Villena is a quintessential Spanish historic town, surrounded by mountain ranges and valleys filled with vineyards. It's famous for the Treasure of Villena, a rare collection of gold artefacts believed to come from meteorites, and the iconic Atalaya Castle. Living in Villena provides a relaxed Spanish rural vibe, complemented by excellent train connections and links to Alicante city and the beach.
Is Villena a good place to live?
Villena offers a warm community where traditional Spanish culture thrives, especially during the town's various annual fiestas. With its affordability compared to coastal destinations, it's less touristy and appeals to those looking for a more authentic place to live in Spain.
The area's wine production adds to its charm, and the surrounding landscape provides ample hiking opportunities. The town itself features winding, cobbled streets that meander around the castle, eventually giving way to open mountains and crop fields.
Villena weather
Villena experiences a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The temperature can dip in the cooler months, but extreme cold is rare, making it a comfortable place to live year-round.
What to do in Villena
Among the many things to do in Villena, the Moors and Christians Festival stands out as a highlight. Celebrated every September, this colourful event sees over 12,000 participants in elaborate costumes parade through the streets.
The Villena Medieval Festival is another key attraction, transforming the town with medieval costumes, stalls, and entertainment like falconry and archery.
Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Serra de Mariola and Sierra del Maigmó nature reserves, which offer hiking and birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can also explore Vía Verde del Chicharra, a scenic country trail for cycling or hiking, and the various vias ferratas dotted around the surrounding countryside.
The Chapí Theatre and indoor bullring host concerts and performances, ensuring residents aren’t short of things to do in Villena. Families can enjoy a day at the go-kart circuit, and there is also a cinema club that organises regular film screenings.
When it comes to amenities, the town has many sports facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, a tennis academy and sports clubs. Villena also has a small shopping centre in the centre of town.
Villena train station and transport links
Villena is well-connected with transportation options, featuring a train station with routes to Alicante, Murcia, Valencia and Barcelona. A train journey from Villena to Alicante is very affordable at around €5, and can be as quick as driving, taking about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, travelling from Villena to Valencia by train takes around an hour and a half.
Villena’s high-speed train (AVE) station just outside the town links Villena to Madrid, Albacete, and Cuenca. Alicante-Elche airport is approximately 60 kilometres away, a 45-minute drive, while Valencia and Murcia-San Javier airports are both less than an hour and a half drive from Villena.
Villena: restaurants and dining
The dining scene in Villena offers a taste of traditional and international flavours. Local eateries celebrate ancient dishes like gachamigas, a mix of flour, olive oil, water and garlic that forms a sort of flatbread. Sugar-dusted mini doughnuts made with wine are another Villena speciality. The town also boasts a diverse range of international restaurants, including a sushi bar, burger joint, and pizza restaurant. A meal for two can range from around €40 to €80, and a cup of coffee shouldn’t set you back more than €2.50
Villena: property for sale
As an inland location, properties in Villena are less expensive than those on the coast, with prices in March 2025 at €693 per m2. This is a lost cheaper to living in Alicante, where property for sale was on average €2,321 per m2.
Potential buyers can choose from townhouses or apartments in the centre, or larger detached houses with land on the outskirts. Some of the cheapest properties for sale in Villena are in areas such as Las Cruces, where you’ll come across flats, many in need of renovation. When searching for a place to rent in Villena, you'll find flats starting from around €450 per month.
Living in Villena for foreigners
While there aren't a large number of expats in Villena, this adds to its authentic Spanish town feel. If you're seeking a quieter and more traditional lifestyle, Villena offers exactly that, with many expats opting for homes on the outskirts among the vineyards.
In comparison to Alicante, Villena lacks the larger city amenities but benefits from a close-knit community and attractive property prices. This makes it an appealing choice for those considering the cons of living in Alicante and seeking a more relaxed setting. Alicante's high summer tourism and developed environment contrast greatly with Villena’s tranquillity and cultural richness, offering a more immersive rural Spanish lifestyle with nature right at your doorstep.