Unleashing the Magic of Elche: A Whirlwind Adventure
Discover the beauty of Elche, where history meets Mediterranean charm.
14 October 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Elche, located in the province of Alicante in Spain, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Palmeral de Elche, a vast palm grove recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the city's rich history by exploring the medieval Elche Castle and the stunning Basilica de Santa María. Additionally, Elche is famous for its vibrant festivals, such as the Mystery Play of Elche, which provide a fascinating insight into the region's traditional celebrations.
Travel plan
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- Check into your whimsical oasis, the Hotel Huerto del Cura, surrounded by lush gardens and century-old palm trees. A dose of tranquility, guaranteed.
- Dive into Elche's rich history at the Archaeological and Historical Museum, where ancient artifacts whisper tales of the city's past.
- Wander around the splendid Palmeral de Elche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where over 200,000 palm trees sway to the rhythm of the wind.
- Pay homage to wealth, literally, at the Basilica of Santa Maria, an awe-inspiring church displaying opulent gold and silver splendor.
- Indulge your taste buds at Restaurante Alfonso Mira, where saffron-infused paella and succulent seafood dishes dance on your plate.
- Wrap up your day with some traditional tapas at El Pimiento, a cozy tavern where the locals let you in on the secrets of their vibrant culture.
- Start your day with a visit to the mysterious Elche Mystery Play, a time-honored tradition dating back to medieval times that brings religious tales to life.
- Meander through the narrow streets of Elche's old quarter, stumbling upon quaint artisan shops and hidden gems at every turn.
- Explore the Palm Grove Museum, where you'll unravel the fascinating journey of the palm tree, from its cultivation to its historical importance.
- Seek shade and tranquility in the Huerto del Cura Garden, a true oasis where the flutter of colorful butterflies and the aroma of jasmine perfume the air.
- Swing by La Tasca de Tono for an authentic Spanish lunch, savoring traditional delicacies like cured jamón, fiery chorizo, and creamy manchego cheese.
- Wrap up your Elche escape with a sweet ending at Heladeria Borgonesse, where artisanal gelato flavors like fig and almond will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Elche, Spain by plane is to fly into Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) and then take a taxi or bus to Elche.
Car
You can reach Elche by car by taking the A-7 highway if you are coming from north or south, or the AP-7 toll road if you are coming from the west. Elche is located approximately 20 minutes' drive from Alicante.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train station in Elche. The nearest train stations are in Alicante and Murcia. From either of these cities, you can take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to reach Elche.
Boat
Since Elche is an inland city, there are no direct boat routes available. However, you can dock at the nearby Port of Alicante and then travel to Elche by taxi, bus, or car.
Bus
To get to Elche by bus, you can take a direct bus from major cities like Alicante, Murcia, or Valencia. The bus station in Elche is Estación de Autobuses de Elche.
