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Alt text: "A spacious room with a city view, featuring a balcony and modern decor.

Costa Blanca · Spain

Orihuela

Orihuela is a historic city and municipality located at the foot of the Sierra de Orihuela mountains in the province of Alicante. As the capital of the Vega Baja del Segura region, it offers a rich cultural heritage dating back to the Moorish era, combined with a modern coastline stretching to the Mediterranean. With a population of over 84,000 residents, the city provides a balanced lifestyle between traditional Spanish inland living and access to popular coastal resorts.

84.560
Population
3844
Sunshine hours/year
20m
Elevation
21
AQI (Fair)
10
Blue Flag Beaches
Alt text: Panoramic view of a highway, mountains, and green fields from a room with large windows.
Alt text: Panoramic view of a cityscape from a mountainous room with rocky terrain.
Panoramic view of a historic cityscape with a river and lush greenery.
Alt text: Spacious room with panoramic mountain view, featuring a balcony and modern amenities.

Living & Lifestyle

Life in Orihuela is defined by its duality: the historic, cultural inland city and the vibrant, tourist-oriented coastal district known as Orihuela Costa. The municipality covers a large area of 365.4 square kilometers, offering diverse living environments ranging from traditional Spanish townhouses in the center to modern villas near the sea. The city is notably one of the few Spanish-speaking areas in the Valencian Community, which may appeal to expatriates looking to integrate into a primarily Castilian-speaking culture.

Daily life is supported by a robust infrastructure of amenities. The city center features 17 banks, 12 pharmacies, and a wide variety of dining options with 32 restaurants and 18 cafes. For healthcare and wellness, there are 7 dental clinics available. The city is also the seat of the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante, giving it significant religious and architectural importance visible in its many historic monuments.

The municipality encompasses the famous Orihuela Costa, which includes several distinct urbanizations such as Punta Prima, Cabo Roig, and Playa Flamenca. This area is highly international, offering a different pace of life focused on leisure and the beaches, while still falling under the administration of the city.

Alt text: Panoramic view of a mountainous landscape with a city and green fields.

Climate & Weather

Orihuela enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, pleasant winters. The city benefits from an average of 3,844 hours of sunshine annually, making it an ideal location for sun-seekers. Average temperatures peak in July and August at around 27°C, while the winter months of January and December see averages of roughly 11°C. Rain is infrequent, with only about 54 days of precipitation recorded per year, mostly occurring in the spring and autumn months.
Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 11.1° 17.2°6.7° 32 mm 261h
February 12.6° 18.9°7.8° 12 mm 258h
March 14.3° 20.4°9.4° 74 mm 290h
April 16.5° 22.6°11.5° 43 mm 319h
May 20.2° 26.5°14.7° 33 mm 387h
June 24.7° 31.1°19.1° 14 mm 398h
July 27.7° 34.1°22.1° 6 mm 422h
August 27.7° 34.1°22.5° 14 mm 383h
September 24.2° 30.1°19.6° 62 mm 326h
October 20.1° 26.2°15.6° 42 mm 291h
November 15.2° 20.9°10.9° 26 mm 262h
December 12.2° 17.9°8.2° 32 mm 247h
Alt text: Panoramic city view from a cozy room with stone walls and a balcony.

Getting Around

The city is well-connected by both road and rail networks. The closest international airport is Alicante-Elche (ALC), located approximately 39 kilometers away, providing frequent flights across Europe. For travel to the north, Valencia Airport is 161 kilometers away, while Málaga Airport is 353 kilometers to the south. Public transport is efficient, with the Orihuela Miguel Hernández railway station situated less than 2 kilometers from the city center, offering connections to Alicante and Murcia. The local bus network includes 13 lines with at least 8 key stops, facilitating movement within the municipality and to neighboring towns like Callosa de Segura and Beniel.
Alt text: Spacious room with mountain view, balcony, and modern amenities.

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

38.8 km

Valencia (VLC)

160.9 km

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

352.6 km

Estación Orihuela - Miguel Hernández

2.1 km

Lines

13

Stops

8

Cycling: - (gradient 0%)

EV Charging Points

  • Estación de Recarga (0421) (6.8 km)

Nature & Beaches

Nature in Orihuela is diverse, ranging from the rugged limestone cliffs of the Sierra de Orihuela to the expansive sandy beaches of the coast. The coastline is the municipality's biggest natural asset, featuring high-quality beaches that consistently receive the Blue Flag certification. Notable beaches include the scenic Cala Cerrada, the family-friendly Mil Palmeras, and the vibrant Barranco Rubio. The inland area is characterized by palm groves and agricultural landscapes, providing a stark, green contrast to the coastal developments.

Blue Flag Beaches (2026)

Viewpoints

Sports & Recreation

Sports and outdoor activities are a major part of life in the region. The municipality boasts an impressive 10 Blue Flag beaches, including Cala Capitán, La Zenia, and Cabo Roig, which are perfect for water sports, sailing, and swimming. Inland, the Sierra de Orihuela mountains offer hiking opportunities with viewpoints such as the Mirador del Palmeral and Cruz de la Muela.

