Elx/Elche
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Planning a trip to Elche in Alicante means stepping into a town unlike any other. With three UNESCO-listed treasures, a natural park, beautiful beaches and a historic centre packed with surprises, there's so much to take in. To truly experience it all, make sure to give yourself a few days to explore.
What to see in Elche
Start your visit in Elche’s Historic-Artistic Complex, where you’ll find remnants of its Islamic past woven into an urban landscape filled with 16th- to 18th-century architecture. One of its highlights is the Altamira Palace, a fortress with 13th-century origins that still stands proudly today.
No trip to Elche is complete without a stop at Santa María Basilica, a magnificent Baroque church that hosts Misteri d’Elx, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of sacred music and theatre. This dramatic performance, which dates back centuries, is held every August and is a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find the Calahorra Tower and Clarisas Cultural Centre, both worth a visit, before heading toward the Church of the Former San José Convent. From here, it’s time to explore Elche’s legendary palm groves.
Recognised by UNESCO, Palmeral de Elche is a jaw-dropping landscape of over 200,000 date palms, first cultivated during the Andalusian period. Among them, you’ll find some particularly striking specimens, including those at the Huerto del Cura, a stunning green space designated a National Artistic Garden.
Your tour around Elche is not over yet. Elche’s third UNESCO distinction goes to Pusol School Museum, a fascinating space filled with an extensive collection of artefacts donated by the local community. It offers a deep dive into traditional crafts, trades and customs - particularly Elche’s historic connection to the shoemaking industry.
Round off your trip by indulging in local flavours like arroz con costra, a baked rice dish topped with fluffy egg, or the protected-status Mollar pomegranate, before heading out to Elche’s paradisical natural surroundings. See if you have time to explore El Hondo Natural Park, Clot de Galvany, or the golden sands of Carabassí Beach before you leave, for a final chance to experience the beauty of this remarkable destination.
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