Elx/Elche

Elche, in Alicante, has no shortage of places worth seeing. It’s a destination where history, art, nature and the coast all have a part to play, while three cultural jewels protected by UNESCO give you even more reason to explore. Use this guide to plan your break and make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Things to see in Elche

Elche's UNESCO-recognised heritage 

• Palmeral de Elche: with Phoenician origins and an Islamic layout, this extraordinary network of traditional palm groves is home to more than 200,000 palm trees. Some are monumental in size and can be discovered along a specific route. To see this impressive landscape at its best, make your way to iconic spots such as Huerto del Cura. 

• Misteri d’Elx: a medieval lyrical drama performed every August inside the Basilica of Santa María, a magnificent Baroque church. If you want to delve deeper into its history, pop into the Municipal Festival Museum, where you can uncover the story behind one of Elche’s best-known traditions. 

• Museo Escolar de Pusol: on the outskirts of Elche, the city’s third UNESCO-recognised gem awaits. Included in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, this museum offers a fascinating look at traditional trades, customs and everyday objects which have been donated by the local community. 

Monuments in Elche 

• Historic and Artistic Centre: shaped by its Islamic origins, this part of the city brings together Arab baths, imposing palaces and emblematic buildings. 

• Altamira Castle-Palace: a beautifully preserved fortress of Islamic origin, now home to the Archaeological and History Museum of Elche, MAHE. 

• Walls and Towers of Elche: an important reminder of the 10th-century Islamic medina, with defensive remains still woven into the fabric of the modern city. 

• Watchtowers: dating back to the Middle Ages, these towers are dotted across the landscape and once formed part of a strategic defensive network. 

• L'Alcudia: the site where the famous Lady of Elche was discovered was inhabited from the Neolithic period through to the Islamic era. Today, you can explore Iberian and Roman remains here, many of which are also represented in the collections at MAHE. 

• Castelar Walls: these 10th-century Andalusi remains sit high on a hill and offer a chance to connect with Elche’s more distant past in a natural setting that also lends itself to hiking. 

Beaches in Elche 

• El Pinet beach

• L’Altet beach 

• El Carabassí beach 

• Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo beach 

• Arenales del Sol beach 

• La Marina beach 

Nature: tourism in Elche for those who love the outdoors

• El Hondo Natural Park: lagoons, salt marshes and reed beds await in this valuable protected wetland. Four hiking routes take you along boardwalks over the water and past observation points where you can take in its rich biodiversity, including endangered birds such as the marbled teal and white-headed duck. An absolute must for nature lovers visiting Elche. 

• El Clot de Galvany: a coastal marsh ensconced in dunes, pinewoods and former farmland. Follow its prepared trails and stop at the birdwatching hides to get a closer look at the local wildlife. 

What are the must-see places in Elche? 

If you want a shortlist of essentials, include a guided visit to Palmeral de Elche, a walk through the Historic and Artistic Centre, and time at both MAHE and the Municipal Festival Museum. 

What can you see and do in Elche in one day? 

Take a look at this itinerary, designed to help you make the most of a day in Elche. You may be surprised by just how much there is to see!

Why is Palmeral de Elche famous? 

Palmeral de Elche is an extraordinary centuries-old network of date-palm groves, whose origins predate the Arab period. It features more than 200,000 palm trees, including several monumental specimens. 

When is the Misteri d'Elx held? 

This medieval sung drama is performed in the Basilica of Santa María every 14 and 15 August, divided between the Vespra and the Día de la Mare de Déu, following rehearsals from 11 to 13 August. The work preserves 259 verses dating back to the 15th century and also has special autumn performances in even-numbered years. ​​​​​​​