Elche

Valencian Community, Spain• Population: 240,000

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240k

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About Elche

Elche (Elx) is a vibrant city in Spain's Valencian Community known for its immense palm groves, rich history, and welcoming local culture. It's the third-largest city in the region yet maintains a laid-back, approachable feel. Elche greets visitors with a "real sea of palm trees" creating a unique oasis-like landscape amid a modern city famed for its shoe industry and ancient heritage.

With 2 beautiful beaches nearby, Elche is also a perfect destination for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.

Top Attractions in Elche

Museum/Castle

Altamira Castle & MAHE Museum

Next to the basilica and palm park looms the Altamira Palace (also called Alcázar de la Señoría), a medieval fortress that once housed the lords of Elche. Today it contains the MAHE – Elche's Archaeology and History Museum, an engaging museum tracing the city's 2,500-year history. Exhibits include artifacts from the Iberian, Roman, and Islamic eras – notably a replica of the famous Lady of Elche bust. The original 4th-century BC Dama de Elche statue, an Iberian artifact discovered here in 1897, resides in Madrid, but locals remain proud of this iconic stone lady. The castle's sturdy walls and towers date to the 12th–15th centuries; climb up for views of the palm grove. Visiting Altamira and MAHE offers a fascinating peek into Elche's past in an atmospheric setting.

Religious Site

Basilica de Santa María

In the historic center, the blue-domed Basilica of Santa María stands out as a Baroque gem and the spiritual heart of Elche. Built on the site of a former mosque, its ornate facade and beautiful Valencian Baroque doors are noteworthy. You can climb the basilica's bell tower for panoramic views over the palm groves and city skyline. Every August, the basilica hosts La Festa or Misteri d'Elx, a medieval mystery play about the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This cherished theatrical performance – declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage – culminates on August 15th with elaborate sung drama inside the church. Even without the festival, the Basilica is "very atmospheric" and well worth a visit.

Historical Site

Historic Old Town of Elche

Elche's compact old town is filled with historical nooks. You can explore the Arabic Baths (Baños Árabes), a restored 12th-century bathhouse where worshippers once cleansed themselves before prayer – a rare glimpse of the city's Islamic period. Nearby stands La Calahorra, a square 12th-century defensive tower (the oldest surviving structure in Elche). Together, these sites offer a window into medieval Elche under Moorish rule. Stroll the Plaça de Baix to see the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), a Baroque civic building, and wander the maze of streets in El Raval quarter – historically home to North African settlers. Keep an eye out for the Basílica's bell tower and other historic monuments tucked amid cafes and boutiques. The old town's blend of Arabic, medieval, and Baroque influences tells the story of Elche's diverse heritage in its architecture.

Garden

Huerto del Cura Garden

An exquisite section of Elche's Palm Grove, the Huerto del Cura is a botanical garden featuring the famous seven-stemmed "Imperial Palm" as its centerpiece. This lush oasis is meticulously maintained with walking paths through exotic plants, water features, and artistic touches. One local described it as "simply leaving me speechless the first time I visited", highlighting its tranquility and beauty. The garden provides a peaceful retreat from the city and showcases the diversity of palm species alongside other Mediterranean and tropical plants.

Science Museum

Museo Paleontológico (MUPE)

For a family-friendly outing (or any dinosaur lover), Elche's paleontology museum is a delightful surprise. Though modest in size, it's "small but well worth a visit" with a fascinating collection of fossils and dinosaur skeletons that engage both kids and adults. The exhibits include interactive displays (with some descriptions in Spanish only, but visuals speak for themselves) and even a few animatronic dinosaurs. Entry is very affordable (a couple of euros; sometimes free in summer), and visitors often comment on the friendly staff and well-presented information. The museum is surrounded by the peaceful Parque Municipal, where you'll find playgrounds, a cafe, and plenty of palms – perfect for letting kids burn off energy after learning about prehistoric creatures. It's an easy addition to your itinerary, especially on a hot or rainy day when indoor activities shine.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Palmeral of Elche (Palm Grove)

Elche's signature attraction is its vast palm forest – the largest in Europe, with around 70,000 date palm trees spread over 144 hectares. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to Moorish times and feels like a green oasis woven into the city. Don't miss the Huerto del Cura, an exquisite section of the palm garden featuring the famous seven-stemmed "Imperial Palm." Strolling the shaded paths of the Palm Grove (Palmeral) and Municipal Park, you'll encounter exotic plants, fountains, and an on-site Palm Museum. It's a photogenic haven and a cool retreat on hot days.

Cultural Museum

Puçol School Museum (Museo Escolar de Pusol)

A true hidden gem, this living museum preserves the traditional rural life of Elche and its countryside. What began in 1969 as a local school project has evolved into a collection of over 90,000 artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries, recreating old workshops, village shops, farm tools, furniture and everyday scenes from the past. It feels like stepping into your great-grandparents' time. UNESCO recognized the Pusol Museum in 2009 by including it in the Register of Best Practices for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can walk through charming displays of vintage toys, clothing, household items and photos donated by locals, giving an intimate look at Elche's folk traditions. It's a bit outside the city center, but enthusiasts of culture and history highly praise this offbeat museum for its authenticity and nostalgia.

Zoo/Wildlife Park

Rio Safari Elche

This safari park and zoo on Elche's outskirts makes for a fun day, especially when traveling with children or animal lovers. Set amid 4,000 palm trees that create a "unique tropical setting", Río Safari is home to lions, giraffes, zebras, lemurs, orangutans and more, plus an attached water park open in summer. You can explore on foot or hop on a small train that winds through the animal enclosures. The park offers up-close experiences like sea lion shows, parrot displays, and even the chance to swim with sea lions or feed certain animals. Families appreciate the picnic areas and kids' play zones, and the park is open year-round. While it's not a massive zoo, it provides a refreshing mix of wildlife and water slides in a palm oasis setting – a hit with kids especially. It's about 15–20 minutes outside the city center, toward Santa Pola.

Where to Stay in Elche

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Elche offers 6 hotels across all price ranges, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options.

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Beaches Near Elche

Arenales del Sol

A lively beach town with a long, wide beach, a boardwalk of shops and cafes, and opportunities for water sports. It's popular in summer for swimming and sunbathing, and has areas with lifeguards and beach loungers for rent. Located about 20 km from Elche, near the airport.

Sandy beach3000m long

Playa de la Marina

Adjacent to a nature reserve of coastal dunes and pine forest, La Marina is a beautiful stretch of fine sand backed by dunes. It's a bit more tranquil and wild compared to Arenales del Sol, great for walks and sunsets. The beach flies the Blue Flag for cleanliness. Located south of Arenales del Sol, about 25 km from Elche city center.

Sandy beach2500m long

Where to Stay in Elche

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Jun 19 — Jun 22

2 Guests, 1 Room

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Quick Facts

Region: Valencian Community
Population: 240,000
Coordinates: 38.2670°N, -0.6983°W

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Jun 19 - Jun 22

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Nearby Cities

Valencia(837,000)Alicante(337,000)Bunol(9,408)Morella(2,437)Villajoyosa

Upcoming Events

Medieval Festival of Elx

Late October annually

Palm Sunday Procession

Sunday before Easter annually

Moros y Cristianos Festival

August annually

La Nit de l'Albà

August 13 annually

Mystery Play of Elche (Misteri d'Elx)

August 14-15 annually

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