For organized sports, residents have access to facilities like the Municipal Sports Centre (Polideportivo Municipal) and the Bernardo Ruiz Pavilion. Golf enthusiasts are served by the Club de Golf La Finca, located within the municipality. There is also a dedicated Physical Conditioning Centre (CAF) and various football pitches, ensuring a wide range of athletic options for all ages.

Golf Courses

Amenities

Restaurant

31

School

5

Pharmacy

11

Bank

17

Cafe

18

Dentist

7

Air Quality

PM2.5

16.6

µg/m³

PM10

22.9

µg/m³

NO²

6.8

µg/m³

Ozone

53.0

µg/m³

UV Index

0.0

Education

Educational needs are met by a network of local schools within the municipality, with at least 6 major educational centers recorded in the city data. While specific international schools are concentrated more heavily in the nearby provincial capital of Alicante, the rise in international residents in the Orihuela Costa area has led to increased availability of international curricula and language programs in local centers. The presence of the University of Miguel Hernández in the nearby area also provides higher education opportunities.

Economy & Income

The economy of Orihuela is historically rooted in agriculture, utilizing the fertile lands of the Vega Baja del Segura, though it has shifted significantly towards tourism and services in recent decades. The coastal real estate market drives substantial economic activity. Income levels are moderate compared to northern European standards, with a net average household income of approximately €31,507 per year. The median income per person is reported at €15,750. The city serves as a commercial hub for the region, supporting a variety of retail and service industries.

Net income/person

€12.313

2023

Net/household

€31.507

Median income

€15.750

Gross/person

€14.770

Local Holidays (32)

2026-01-01

Año Nuevo

2026-01-06

Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor

2026-02-28

Día de Andalucía

2026-03-01

Dia de les Illes Balears

2026-04-02

Jueves Santo

2026-04-03

Viernes Santo

At a Glance

  • Population of 84,560 (INE 2025) over a large 365 km² area.
  • Features 10 Blue Flag beaches along the Orihuela Costa.
  • Annual average of 3,844 sunshine hours with mild winters.
  • Located 38.8 km from Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC).
  • Hosts the historic Cathedral of Orihuela and the Diocese seat.
  • Average household income of €31,507 per year.
  • Wide range of properties available, from €36k to €1.5M.

Neighbourhoods

Cabo Roig
→
Campoamor
30 real estate
→
El Arenal
3 real estate
→
El Escorratel
1 real estate
→
Hurchillo
1 real estate
→
La Campaneta
2 real estate
→
La Ciñuelica
→
La Matanza
2 real estate
→
La Murada
3 real estate
→
La Zenia
55 real estate
→
Las Colinas Golf
12 real estate
→
Las Ramblas Golf
→
Obispo Rocamora
40 real estate
→
Orihuela Costa
97 real estate
→
Playa Flamenca
105 real estate
→
Torremendo
13 real estate
→
Urbanización Dream Hills Lago Sol
1 real estate
→
Urbanización Las Mimosas - La Chismosa
1 real estate
→
Urbanización Villas Irias III
1 real estate
→

Browse by Property Type

New Build
15 real estate
→
Apartments
7 real estate
→
Villas
22 real estate
→
Penthouses
1 real estate
→
Townhouses
2 real estate
→
New Build
1 real estate
→
Country Houses
8 real estate
→
Land & Plots
3 real estate
→
Commercial
1 real estate
→

Available Properties

The real estate market in Orihuela offers variety, with 42 properties currently available ranging from €36,000 to €1,490,000. The average asking price is approximately €523,266. The market is dominated by detached villas, which make up 14 of the current listings, alongside traditional fincas and country homes (8 listings). Buyers can also find ground floor and middle-floor apartments, as well as semi-detached townhouses. This mix caters to both those seeking luxury coastal villas and those looking for more affordable inland apartments or traditional homes.
New Build (15) Apartments (7) Villas (22) Penthouses (1) Townhouses (2) New Build (1) Country Houses (8) Land & Plots (3) Commercial (1)
Bekijk alle woningen in Orihuela →

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Orihuela from the beach?
The distance depends on which part of the municipality you are in. The historic city center is located about 20 kilometers inland from the sea. However, the municipality includes the Orihuela Costa district, where properties are directly on the coastline.
What is the population of Orihuela?
According to INE data for 2025, the municipality has a population of 84,560 inhabitants.
Which airports serve Orihuela?
The nearest airport is Alicante-Elche (ALC), located 38.8 km away. Valencia Airport (VLC) is 161 km away, and Málaga Airport (AGP) is 353 km away.
Are there international schools in Orihuela?
While the city has 6 recorded local schools, the highest concentration of strictly international schools is found in Alicante city. However, the Orihuela Costa area has various private learning centers and international options due to its large expat population.
What is the climate like in Orihuela?
Orihuela has a Mediterranean climate with an average of 3,844 hours of sunshine per year. Summer temperatures average 27°C, while winter averages are around 11°C.
What is the average cost of a property in Orihuela?
The current average asking price for properties in the market data is approximately €523,266. Prices range from €36,000 for smaller apartments to over €1.4 million for luxury villas.
Is Orihuela a Spanish or Valencian speaking area?
Orihuela is located in one of the few Spanish-speaking (Castilian) areas of the Valencian Community.
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Worth knowing

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