Carlos Alcaraz may only be 21 years old, but he’s fast becoming a legend in the tennis world.
A Wimbledon, US Open and Roland Garros champion, he’s blitzed his way into history books as the youngest player to win Grand Slams across three different surfaces – and one of the quickest to reach an Olympic final.
The youngster, who is worth an estimated €40million, has come a long way from his birthplace of El Palmar, a sleepy corner of Murcia better known for its tomatoes than tennis prodigies.
But despite his wealth, the champion is currently living in a modest ‘bungalow’ in Villena, a tiny town in the northwestern reaches of Alicante province.
The historic municipality sits among rolling hills and is, by all appearances, your run-of-the-mill Spanish village.
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It is also, of course, home to the Equelite Ferrero Tennis Academy, a high-performance training centre that’s more boot camp than posh resort.
The centre features a state-of-the-art gym, around 20 tennis courts, and prefabricated bungalows where players and their families can stay.
Alcaraz’s current digs on the site consist of a 90sqm bungalow once owned by Juan Carlos Ferrero – his mentor and former world No. 1.
Villena is known for its very Spanish feel and high quality of life, but mostly its impressive medieval castle.
The Castillo Atalaya is a beautifully reserved Moorish fortress from the 12th century that sits atop the village and offers incredible panoramic views.
Villena also sits in the Alto Vinalopo, one of Alicante’s top wine regions. Visitors can expect Monastrell grapes, family-run bodegas and wine tastings with a view.
And despite its historic feel, Villena has modern infrastructure, including a high-speed train station (AVE) that connects it to Madrid in under two hours and Alicante city in about 30 minutes.
It makes the town an ideal location for people who want the quiet of the interior without being isolated.
Hikers, bikers, and nature-lovers also praise Villena for its proximity to natural parks, trails, and cave systems like the Cuevas de los Yesares.
