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A black and white photo of a rural property with a courtyard, trees, and a person in traditional attire.

Costa Blanca · Spain

Villena

Located in the northwest of the Alicante province, Villena serves as the capital of the Alto Vinalopó comarca. With a population of approximately 34,700 and a historic core anchored by the Castle of Atalaya, it offers a strategic inland location 47 kilometers from Alicante-Elche Airport. The city combines a rich historical heritage with the practicalities of modern Spanish living.

34.712
Population
3789
Sunshine hours/year
528m
Elevation
28
AQI (Fair)
Black and white photo of a narrow street in Villena, Spain, with old buildings and a distant church.
Alt text: Classic hotel room with mountain view, balcony, and elegant decor.
Narrow alley with stone walls, leading to a courtyard with a tree and distant buildings.
A historic building with a balcony, large windows, and a central entrance.

Living & Lifestyle

Life in Villena is characterized by its mix of historical architecture and modern amenities. The city covers a large municipal area of 345.6 km², providing ample space for urban expansion and surrounding agricultural land. In 2026, residents enjoy 32 local holidays, reflecting the region's strong commitment to cultural and religious festivals. The city center features essential services, including dental practices and various dining establishments, primarily clustered around the historic base. For daily needs, the town offers a functional infrastructure with accessible healthcare and retail options suited to its population size. The community is known for the Círculo Agrícola Mercantil Villenense, a cultural society that acts as a hub for social events and activities.
Traditional stone house with a rustic view, simple interior, and a cozy atmosphere.

Climate & Weather

Villena sits at an altitude of 528 meters, which influences its climate, resulting in more distinct seasons compared to the immediate coast. The city enjoys approximately 3,789 hours of sunshine annually, with an average of 60 rain days per year. Temperatures vary significantly throughout the year: January averages 7.6°C, while July and August see averages of 26.0°C and 26.2°C respectively. Rainfall is relatively sparse in the summer months, averaging just 7 mm in July, but increases in the spring and autumn, with October being the wettest month at 62 mm. This altitude prevents extreme humidity, making the heat more manageable during the summer months.
Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 7.5° 13.0°3.1° 39 mm 255h
February 9.2° 15.3°4.2° 13 mm 254h
March 10.9° 16.6°6.0° 70 mm 285h
April 13.4° 19.4°8.1° 49 mm 311h
May 17.5° 24.0°11.6° 31 mm 388h
June 22.6° 29.4°16.3° 22 mm 398h
July 25.8° 33.0°19.2° 6 mm 422h
August 25.3° 32.4°19.2° 17 mm 385h
September 20.9° 27.1°15.9° 34 mm 321h
October 16.9° 22.9°12.1° 34 mm 284h
November 11.5° 16.9°7.1° 27 mm 251h
December 8.6° 13.9°4.5° 30 mm 235h
Aerial view of a historic town with narrow streets and dense buildings.

Getting Around

Villena is exceptionally well-connected by rail, hosting two stations within close proximity. The Villena AVE (High Speed) station is located just 5.4 km from the city center, while the main Villena station is only 0.6 km away, offering direct links to major cities like Madrid and Alicante. By road, Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is the closest international gateway, situated 47 km to the southeast, taking roughly 40 minutes by car. Valencia Airport (VLC) is also accessible at 100.8 km to the north. Local public transport consists of 6 bus lines serving the municipality with 5 key stops, facilitating movement within the urban area.
Aerial view of a city with a historic tower, surrounded by mountains and greenery.

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

47.0 km

Valencia (VLC)

100.8 km

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

387.1 km

Lines

6

Stops

5

Cycling: - (gradient 0%)

Nature & Beaches

While Villena is an inland city, its natural environment is defined by the Vinalopó valley and the surrounding sierras. The altitude of 528m places it among the pine-clad hills typical of the transition zone between the Mediterranean coast and the Castilian plateau. For beach activities, the Costa Blanca beaches are easily accessible via the A-31 motorway or the AVE train, putting the sands of Alicante within a 45-minute reach. The immediate vicinity offers hiking trails with panoramic views, particularly around the castle and the higher elevations of the municipality.

