Orihuela, your destination on the Costa Blanca
This is an article that leads us to enjoy a mediterranean corner where there is no room for boredom. A surprising enclave where you can combine the authenticity of a town with deep-rooted traditions with the most wonderful coves and beaches. The perfect place to learn about History and culture , but also to practice swing and taste the best gastronomy. How about we escape to the Alicante coast?
But first, an important detail you need to know: Orihuela is divided in two. Literally.
And no, we don't mean that there is a wall erected in the middle of the city, don't worry. It is something much simpler: Orihuela is formed by Orihuela Centro, and Orihuela Costa . Two versions of the same town that contrast and combine at the same time. They do not understand one without the other. And that lead us to walk its streets eager to fit the perfect puzzle.
Well, what makes each of them special? Don't worry, right now we'll tell you everything.
THE NUCLEUS: ORIHUELA CENTER
Orihuela Centro is a continuous evolution of people from Alicante from one place to another. What if the job, what if the purchase, what if a little walk through its historic streets... And yes, the occasional tourist unraveling its charms.
Is about one of the largest towns in the Valencian Community and it was declared a Historic Artistic Site in 1969, something that is not surprising: palaces, churches, convents and museums are spread throughout the city center. An entire architectural and cultural universe to discover slowly, savoring every moment.
A perfect start of the route, as well as to get into the matter, could be the Santo Domingo Diocesan College , nicknamed "the Escorial of Levante" -It already promises, don't you think?-. An absolute example of the fusion of Renaissance, Marienist and Baroque styles, the imposing building was built in the 16th century to function as a Dominican convent and university, and today it is one of the most representative emblems of Orihuela.
Orihuela old town
Contemplating the beautiful façade is a must. As is walking through the interior of its Renaissance church and its two incredible cloisters – one Renaissance, the other Baroque -. Spectacular!
A curiosity? Between these walls, one of Orihuela's favorite sons studied part of his life: Miguel Hernandez . It is a symbol of the city, and to be aware you just have to keep walking its streets: the poet is present in every corner. Although, if we have to decide on one of them, we are left with the ** House Museum of his, where he lived for 20 years **.
It is crossing the threshold of the old house of Miguel Hernández and already feeling that poetic halo that permeates every inch of its rooms. With a immense photograph of the poet welcoming , the rest of the rooms show the way of life of the family at the beginning of the 20th century. So does the patio of him, nailed to the slopes of the mountain, where Miguel spent long moments resting and reflecting among trees and animals.
Convent of Santo Domingo
But learn more about Miguel Hernandez it is very easy in Orihuela. Next to the house where he was born, two buildings that complement the route: the Center for Hernandian Studies and the Miguel Hernandez Exhibition Hall.
In the San Isidro neighborhood In addition, a beautiful surprise: a route of murals created by up to 100 artists Different ones remember and commemorate the life and work of the poet. A must.
Art, however, continues to be the protagonist of Orihuela's cultural life. For example? Here is one of Velázquez's most revered paintings: ' The Temptation of Saint Thomas Aquinas' , which has only left Orihuela four times: twice to be exhibited at the Prado Museum, once at the National Gallery in London and once in an exhibition organized by the Louvre in Paris. According to some historians, due to its composition it could be the predecessor of 'Las Meninas'.
Murals of the San Isidro neighborhood in Orihuela
To see it you just have to visit the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art . By the way, yes, for museum lovers, Orihuela is paradise: the Regional Archaeological Museum – where to contemplate the popular "The Devil" , the only Holy Week parade in Spain that has the image of a demon and that, therefore, is prohibited from entering any church-, the Museum of the Wall , the one of the Reconquest wave Pedrera Foundation complete a most varied offer.
And if we talk about churches? Orihuela is not far behind in this aspect, we already warned you. But, in this case, we are also left with one in particular: the Cathedral of San Salvador and Santa Maria , built on the old almijara mosque at the end of the 13th century.
To enjoy the best views of the city and its palm grove -note, the second largest in Spain after Elche- the ideal is to climb to the ruins of the orihuela castle , a spectacular viewpoint.
Orihuela Castle
Before taking the leap to the coast, one –or rather two- recommendations: there is a couple of festivities in Orihuela that have earned the city great recognition, including that of National Tourist Interest . On the one hand, his Holy Week . On the other, the Reconquest of Moors and Christians, an event held around July 17 in which all Orihuela residents participate, recreating a historic feat with costumes and parades. Orihuela at its peak.
And for eat? Well, to eat, friend, we suggest you make a stop on the way to Orihuela Costa in the Vega Baja . there in the restaurant house run , a business with more than 100 years of history, it will be time to try delicious food such as good ham or its rice with a crust, in addition to one of the most traditional dishes of Orihuela gastronomy : the stew with balls.
Cala Capitan in Orihuela
BEACHES AND BEACH BARS TO LIVE THE SUMMER
We are not going to play hard to get. It's practically summer now, thermometers indicate higher and higher temperatures, and yes, let's be honest, we dream of take a dip and plunge into the fresh waters of the Mediterranean . And from this, Orihuela knows a bit.
And it is that Orihuela Costa has 16 extensive kilometers of coastline where that other version of the city is found: the place where beautiful urbanizations, hotels and resorts are built; where coves and beaches with turquoise waters give life and color to the landscape and where most of the leisure activities take place. In short: where to enjoy life without more.
And that is, surprise! Orihuela has no less than five of the best beaches in Spain, distinguished with the Q for Tourism Quality by the Ministry of Tourism , in addition to being the town with the most Blue Flags in the entire Valencian Community . And the best? Thanks to its privileged location and warm temperatures, the beach is enjoyable at any time of the year.
To give us that long-awaited bath, a good idea may be to jump to Punta Prima Beach , where we can lie down in one of his hammocks or have some tapas – who says tapas, says tortilla or sardines – in his beach bar. The fine golden sand of Stake Cove not a bad option either. Or, if you prefer, Cala Capita n, somewhat wilder and divided into two parts by the islet called “Carmen Island”.
Punta Prima beach viewpoint
In the calm waters of Cove Cove It is the closest thing to paradise. Next to it, in addition, is the Cabo Roig Watchtower , built in the 16th century to give warning of possible pirate attacks. The total disconnection, without a doubt, will come in Aquamarine Cove.
But the sea makes you hungry, and to replenish, a clear proposal: e l Dehesa de Campoamor Nautical Club , Where is he Los Angeles Restaurant. With views of the marina and the infinite Mediterranean Sea, the long-awaited moment will come: taste one of the exquisite Valencian paellas. In this little corner everything tastes a little better.
Although leisure takes on more forms in Orihuela, and for the more athletic, there are also options: a total of 90 holes make up the five golf courses that there are distributed by its municipal term, all of them of great international prestige. Do you want to practice your swing? great for it the Real Club de Golf Campoamor is one of our favourites.
And the perfect place, too, to round off the experience in this emblematic and diverse enclave of the Costa Blanca.
Cabo Roig in Orihuela