Motorhome Hire Orihuela | Your Adventure Starts Here

Discovering Orihuela: Your Gateway to the Costa Blanca

Welcome to Orihuela, a city where history and culture flow as richly as the Segura River that runs through its heart. When you decide on a motorhome hire in Orihuela, you’re choosing a starting point that offers a genuine taste of Spain, away from the bustling tourist hubs but close enough to enjoy everything the Costa Blanca has to offer. Orihuela is the historic capital of the Vega Baja del Segura region in the province of Alicante. Geographically, it's uniquely positioned, with its historic city centre nestled inland on the plains of the Segura, while its extensive municipal territory stretches 20 kilometres to the Mediterranean coast, encompassing popular beach resorts like La Zenia and Cabo Roig.

With a population of around 80,000 inhabitants, Orihuela is a city of significant size and cultural importance. Its history is a long and storied tapestry. It was first settled by the Romans, but it was under the Visigoths that it became a provincial capital. The city truly flourished under Moorish rule (when it was known as Uryulah) before being reconquered by Christian forces in the 13th century. This rich blend of cultures is evident in its architecture, from winding medieval streets to grand Baroque churches. The city's historical significance is so profound that its old town has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site. A camper hire in Orihuela is your key to unlocking this incredible heritage.

Orihuela is famously the birthplace of the celebrated Spanish poet and playwright Miguel Hernández. His legacy is felt throughout the city, with a museum dedicated to his life and work, and his presence adds a layer of literary romance to your visit. Exploring the city that inspired such a prominent figure is a moving experience. Opting for a motorhome hire in Orihuela allows you to immerse yourself in this atmosphere at your own pace.

The climate in Orihuela is a dream for any campervan enthusiast. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, incredibly mild winters, and over 300 days of sunshine a year. The best time for your camper hire in Orihuela adventure is during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the temperatures are comfortably warm, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities, and you avoid the intense heat and larger crowds of July and August. This weather makes a trip in your rental camper a pleasure year-round. Whether you are looking for a standard vehicle or a more rugged 4x4 camper hire in Orihuela to explore the nearby mountains, the conditions are almost always perfect for an unforgettable journey.

Sights and Activities: From Historic Churches to Sandy Beaches

Your motorhome hire in Orihuela is a passport to a world of fascinating sights and activities, both in the city and its stunning surroundings. The city itself is an open-air museum, boasting a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

Start your exploration in the historic heart of Orihuela. The magnificent Orihuela Cathedral (Catedral del Salvador y Santa María) is a must-see. Built in the 13th century on the site of a former mosque, it showcases a beautiful blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Just a short walk away is the Episcopal Palace, an impressive Baroque building with a stunning courtyard.

Don't miss the Church of Santiago Apóstol, another Gothic gem, and the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Monserrate, the shrine of the city's patron saint, perched on a hill offering lovely views. For a deep dive into the city's past, visit the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art or the Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the region's Roman and Moorish periods.

A key advantage of a camper hire in Orihuela is the ability to easily explore the natural beauty surrounding the city. Drive up to the ruins of Orihuela Castle, which overlooks the city and the vast plains of the Vega Baja. The views from here, especially at sunset, are breathtaking. The Palmeral of Orihuela is a vast palm grove, second only to the one in Elche, offering a shady and tranquil escape from the city buzz. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic.

If you crave the sea, your campervan gives you the freedom to explore Orihuela Costa. In just a short drive, you can be relaxing on the beautiful Blue Flag beaches of La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, or Cabo Roig. These areas offer not just sand and sea, but also vibrant promenades, excellent restaurants, and plenty of water sports. A motorhome hire in Orihuela truly gives you the best of both worlds: historic culture and coastal relaxation.

Recommended Camper Tours from Orihuela

With your keys in hand, your motorhome hire from Orihuela is the start of an incredible journey. Here are a couple of tour ideas to inspire your Spanish road trip.

🚐 The Castles and Coast Route (4 Days)

🏞️ The Sierra Espuña Nature Escape (3 Days)

Returning Your Camper Clean: Washing Facilities in Orihuela

After a fantastic trip with your camper hire from Orihuela, it's time to think about returning it clean and ready for the next adventurer. One challenge with motorhomes is their height, which makes using standard car washes impossible. You need a facility with enough clearance for high-top vehicles.

Finding a suitable washing station is crucial to avoid any last-minute stress. We recommend looking for truck washes or commercial vehicle cleaning centres (Lavado de Camiones / Vehículos Industriales), as they are equipped to handle large vehicles like yours.

Here are a few suitable options in and around the Orihuela area:

1. Lavadero El Ancla (Redován)
A short drive from Orihuela, this professional truck wash is well-known in the area and has all the equipment needed for a thorough exterior cleaning of a large motorhome.
Address: C. Ancla, 2, 03370 Redován, Alicante, Spain

2. Gasexpress Orihuela
Many Gasexpress stations have high-pressure jet wash bays with open tops, which are perfect for manually washing your camper. You can control the process and ensure every corner is clean. Check the height clearance before entering.
Address: Ctra. de Bigastro, 1, 03300 Orihuela, Alicante, Spain

3. Petroprix Bigastro
Similar to Gasexpress, this petrol station near Orihuela offers self-service jet wash facilities that are typically open-air, making them suitable for motorhomes. It’s a convenient and cost-effective option.
Address: C. Lino, 2A, 03380 Bigastro, Alicante, Spain

Always call ahead if you're unsure, but these locations should provide a great solution for getting your motorhome hire in Orihuela sparkling clean before you hand back the keys.

How to Get to Orihuela for Your Camper Adventure

Your journey to start your motorhome hire in Orihuela is straightforward, with two major international airports nearby: Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) and Murcia-Corvera Airport (RMU).

From the UK & Ireland:
You're in luck! There are abundant direct flights to both Alicante (ALC) and Murcia (RMU). Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, and British Airways operate regular services from major hubs like London (Gatwick, Stansted, Luton), Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin, and Cork. The flight is typically 2.5 to 3 hours. From the airport, Orihuela is a scenic 45-minute drive.

From the USA & Canada:
There are no direct flights to Alicante or Murcia from North America. The most common route involves a single layover in a major European hub. You can fly from cities like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), or Toronto (YYZ) with airlines like Delta, United, American Airlines, or Air Canada, connecting through hubs such as Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Amsterdam (AMS), or London (LHR) for your onward flight to Alicante (ALC).

From Australia & New Zealand:
Your journey will involve at least two layovers. A typical route from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), or Auckland (AKL) would be with carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Singapore Airlines to their hub in the Middle East or Asia (e.g., Dubai, Doha), followed by a flight to a major European city like Madrid or London, and finally a short flight to Alicante (ALC).

From South Africa:
From Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT), you will also need to make at least one connection. Common routes are via major European hubs like Amsterdam (with KLM), Paris (with Air France), or London (with British Airways) before taking the final leg to Alicante.

Once you land, picking up your camper hire in Orihuela is easy. It's a short drive from either airport, and you'll be on the road, starting your Spanish adventure in no time!