Orihuela is a historic inland town in the Alicante province, well-known for its stunning old town, traditional fiestas, and beautiful mountain backdrop. The town itself is full of Spanish character, offering a relaxed pace of life with local markets, centuries-old churches, and a buzz of year-round cultural events.
The Valencian town sits alongside the Segura River, which adds to its charming landscape and provides peaceful spots for walking or enjoying the outdoors. For anyone thinking of living in Orihuela, the town offers a winning mix of local culture, affordability, and community spirit.
Orihuela vs. Orihuela Costa
While Orihuela refers to the main inland town, Orihuela Costa describes the coastal area about 25 kilometres away, which includes popular seaside urbanisations like La Zenia, Cabo Roig, and Playa Flamenca. Orihuela Costa is famous for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, golf courses, and international expat community. It offers a distinctly different vibe from the traditional charm and local spirit you’ll find in Orihuela town.
Is Orihuela a nice place to live?
Orihuela is widely considered a lovely place to live, offering plenty of advantages whether you’re settling down for family life, work, or retirement. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year and a classic Mediterranean climate, it’s easy to spend your days outdoors and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. The cost of living in Orihuela is notably lower than in other coastal cities, which means your money goes further.
The town is also a cultural gem, boasting a rich historical heritage with impressive landmarks like the Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace, as well as an array of Renaissance and Baroque churches. Families benefit from a good selection of schools, including bilingual and higher education options. Safety and peace of mind are other highlights, as Orihuela enjoys low crime rates and a relaxed daily pace.
Orihuela’s location makes it well connected, with efficient transport links via the AP-7 and N-340 roads for easy travel to nearby cities and the rest of Spain. And for those who love nature, you’ll have both the scenic Sierra de Orihuela and the beaches of Orihuela Costa within easy reach, so you can enjoy everything from hiking to water sports all year round.
Best areas to live in Orihuela
Selecting the best place to live in Orihuela depends on your personal preferences as well as your budget.
Old town
The old town is a maze of cobbled streets lined with beautifully preserved historic buildings, offering a real sense of Orihuela’s rich culture. Living here means having majestic sights like the Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace practically on your doorstep, adding a distinctive charm and a touch of history to daily life.
Orihuela Costa
This stretch is famous for its award-winning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and a fantastic range of shops, restaurants, and leisure options. Neighbourhoods like Villamartín and Cabo Roig are especially popular, offering the perfect blend of sandy shores, well-kept golf courses, and handy shopping centres—all just a stroll or a quick drive from your front door.
- Property for sale on the Orihuela coast
- Long-term rentals on the Orihuela coast
- Holiday rentals on the Orihuela coast
Cost of living in Orihuela
The cost of living in Orihuela strikes a nice balance between affordability and Mediterranean comfort, especially compared to other coastal hotspots. As of April 2025, property prices in Orihuela averaged €2,594 per m² overall. However, there’s quite a contrast between the town and the coast, as homes in Orihuela Costa are more than double the price of those in the town itself, with the town averaging just €1,072 per m².
Renting in Orihuela is also wallet-friendly for many, with the average in the old town around €10.6 per m², meaning an 80m² flat comes to about €848 per month. Rental prices averaged €11.4 per m² on the coast.
Day-to-day expenses are reasonable too—a simple meal out will set you back about €13, while a beer costs around €3 and a coffee is about €2.
Retiring in Orihuela
Orihuela is fast becoming a top choice for anyone looking for a peaceful place to enjoy retirement without missing out on quality of life. Thanks to the region’s famously mild and sunny climate, it’s easy to stay active outdoors year-round.
As the retirement community grows, so do the services aimed at making life easy and enjoyable, including social clubs, cultural activities, and English-speaking meetups.
Healthcare is another big plus—Orihuela has well-equipped health centres and hospitals, so you’ll have peace of mind when it comes to medical needs.
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