The Orihuela of Miguel Hernandez is a beautiful city located in a privileged area in the South East of Spain. It is one of those corners with a taste of history and a mixture of different cultures, as a direct result of its close relationship with the Mediterranean.

Orihuela belongs to the province of Alicante and is the head of the Vega Baja (low lands) Region, the widest in the province. It is situated 57 km from the city of Alicante and only 23 km from the capital of Murcia. Communications with abroad are excellent, both by land (thanks to the A7 motorway and rail connections) as well as by sea and air, due to its proximity to both El Altet and San Javier airports.

From a tourism point of view, Orihuela city council boasts a landscape second to none, with highlights such as the palm grove, declared as the second largest in Europe, its coastline stretching over 16km which has been awarded seven blue flags and three Q´s (Tourism Quality), a unique monumental complex and its Holy Week celebrations, declared an International Tourist Attraction.

Culture and tradition have identified Orihuela throughout its history. The city hosts a wealth of treasures including the “Temptation of Saint Thomas” by Diego da Silva y Velásquez and important pieces by the great image sculptor Francisco Salzillo. Its streets are bursting with stories of illustrious characters that once walked along them like the illustrious King James I and the Catholic Kings on their campaign towards the south of Spain. Even King Charles V, who granted the old San Salvador church its current Cathedral status.

Other figures such as the famous fairy tales writer Christian Andersen or holy preachers like Saint Vincent Ferrer also left their trace upon their visit to the city. One of Orihuela’s most illustrious sons is undoubtedly the poet Miguel Hernandez, a figure who spread the city’s name around the world during the last century.

Culture, tradition, fine arts, leisure ad gastronomy combine together to commemorate the Hernandez Year and to turn the city into the capital of poetry during 2010.

Area

443,20001 square kilometres.

Height above sea level

23 metres.

Geographical situation

In the south of the Valencian Community, it borders with the Region of Murcia and the municipalities of Torrevieja, San Miguel de Salinas, Pilar de la Horadada, Benejuzar, Jacarilla, Bigastro, Rafal, Almoradi, Callosa de Segura, Redovan, Albatera, Hondon de los Frailes, Hondon de las Nieves and Pinoso.

Territory

Its inhabitants (referred to as Oriolans) are well spread between the city and a further twenty localities scattered around the territory. It is surrounded by the Orihuela and Hurchillo hills that provide amazing panoramic views of the region from their summits. North of the city is the palm grove, a crescent shaped oasis offering a calm stroll. Palm trees have outlined the horizon of this region for centuries.

Municipality

Orihuela’s municipality stretches towards the sea with a coastline of excellent beaches, coves and cliffs spanning over 16 km. Flamenca, Cape Roig, La Zenia, Campoamor, Mil Palmeras and Punta Prima, are some of the beaches where the visitor may sunbathe or go for a swim. And near the coastline you will find the peculiar bright green landscape of the golf courses hidden between pines, almond and lemon trees and the sea views on the horizon.

Distance with other cities:

- – Distance to the city of Alicante: 59 Kilometres.
- Distance to the city of Murcia: 23 Km

Access

The best way to access Orihuela is via the A7 motorway and the Alicante-Murcia motorway (junctions 80 and 81), as well as the motorway Alicante-Madrid for the rest of Spain.

Weather

Mild weather with an average 5ºC in winter and 30ºC during the summer and very low rain rates resulting in over 250 sunny days a year.

Landscape

Orihuela boasts a landscape with contrasts which has been greatly influenced by river Segura. Its banks are predominantly used for intensive cultivation of citric fruits, vegetables and cotton.
In contrast with the farming areas, several other areas of dry land are predominantly exploited by olive and almond tree plantations.