A Guide to Dolores, Alicante

Dolores enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

In summer, daytime temperatures regularly reach around 30°C (86°F), while winter averages a pleasant 10°C to 17°C (50–63°F). The surrounding countryside benefits from light sea breezes, keeping the heat manageable and providing comfortable evenings throughout the year.

Rainfall is low, with most precipitation occurring during spring and autumn. This consistent, sunny weather makes Dolores an ideal destination for outdoor living, whether it’s dining al fresco, cycling through the countryside, or visiting the nearby beaches of Guardamar del Segura and La Marina.

Dolores is ideally situated between two international airports, making travel easy and convenient for residents and visitors alike.

Alicante-Elche Airport – approximately 30 minutes north via the AP-7 motorway.

Murcia Airport – around 45 minutes south.

Both airports are served by major and budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling, offering frequent and affordable flights across the UK and Europe.

Flight times to the UK are typically between 2 and 3 hours, meaning short visits or weekend getaways are entirely possible. Excellent motorway connections and local car hire options ensure smooth travel to and from your home in Dolores.

Despite its modest size, Dolores has a full range of amenities that make everyday life easy and enjoyable. The town is well-equipped for both permanent residents and holiday homeowners.

Shopping

The town centre offers everything you need for day-to-day living, supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, pharmacies, and small independent shops.

Dolores also hosts a popular weekly market every Friday, where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, local cheeses, clothing, and handmade goods.

For larger shopping trips, the nearby towns of Elche, Orihuela, and Torrevieja offer big-name stores and shopping centres, including the Habaneras Centre and La Zenia Boulevard, one of the largest malls on the Costa Blanca.

Bars and Restaurants

Dolores is known for its warm hospitality and traditional Spanish dining scene. You’ll find plenty of local tapas bars, cafés, and family-run restaurants serving dishes like paella, gazpacho, and grilled meats.

There’s also an increasing number of international restaurants and cafés catering to the growing expat community, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Other Amenities

The town offers:

A medical centre and local clinics, with larger hospitals in nearby Elche and Torrevieja.

A sports complex with a swimming pool, gym, and football pitches.

Schools, banks, post office, vets, and various professional services.

Dolores is also well-connected by road, with easy access to surrounding towns and the AP-7 motorway.

Nearby towns and attractions

If you fancy exploring, here are some great destinations within a short drive:

Elche – 20 minutes north (historic city and palm groves)

Guardamar del Segura – 15 minutes east (nearest beaches)

Torrevieja – 25 minutes east (coastal resort and salt lakes)

Orihuela – 25 minutes southwest (historic architecture and culture)

Alicante city – 30 minutes north (shopping, airport, and nightlife)

Golf enthusiasts will find Dolores ideally located close to several of the region’s top golf courses. Within a 20–30 minute drive, you can enjoy a wide variety of courses suited to all skill levels.

Some of the most popular nearby options include:

La Finca Golf Resort – one of the Costa Blanca’s premier courses, located just 15 minutes away.

La Marquesa Golf (Ciudad Quesada) – a scenic 18-hole course perfect for relaxed rounds.

Vistabella Golf – a newer, modern course designed with challenging fairways.

Lo Romero Golf – known as “the island green,” this course offers stunning views and a unique playing experience.

Villamartín Golf and Las Colinas Golf & Country Club – slightly further but both excellent options for serious players.

Whether you’re a casual golfer or a regular player, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this region.

While Dolores itself is inland, the beautiful Costa Blanca coastline is only a short drive away. In around 15 minutes, you can reach some of the most popular Blue Flag beaches in Alicante province.

Guardamar del Segura

The nearest seaside destination to Dolores, Guardamar offers over 11 kilometres of golden sand, dunes, and pine forests. Its beaches, such as Playa Centro and Playa Moncayo, are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

La Marina

A quieter option located between Guardamar and Santa Pola, La Marina Beach is known for its soft sand and calm waters. It’s ideal for families or those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Torrevieja

A slightly longer drive (about 25 minutes) brings you to Torrevieja, a bustling coastal city with multiple beaches, a large marina, and a lively promenade.

The proximity to the sea makes Dolores perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy beach life without living in a crowded tourist area.

Dolores is a proudly traditional Spanish town with a rich cultural calendar and a strong sense of community.

Festivals and Events

The highlight of the year is the Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, held in September. This celebration includes parades, music, dancing, fireworks, and street parties that attract visitors from across the Vega Baja region.

Other popular events include:

The Dolores Feria de Ganado, a traditional livestock fair and market.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions.

Summer open-air concerts and markets.

These festivals reflect the town’s deep-rooted traditions and are a wonderful way to experience local culture.

Local Cuisine

Dolores’ location in the Vega Baja valley means it enjoys access to fresh produce year-round. Traditional dishes often feature artichokes, citrus fruits, and rice, all grown locally.

Typical specialities include:

Arroz con costra (rice baked with egg and meat)

Gazpacho manchego (game stew)

Torrijas (Spanish-style French toast) during Easter

The town’s restaurants and bars showcase these flavours in generous, affordable portions, always accompanied by a glass of local wine or a refreshing “caña.”

Heritage and Architecture

Dolores’ town centre features classic Spanish architecture, including whitewashed houses, wrought-iron balconies, and narrow streets leading to the main square, Plaza Cardenal Belluga.

The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows is a focal point, an elegant 18th-century building dedicated to the town’s patron saint.

For those who enjoy history, nearby towns like Orihuela and Elche offer museums, palaces, and cathedrals filled with centuries of culture and art.

Dolores offers excellent opportunities for property buyers looking for a peaceful, authentic setting that remains close to the beach and major towns.

Through Movehappy, you’ll find a wide selection of new build villas, traditional townhouses, and modern apartments, all offering great value for money compared to coastal resorts.

Types of Property

New build villas – Contemporary homes with private pools, gardens, and high-quality finishes, often located in quiet residential areas on the outskirts of town.

Townhouses – Perfect for families, featuring spacious interiors, roof terraces, and communal pools.

Apartments and bungalows – Affordable and low-maintenance options ideal for holiday use or rental investment.

Most new developments in and around Dolores are designed to provide a modern lifestyle while retaining a connection to the town’s traditional charm. Many include energy-efficient features, open-plan layouts, and generous outdoor spaces.