Elx
Elx
An inland city in Alicante province with the largest palm grove in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a long history of dates and shoemaking.
Elche sits about 20km inland from Alicante on the Costa Blanca, a green and modern city built around the largest palm grove in Europe. The palms, first planted over a thousand years ago, give the city its character and shade its streets and parks. Beyond the palms, Elche has a compact historic centre, a major shoemaking industry, and a coastline of quiet dune-backed beaches a short drive away.
What Elche is known for
Elche is best known for its palm grove, the Palmeral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest in Europe with over 200,000 date palms. The grove was first planted in ancient times and expanded by the Moors, who built the irrigation system that still waters it today. The Municipal Park is the easiest place to walk among the palms, while the Huerto del Cura, a botanical garden within the grove, is the most beautiful single corner. The city holds two further UNESCO honours, both for living traditions: the Misteri d'Elx, a medieval sacred play performed in the Basilica of Santa María every August, and the Pusol school museum, recognised for preserving rural heritage. The Baroque Basilica dominates the old town, and climbing its bell tower gives wide views over the palms. Elche is also Spain's shoemaking capital, producing a large share of the country's footwear. The archaeological site of L'Alcúdia, just outside the city, is where the famous Iberian bust known as the Lady of Elche was found.
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Experiences and things to do in Elche
If you enjoy gardens, start at the Huerto del Cura early in the day, when the palms and ponds are quiet and the light is soft. Walk on into the wider Municipal Park, which is free and shaded, to see how the grove wraps around the city. If you like history, climb the bell tower of the Basilica of Santa María for views across the palms, then visit the archaeology museum in the Altamira Palace. If you are here in mid-August, the Misteri d'Elx is a rare chance to see a medieval sung drama still performed in its original setting.
Where to stay in Elche
Most visitors stay in or near the historic centre, within walking distance of the palm grove, the Basilica and the main museums. A few comfortable hotels sit among the palms, including one beside the Huerto del Cura, which is the most atmospheric choice. For a beach base, the Elche coast at Arenales del Sol and La Marina has apartments and holiday lets, about 20 minutes from the centre by car.
Food and drink in Elche
Elche's signature dish is arroz con costra, a baked rice topped with a crust of egg and served with local sausages and meats. The city's palms also produce dates, used in local sweets. The historic centre has traditional tapas bars and a growing reputation for good Mediterranean cooking.
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Best time to visit Elche
Spring and autumn are the best times, with warm, comfortable temperatures for walking the grove and the old town. Summers are hot, though the palms offer welcome shade. Mid-August is special for the Misteri d'Elx, but expect heat and crowds around the performances.
Getting to Elche and around
Elche sits beside Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), one of the closest airport-to-city connections in Spain, about 10 minutes away by car or taxi. The city is around 20km from Alicante, with frequent trains and buses linking the two. The historic centre is compact and walkable, with a local tram and buses for getting further out.
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Travel tips for visiting Elche
The Huerto del Cura is best early in the morning, before the day-trip crowds arrive. The Palmeral and Municipal Park are free to enter and open all day. Climb the Basilica bell tower for the best views over the palm grove. The Misteri d'Elx is performed in mid-August, with some rehearsals open to the public beforehand. Alicante airport is so close that Elche makes an easy first or last stop on a Costa Blanca trip.
Events happening in Elche
What's on in Elche - annual festivals and events.
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