hernández’s home, finish the day at the Palm Grove, which can also be appreciated from your car.
A winter car tour starts at the Castle to enjoy the clear panoramic views. Continue to Santo Domingo College and the Cathedral. Midday brings a warm atmosphere at the Reconquista Museum. In the afternoon, visit Rubalcava Palace and Miguel Hernández’s home. Finish your day at the Palm Grove. Parking is often easier in winter than summer, making your exploration of the historic center very relaxed as the evening chill sets in.
