Orihuela is the inland city behind the Costa Blanca beaches — a cathedral, a seminary on the hill, Baroque churches, and an old quarter that most people driving to Torrevieja never see. The Virgin of Monserrate is its patron, and 2026 marks 250 years of her sanctuary, so the usual September fiestas have been stretched into a fortnight.
What to expect. Processions and religious acts around the Archicofradía, plus concerts, exhibitions and street events across the two weeks from 5 to 20 September. The anniversary programme adds to the normal run rather than replacing it. Full listings come from the ayuntamiento's culture and tourism departments.
Practical bit. Orihuela city is about 25 minutes inland from Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja, and it is a different world from either — worth a day even outside the fiestas for the cathedral and the Museo de la Reconquista. Park outside the old centre and walk. A hire car also gets you the palm groves and the Sierra de Orihuela behind the town.
