Rafal

A peaceful and picturesque town situated in the huerta, Rafal is a place to explore beautiful scenery, taste delicious cuisine and experience traditional festivals.

Just a stone’s throw from Orihuela, Rafal is situated in the midst of Vega Baja. The small town dates back to Moorish times and was later inhabited by people from Aragon and Castile. For centuries, the local community has made a living from farming and the surrounding huerta has been adapted to this need with the construction of structures such as irrigation channels. 

What to see in Rafal

A good place to start your exploration of Rafal is Nuestra Señora del Rosario church. The place of worship is the epicentre of life in the town. Built in 1639, the church houses valuable paintings that were created by the Ribera workshop. The next stop on your to-visit list is the Museo Etnográfico, the ethnographic museum, where you can see collections of everyday objects, such as clothing and tools, that the inhabitants of the town used to use. The museum is of great sentimental value as the collections are formed of donations from the locals. A wonderful place to see what life used to be like in this part of the province of Alicante.

Rafal organises festivals and celebrations throughout the year. If you plan your visit to coincide with Holy Week, you will have the opportunity to experience La Graná, one of the most vibrant moments in the Easter festivities, which takes place at dawn on Easter Sunday. In October, the town’s Moors and Christians associations fill the streets with powerful music and colourful costumes. In April, an Andalusian-inspired event blasts cheerful tunes and sevillanas into the streets. And at Christmas, you can see a zarzuela dedicated to shepherds, Los pastores de Belén. 

Rafal also boasts some delicious local cuisine. You can’t leave the town without trying its sow thistle salad, arroz clarico, rice with vegetables and tasty cod stew. During the local festivities, pastries come into their own, particularly monas, paparajotes, buñuelos, almojábenas, rice pudding and almond cake. Are you tempted to come and visit? Start planning your getaway today.