Elche
Elche, Alicante
Elche (or Elx in the Valencian dialect) is a small city on the edge of Alicante. Established over 2,000 years ago, it was inhabited by the Greeks and the Moors at different points in its history. Today, Elche is celebrated for its Palmeral—the distinctive, extensive groves of palm trees that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and other centuries-old landmarks.
The basics
Home to architectural and agricultural marvels, Elche is a transportative, Moorish-influenced destination. Its highlight attraction is undoubtedly the Palmeral, the expansive groves of date palms whose planting (and advanced irrigation system) goes back to late 10th century. Other popular sights include the Huerto del Cura gardens, the Palacio de Altamira (a Moorish-style fortress that’s home to a museum and performance space), and the Calahorra Tower (which was once part of the city walls, built in the 13th century).
Elche can be explored during various day-trip itineraries from Alicante; given its proximity to the city, it’s also easy to plan an independent visit.
Things to know before you go
- The Basílica de Santa María—built on the site of a former mosque in 1672, and recognizable for its blue dome—also hosts the Mystery of Elche performances.
- For those after a cultural outing, the Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche and the Museo de la Festa offer intriguing glimpses into the city’s history.
- Be sure to try Elche’s culinary specialties: arroz con costra (rice cooked with rabbit, sausage, chickpeas, and egg in a clay pot) and delicias de Elche (bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with almonds).
- L’Alcúdia is a major archaeological site in the city that spans thousands of years; it's also where the famed Lady of Elche sculpture was uncovered in 1897.
How to get there
Elche is 13 miles (21 kilometers) southwest of Alicante. The C1 train and ALSA buses run between the two cities. It’s also a quick taxi ride or drive to the city; travel via the A70.
When to get there
Elche is an attractive destination throughout the year, and particularly busy in the summer months. The city’s major annual event, the Mystery of Elche, is held on August 14–15 every year (with open rehearsals in the days prior); in even-numbered years, it is also performed at the end of October.
The Mystery of Elche
Visitors shouldn’t miss the chance to attend the Mystery of Elche (Misteri d’Elx). A 2-day liturgical drama that dates to the medieval period, the performance is on UNESCO’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity list. It depicts the death and ascension of the Virgin Mary, and is also accompanied by music.
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