Elche holidays

Holidays to Elche land you in a palm-studded city with a rich history.

Under the radar

As far as Spanish cities go, Elche is a bit of a hidden gem. Despite being less than half an hour from holiday hotspot Alicante, it’s managed to stay largely under the tourist radar. And those who do visit are in for a treat. With a UNESCO-stamped palm tree grove, a well-preserved Muslim past and some internationally recognised festivals under its belt, this place is knocking on the door of being one of southern Spain’s most popular spots.

Plenty of palms

Elche is home to the biggest palm grove in Europe. It’s one of the oldest, too, dating all the way back to prehistoric times. The site – which is home to over 20,000 palm trees – has even been given UNESCO’s seal of approval. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, head over to Municipal Park for a stroll – the palm-lined paths are dotted with ponds, pretty buildings and neo-Arabic fountains.

A historic centre

When it’s time to get your history fix, head to Vila Murada – a district that sprawls out around the banks of the narrow Vinalopó River, just south of the palm grove. Skinny alleyways, a Moorish tower and a salmon-pink palace give this place a distinctly Arabic feel. And if you’re into your architecture, don’t miss the Basilica de Santa Maria. Built on top of Christian temples and an old mosque, it pairs a Baroque facade with a Neoclassical bell tower.