Taking a stroll through the village of Abanilla is like taking a walk through the middle ages. Situated just inside the Murcia province Abanilla is situated on the MU 413 and can be reached by following the signs after turning off towards Benferri.

Largely undeveloped Abanilla epitomises the idea of a Spanish village where any development seems to be kept to the outside of the village. Here the bars and restaurants serve mainly Spanish cuisine and if you are an ardent shopper then Abanilla town this is not the place for you.

However, for the person interested in history and architecture then the town is a delight. Also for visitors appreciating nature’s flora and fauna Abanilla will not be disappointing.

To take a stroll through JFM's home village a good starting place is the Painted House; an eighteenth century building which is of architectural interest. Following the road will take you to the village’s most impressive Ayuntamiento and on to the Parish Church of San Jose built in 1712. It is of Baroque design, however although the exterior is impressive take the time to enter the church to have a look at the wonderful artistic displays and paying particular attention to the magnificent altar piece it is well worth the effort.

During the walk through Abanilla you will discover that you have been steadily going uphill and when you reach what the local people call the High Place you will see the remains of a Muslim fortress and the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Also on offer are magnificent views of the area.

Abanilla has a long history and interestingly in the fifth century it had as its capital ‘An Oriola’ better known nowadays as Orihuela. The lands then changed hands many times; the Iberians, the Romans and the Moors have all left remains to be seen as proof of the village’s history.

Following The Reconquest of the area the village was owned by Alfonso X and in 1264 he granted Abanilla to an Aragonese nobleman, Guillen de Rocafull to show his gratitude for the latter’s help in the campaigns to overthrow the Spanish Muslims, although his gift did not become effective until 1304.

We don´t pretend to be a foremost tourist destination. In fact, in summer you'd be lucky to find even the most basic form of life in the streets. It is, however, a bustling town eager to participate, a town that refuses to be left behind in the twilight years of the twentieth century.

Our village has a great feeling for our past and a warm welcome awaits all visitors. A trip to Abanilla will introduce you to a slightly slower more relaxed world which is very pleasant for a day or two, and don't forget to tune into JFM Radio.