For many people moving to the Costa Blanca, one surprises can be discovering just how many different types of oranges Spain produces.
Back home, an orange may simply be… an orange. But in Spain, especially around the Valencian Community and Andalucía, oranges are almost a language of their own. Some are sweet and juicy, others are sharp and fragrant, while a few are prized more for marmalade than eating fresh.
And once you start visiting local markets in places like Orihuela, Elche or Valencia, you will quickly notice names like Navelina, Valencia Late or Sanguinelli appearing everywhere.
So here is your easy Costa Blanca guide to Spain’s oranges, when they are in season and what they are best used for.
Why are Spanish oranges so famous?
Spain is one of the world’s largest orange producers and exporters, with much of the country’s citrus grown along the Mediterranean coast.
The warm days, mild winters and mineral-rich soil create ideal growing conditions, particularly across the Valencian Community, Murcia, Andalucía and parts of Cataluña.
The provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón are especially famous for citrus farming.
The main types of oranges you will find in Spain
Navelina (Easy-peel sweet orange)
Probably the orange you will see most often early in the season.
Navelina oranges are sweet, seedless and very easy to peel, making them ideal for eating fresh.
Lane Late (Late-season orange)
A winter favourite found across the Costa Blanca.
Lane Late oranges are juicy, sweet and perfect for both eating and juicing.
Valencia Late (Late Valencia orange)
One of Spain’s most famous juice oranges.
These arrive later in the season and are packed with juice and balanced sweetness.
Sanguinelli (Blood orange)
Known for its deep red flesh and rich flavour.
Sanguinelli oranges are popular in gourmet cooking, desserts and cocktails.
Naranja Amarga (Bitter orange)
Mainly used for marmalade, sauces and perfumes rather than eating fresh.
These are especially common in Andalucía.
Salustiana (Juicing orange)
A very juicy orange with low acidity and very few seeds.
Often sold specifically for fresh orange juice.
Mandarina (Mandarin)
Smaller, sweeter and easier to peel than traditional oranges.
Very popular with families and widely grown across Spain.
Clementina (Clementine)
A sweeter, softer type of mandarin that is extremely popular during winter.
Easy to peel and usually seedless.
When is orange season in Spain?
One of the joys of living on the Costa Blanca is that orange season stretches for months.
General citrus season runs from October through May.
Peak season runs from December to March.
This means winter markets across Alicante province overflow with fresh local citrus exactly when northern Europe is grey and freezing.
