One of the standout eateries of Orihuela, Restaurante Los Cucalos, offers a distinctly traditional take on Mediterranean dining, with a strong emphasis on family, flavour and familiarity. Established in the late 1980s and still running across generations, the restaurant leans heavily into its identity as a place where meals are not just eaten but shared as experiences, and has quickly become a local favourite with its laid-back, country house atmosphere and mouth-watering rice dishes.

Rice dishes in the heart of Orihuela

The menu is extensive, but its heart clearly lies in rice dishes and paellas, which have become its signature. Options range from classic seafood paella to more elaborate combinations like lobster rice or rabbit with snails, all prepared using time-honoured techniques. Alongside these, diners can choose from a wide variety of tapas, fresh fish and grilled meats, ensuring there is something to suit most tastes.

What stands out most at Restaurante Los Cucalos is the establishment’s commitment to freshness and Spanish tradition. Ingredients are carefully selected, with an emphasis on Mediterranean produce and daily catches, contributing to meals that feel both authentic and generous.

A warm atmosphere and flavourful Spanish dishes

The atmosphere is warm, designed to accommodate everything from casual lunches to large celebrations. With spacious interiors, outdoor seating and even a children’s play area, which is especially popular in the summer months, it caters particularly well to families and larger gatherings. 

The outdoor area is perfect for enjoying the warm summer months in Orihuela, an open-air area adorned by string lights that locals love to spend time in. Whether for a family get-together or a romantic dinner, Restaurante Los Cucalos proves itself as a versatile venue.

Overall, Restaurante Los Cucalos succeeds in delivering a classic Mediterranean dining experience rooted in tradition, generosity and a welcoming atmosphere. According to the restaurant’s official website, “The warm and traditional atmosphere will make you feel right at home.”

T. 965 97 66 39

restaurantecucalos.com

ORIHUELA is preparing to host the 37th edition of the Regional School Theatre Showcase, which this year will feature 27 special performances at the Circus Theatre. The event, which for nearly four decades has brought together students from educational centres all over the Vega Baja region, has been firmly established as a source of local pride and unites the students with a love for theatre.

A programme to celebrate theatre in Orihuela

The programme, which will take place from May 5 to May 28, includes a wide variety of styles and stage productions, from classical theatre to contemporary and innovative works. The project includes performances of famous works, including:

• Lost in Translation, Toc-Toc, The Gods or Cinderella (IES Tháder)
• Trash TV (IES Mare Nostrum)
• Punch and Judy (Reverse Version) (IES Santiago Grisolía)
• Scarlet Theorem (MUDIC Jesús Carnicer)
• The Magic of Emotions, The Wizard of Oz, Shrek, Cantar Mio Cid or The Play That Goes Wrong (Jesús María San Agustín)
• Cinderella Who Didn’t Expect a Prince (CEIP San Bartolomé)
• The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Saint George and the Dragon, Beauty and the Beast or Enchantment (Oratorio Festivo)
• Peter Pan Musical (Santo Domingo)
• The World Upside Down or The Darlings (Virgen de Montserrate de Torremendo)

The event fosters essential values including camaraderie, teamwork, and creativity. The project allows students to enter the world of art and theatre, as well as develop important communicative skills and, above all, foster and facilitate group work among them.

Admission will be free for all audiences, though the Orihuela Department of Education recommends making a reservation in advance through the Teatro Circo to help organize attendance.

With this project, the students’ hard work onstage will reflect the talent, effort, and commitment of schools throughout the Vega Baja region, and re-affirm Orihuela’s place as a cultural and artistic hotspot on the Costa.

Torrevieja is set to celebrate International Dance Day with a vibrant three-day programme featuring workshops, performances and outdoor activities designed to engage residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. Organised by the Municipal Institute of Culture alongside the Municipal School of Academic Dance, the initiative aims to bring dance closer to the public while encouraging widespread participation.

An inclusive event open to all residents and visitors of Torrevieja

Organisers have emphasised the inclusive spirit of the event. The schedule has been carefully designed to ensure accessibility, offering a range of activities that appeal to both beginners and experienced dancers.

A key highlight of this year’s edition is the focus on contemporary and Spanish dance workshops, which will take place at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. Open to students aged nine and above, the sessions will be led by acclaimed instructors Eva Mora and María Cabrera, both of whom have built successful careers on both a national and international scale after training in Torrevieja.

On Saturday evening, audiences can enjoy a performance by the Spanish Ballet of Murcia at the Municipal Theatre, under the direction of Carmen and Matilde Rubio. The show is expected to be one of the standout cultural moments of the weekend.

Sunday’s programme shifts outdoors to the Natural Pools at the Juan Aparicio Promenade, where the traditional street dance marathon will bring together 14 local academies. In a new addition for 2026, a large-scale open-air ballet barre session will invite the public to participate directly, marking an innovative step in community engagement.

The day will also feature the reading of the International Dance Day manifesto, reinforcing the event’s celebratory and reflective nature.

When to experience International Dance Day in Torrevieja

Taking place from April 24 to 26 with an expanding programme and strong community involvement, International Dance Day in Torrevieja continues to establish itself as one of the town’s most anticipated cultural events, showcasing local talent, as well as fostering a shared appreciation for dance.