One of the Vega Baja villages of the Costa Blanca, Spain, Hurchillo is a charming little village with a population of less than one thousand. A chance to see a piece of the real Spain away from the busy Costa Blanca coastline, Hurchillo is reached via the road from Orihuela, and is a bout 9 kilometres from that town. A maze of charming cobbled streets welcomes visitors, together with the smiling faces of its people who are very friendly. Not to be out gunned by its bigger and better known neighbours, Hurchillo has its own village square and church and also its own feast day and fiestas during which it honours the Patrona Nuestra Señora de Montserrat. Damaged like so many other villages in the earthquake of 1829, Hurchillo relies mostly on citrus farming for its economic survival. Other villages worth visiting around Hurchillo include Bigastro, Beniel, Jacarilla and Cox.
March 12, 2010
October 27, 2009
Albatera Costa Blanca
Located in the Vega Baja district of the Costa Blanca, the small town of Albatera has a population of about 9,000 and lies to the north east of Orihuela. Standing beside the River Segura, Albatera has a history going back to Roman times though its documented history dates from the Moorish occupation, which ended in the 13th century, after defeat by Alfonso the Wise in 1266. Over the centuries Albatera has mostly survived through agriculture and pig farming, though in recent years property development has reared its ugly head, as the demand for homes in the sun grew during the 1990’s and early 21st century. Economic slowdown caused something of a halt in redevelopment, though this is certain to resume in the near future. The town today gathers around its pretty plaza, where the town hall and parochial church are situated, this is the centre of Albatera town life, and is where the local people gather to chat and celebrate fiestas.
September 4, 2009
Dolores Costa Blanca
An agricultural village located in the Vega Baja region of the Alicante province, Dolores is situated to the east of Catral, just inland from the Costa Blanca coastline of Spain. Established as a result of a plan to drain the marshy land of the region by the Cardinal of Cartagena-Murcia, Dolores grew and survived through the growing of fruit and vegetables and especially artichokes for which the village is well known. An opportunity to purchase the produce of the village comes every Friday, when Dolores holds its weekly street market. Life in Dolores mostly revolves around the attractive town square, here you will also find the local church displaying some fine art works by Salcillo. Also renowned in the area for cattle rearing, Dolores holds its annual Livestock Fair (Feria Granadera) attracting cattle owners from far and wide. Dolores Map.