Viewpoints

Sports & Recreation

The city provides diverse recreational facilities for its residents. The Piscina Municipal serves as the main public swimming pool, while the Pabellón Municipal Polideportivo offers indoor courts for various sports. For motorsport enthusiasts, the MIR Racing Villena Circuit provides a dedicated venue for racing and automotive events. Additionally, the Mirador de la Villa offers scenic viewpoints of the city and the surrounding valley, popular among walkers and photographers. The Círculo Agrícola Mercantil Villenense also serves as a social recreational center, offering activities and events for the community.

Amenities

Restaurant

4

Cafe

1

Dentist

1

Air Quality

PM2.5

6.6

µg/m³

PM10

12.6

µg/m³

NO²

7.2

µg/m³

Ozone

70.0

µg/m³

UV Index

0.0

Education

Education in Villena is catered to by a network of public schools serving the local population. While the immediate data focuses on public infrastructure, families often find schooling within the provincial system, which includes primary and secondary education centers (IES). For international curriculums or specific language instruction, families may look toward the larger centers in Alicante city, though the local train connection makes commuting a feasible option for those seeking specific educational opportunities.

Economy & Income

The local economy is diverse, with an average net annual income per person recorded at €12,313 and a median income of €15,750. Household incomes average approximately €31,507, reflecting a moderate cost of living compared to coastal resort towns. The economy is supported by agriculture, facilitated by the surrounding plains, as well as industry and the service sector. The real estate market is currently active, with 10 properties listed for sale, indicating a stable interest in the area.

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 34,712 (INE 2025) serving as the capital of Alto Vinalopó
  • Strategic location 47 km from Alicante-Elche Airport
  • Excellent rail links with AVE station 5.4 km and city station 0.6 km away
  • High altitude of 528m with 3,789 sunshine hours and low humidity
  • Current real estate listings averaging €331,000, including villas and fincas
  • Home to the historic Castle of Atalaya and cultural centers
  • Motor sports facility available at MIR Racing Villena Circuit

Neighbourhoods

Barrio San Francisco de Asís
11 real estate
→
El Saladar
1 real estate
→

Browse by Property Type

New Build
2 real estate
→
Villas
5 real estate
→
Country Houses
3 real estate
→
Land & Plots
3 real estate
→

Available Properties

The real estate market in Villena currently features 10 available properties, offering a range of options for investors and residents. Prices vary significantly, from affordable renovation projects starting at €24,000 to high-end detached villas priced up to nearly €700,000, with an average listing price of €331,097. The market is currently dominated by single-family homes, including 4 detached villas. For those seeking more space or rural living, there are 3 traditional fincas or cortijos available, as well as 2 plots of land for development.
New Build (2) Villas (5) Country Houses (3) Land & Plots (3)
Bekijk alle woningen in Villena →

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Villena from the nearest beach?
Villena is an inland city located 47 kilometers from Alicante-Elche Airport and the Costa Blanca coastline. By car, the drive to the beach takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes via the A-31 motorway.
Does Villena have a train station?
Yes, Villena has excellent rail connections. There are two stations: Villena AVE (high-speed) located 5.4 km from the center, and the Villena station just 0.6 km away, offering services to Madrid, Valencia, and Alicante.
What is the weather like in Villena compared to the coast?
Due to its altitude of 528m, Villena has a more continental climate than the coast. It enjoys 3,789 hours of sun but experiences cooler winters (averaging 7.6°C in January) and drier, less humid summers than the seaside areas.
What types of properties are currently available in Villena?
The current market consists of 10 listings, ranging from land under €25,000 to luxury villas priced near €700,000. The most common types available are detached villas and traditional fincas or cortijos.
Is Villena a suitable location for families?
Yes, with a population of over 34,000, Villena offers a full range of services including schools, sports centers (Piscina Municipal, Polideportivo), and healthcare, making it a practical location for family life away from the tourist crowds.
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