Orihuela cannot be mentioned without acknowledging its connection to the VCV. Fifteen editions have been held since the first one in 1947, and this year marks the tenth in the current era. This leads us to paraphrase the great poet when we think of “his town and ours.” The city has witnessed starts and finishes, road stages and time trials, but it remains a constant presence on the Tour of the Valencian Community. In 2025, Lidl-Trek won the team time trial, putting Mathias Vacek in the yellow jersey, while in 2024, Jonathan Milan took the sprint victory.

If there is one figure who stands out in Orihuela cycling, it is Bernardo Ruiz, who passed away in August 2025 at the age of 100. His podium finish in the 1952 Tour de France cemented his legendary status after winning the Vuelta a España (1948) and being a four-time national champion. In 1954, he won the Vuelta a Levante, the predecessor to the Vuelta a Valencia. Today, the Orihuela Cycling Team keeps the flame of cycling alive in the national Elite and Under-23 categories.

As the capital of the Vega Baja region, the city offers a wide range of services and businesses, but the agricultural sector is tremendously influential, especially for fruit and vegetable exports. Currently, renewable energy and tourism are making significant strides in contributing to the region’s economy.

The towering poet Miguel Hernández still casts a shadow over Orihuela’s culture, and his house-museum remains a pilgrimage site. But the city’s vibrant cultural scene continues with the unique Teatro Circo, which boasts a long-running program, and eight active museums that offer a rich cultural experience.

Olympian Paula Soria has been instrumental in bringing beach volleyball to Orihuela Costa at its best, culminating in a major summer tournament. The Half Marathon celebrates over a quarter of a century of activity. Orihuela CF competes in the Second Division Federation, vying for promotion.

The region’s rich agricultural heritage allows for a wide variety of local dishes. Among the local specialties, the Vega Baja artichoke and its many variations are a must-try. Typical dishes from the region include rice with vegetables and anchovies, as well as rice with a crust.