Wondering if Elche is worth visiting? The city is known for its Palmeral, home to over 200,000 palm trees, and is a popular destination on any Costa Blanca holiday.

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Is Elche Worth visiting? + Top things to do

Where is Elche

Elche (or Elx in Valencian) is a city located in the southeast of Spain, in the province of Alicante, just 13 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean coast and the beaches of Costa Blanca. It can easily be visited on a day trip from Valencia, Alicante, or Murcia. Elche is also a great stop on any Costa Blanca road trip and can be included in any Valencia-to-Alicante itinerary.

How to get to Elche

You can visit Elche by public transport from Alicante or Valencia. From Valencia, take a regional Cercanías train from Valencia Estación del Norte. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Alicante, you can reach Elche by bus from Alicante Bus Station, with a ride that typically takes around 30-40 minutes. By car, the drive from Alicante to Elche takes about 20-30 minutes. Alicante-Elche Airport (also known as El Altet Airport) is the nearest airport to Elche, located about a 15-minute drive away.

What is Elche known for

Elche is famous in Spain for housing the largest Palm Grove in Europe, which undoubtedly belongs on the lists of otherworldly landscapes and top Spanish landmarks. While you might expect to encounter an oasis in the Middle East, seeing 200,000 palm trees with your own eyes in Elche is truly unique. In addition, the city is known for the Dama de Elche, one of the most iconic sculptures in Spain. You can read more about it in this post.

Where to stay in Elche

Elche may not have as many accommodation options as nearby Alicante, but it’s a great destination to stay for a few days and explore the region. Some of my favorite places to stay in Elche include Huerto del Cura and Hotel Boutique Hort de Nal.

Is Elche a nice city?

Visiting Elche felt truly unique, with its central park Parque Municipal housing an impressive collection of palms from around the world, combined with other plants. Elche’s El Palmeral is the largest collection of palms in Europe and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, making the cityscape one-of-a-kind. From a distance, it may appear to be a palm forest, but it is actually a plantation originally established for agricultural purposes. Each grove is flanked by rows of palm trees arranged in such a way that, when viewed from the air, they form a grid pattern. The origins of the Palm Grove date back to the 10th century. Plus, Elche felt much less touristy than nearby Alicante.

Tips for visiting Elche

If you plan to enjoy sightseeing in Elche, consider getting the Bono Museo for 8 euros (valid for 48 hours), available at any of the local museums or at the Tourist Office of Elche. This pass grants you access to all the city’s museums, most of which are small but interesting. I’ve had a similar experience with a pass in Tortosa, and it was definitely worth it as I wanted to see as many local gems as possible. In Elche, don’t miss the Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche, Museo del Palmeral, Museo de la Fiesta, and Museo del Calzado.

Top things to do in Elche

1. Take a walk among the palm trees

Not many city parks around the world resemble The Town Park of Elche, Valencia (known as Parque Municipal in Spanish). This lush oasis in the heart of the city feels like an open-air museum, where you can relax in the shade of the local palms. Don’t miss the windmill, the Park Museum, and the Rotonda. A walk through The Town Park of Elche reminded me of Spain’s magical forests. Despite the intense heat outside, strolling along the park’s pathways was surprisingly pleasant. Honestly, I never realized how refreshing palms could be. Additionally, the park is home to rare palm species, so a simple walk turned into a cultural experience as well.

2. Visit The Basilica of Santa Maria

Head to the Santa María Basilica – the views from the top are simply stunning. However, be prepared for a bit of a workout, as reaching the top involves a steep climb with many stairs. This might not be suitable for everyone, but the breathtaking panorama of the city and surrounding landscapes is well worth the effort. If you’re visiting Elche, Valencia, in August, don’t miss the Misteri d’Elx (Mystery of Elche), a unique theatrical and musical performance that dates back to the 15th century. This UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition is a must-see, as it showcases the town’s rich history through an extraordinary display of music, drama, and religious themes.

3. Huerto del Cura Garden

Huerto del Cura Garden is one of the most stunning botanical gardens in Spain, famous for its impressive collection of palm trees from around the world. The garden features a beautifully laid-out landscape, where these palms are carefully integrated with a variety of other plants, creating a picture-perfect view. The garden is especially renowned for its Imperial Palm, a unique and ancient specimen.

4. The Archaeology and History Museum of Elche

If you’d like to learn more about the region’s history, don’t miss the Archaeology and History Museum of Elche (Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche in Spanish). The most iconic symbol of the city is La Dama de Elche (The Lady of Elche), one of the most famous sculptures in the world. It is currently housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid. However, during the inauguration of the Archaeology and History Museum of Elche, the bust returned to its hometown for almost six months, with its value estimated at 15 million euros (for insurance purposes).

5. Visit the Arab Baths

The 12th-century Baños Árabes in Elche are a historical reminder of the city’s Moorish past, they once served as a place for travelers to bathe and rejuvenate before entering the walled city. Today, the ruins of the baths are hidden in the basement of the 13th-century Convento de la Merced, making it a unique spot for history enthusiasts.

6. Beaches near Elche

While I don’t mention Elche and Costa Blanca on my list of the secret beaches in Spain, as it tends to be quite touristy, there are several stunning beaches within a 20-minute drive that are worth exploring. These include Arenales del Sol, El Carabassi, El Pinet, La Marina, Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo, and El Altet. Each of these beaches offers beautiful natural landscapes, clear waters, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Costa Brava.

Why are there so many palm trees in Elche?

While El Palmeral is primarily associated with the Arab presence in Spain, there are suggestions that, much like the millenary olive trees in Castellón, the region’s tradition of palm cultivation may date back to the Roman era in Spain, when the city was known as the Iberian city of Helike. Additionally, Elche’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers, is ideal for growing palm trees, particularly the Phoenix dactylifera, which thrives in the region.

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