Elche, also known as Elx in Valencian, is a historic city in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community of Spain. It was labelled an oasis for its vast palm grove, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere. The city takes care of its nature and is one of the greenest cities in the entire region.
Where is Elche?
Elche is approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) inland from the Mediterranean Sea and lies about 23 kilometres (14 miles) southwest of the city of Alicante.
What to see in Elche
El Palmeral de Elche
Elche’s palm grove, known as El Palmeral, is one of the city’s most famous attractions. El Palmeral is a vast palm grove which runs through the city of Elche. It is one of the most important and unique agricultural landscapes in Europe, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.
The grove contains over 200,000 palm trees and is a stunning example of agricultural and landscape design.
How to enter the Palmeral
There is no charge for visitors to enter the Palmeral. Visitors can enter anytime and explore on foot or by bike. There are several walking paths and guided tours available.
Basilica of Santa Maria
Located within Vila Murada (Elche’s old town) you can find the Basilica of Santa Maria, a church built over the ruins of a mosque in the 18th century. It is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and is recognised by UNESCO as a significant cultural heritage.
It has an impressive baroque façade and a beautifully decorated interior. The basilica is also the site of the Mystery Play of Elche, a UNESCO-recognised medieval liturgical drama performed annually in August.
A tip is to climb the spiral staircase to the top of the basilica’s bell tower for panoramic views of Elche and the surrounding palm groves.
Vinalopó River
The Vinalopó River is a small river flowing throughout the province and passing through Elche’s palm grove. Its total length is 81 km, and eventually empties back into the Mediterranean sea at Salinas de Santa Pola.
As it meanders through the city centre, you can enjoy a scenic walk along its route, which gracefully winds through the heart of Elche, or appreciate it from above from the Puente del Altamira or the Puente del Ferrocarril.
Paseo de la Estación
The Paseo de la Estación is a beautiful promenade that runs alongside the Vinalopó River. It is lined with palm trees and offers a relaxing place for a walk or a picnic.
The promenade connects various parts of the city and provides easy access to several parks and gardens. Its a popular area for pop-ups including street food markets, fairs, and festivals.
Altamira Palace
Also known as Alcázar de la Señoría, the Altamira Palace is a historic fortress dating back to the 12th century. It located a few streets away from the Basilica of Santa Maria in the Vila Muruda.
It has been restored and now houses the Archaeological and History Museum of Elche (MAHE), which showcases Elche’s history from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Elche Beaches
Elche is 20km inland from the coast, but still has six of its own beautiful beaches to visit. I’ve written up a guide to Elche beaches if you want more information.
Here’s a list of its beaches:
- Playa del Carabassí
- Playa de El Pinet
- Playa Varadero
- Playa El Rebollo
- Playa Can Agua Amarga
- Arenales del Sol
- Playa Lisa
- Playa de la Marina
Travelling around Elche
If you’re staying in the centre, Elche is quite a walkable city, especially in the Old Town area. If you’re not the walking type, fear not, as there is a metro system and frequent buses around the city. There are also taxis in Elche, although these will be more expensive.
Here is a map of the Elche metro system:
The main bus station can be found on Av. del Alcalde Vicente Quiles and can take you to nearby cities such including Alicante. Buses with Line 1A and Line 1B will take you to Alicante Airport.
Here is the Elche Bus map:
Dining out
Elche offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Spanish tapas bars to international cuisine. Be sure to try local specialties such as arroz con costra (a baked rice dish) and date-based desserts.
Activities around Elche
I’ve added a more in-depth guide to this, but there are plenty of things to do in and around Elche. From walking tours, kayaking tours, safari, and a nearby waterpark, you can plan an amazing trip.