The Costa Blanca is full of contrasts. A good example is the Vega Baja district, with is extraordinary beaches its eponymous Vega (“meadow” or “fertile lowland”), a patchwork of market gardens, the serene beauty of the Laguna’s de la Mata and TorreviejaNaturalPark, and the rolling sand dunes of Guardamar Del Segura.
- Religion has traditionally run deep in Orihuela, as reflected in its heritage. The centre is a Historical and Artistic Site and contains the most outs
tanding building, including the monumental College of Santo Domingo. - The Holy Cathedral Church of El Salvador, the Church of Santa Justa and Rufina, and the Parish Church of Santiago are all in the Gothic Style and make Orihuela Old Quarter a unique destination for cultural pilgrimage.
- Another cultural gem is the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, where visitors can admire masterpieces such as the Temptation is St.Thomas painted by Velázquez. And no visit is complete without a trip to the Miguel Hernandez Museum House, in witch the celebrated local poet was born and bred.
- Also boasts white-sand beaches and craggy coves with translucent waters, like La Zenia, playa Flamenca and campo Amor, to name but a few.
- The great climate means that water sports can be practised all year around. Nautical Experience offers visitors the chance to fish, Sail, dive and take boat trips throughout the year.
- At the end of July. Las Eras de la Sal plays host to the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest, which sees choirs from all over the globe, fill the air with magic.
- There are eight golf courses in the district, with four in Orihuela alone and the others in Jacarilla, Pilar de la Horadada, Rojales and Algorfa.
- As well as vegetables, citrus fruits are also grown on this fertile land. Make sure you try the local artichokes, the Guardamar king prawns, and the traditional pastries baked in the convents of Orihuela.
- With regards to cuisine, local dishes include olla viuda ( black sausage and vegetables stew), Pelotas ( meatballs) , arroz huertano (vegetal rice ) and the pava borracha ( turkey stew served in 3- courses )