Elche/Elx is the second most important city in the province of Alicante and probably the first in terms of industrial development. Elche is an open, green and modern city, with excellent infrastructures and services to welcome any type of tourist, from families to businessmen visiting for business. This historic city has a very valuable cultural heritage, as evidenced by the three awards granted by UNESCO in this category.
If you have decided to visit Elche, probably many things in this wonderful city have caught your attention, and so that you don’t miss any of them, here is a selection of our must-see places in Elche.
Stay until the end to discover all its secrets!
Essential things to see in Elche
1. The Basilica of St. Mary (and its bell tower)
The Basilica of Santa Maria is the most emblematic and monumental church of the city. In it takes place the representation of the Misteri d’Elxa medieval sacred-lyrical drama that represents the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is staged every August (and the end of October) inside the Basilica.
During your visit to Santa Maria, I highly recommend climbing to the top of its bell tower. It costs only 2€ and is accessed through a door on the outside. You will have to climb a steep staircase to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city.
2. Palace of Altamira and Archaeological Museum of Elche
This palace-fortress is part of the Route of the Castles of Vinalopó and is home to the Museum of History and Archaeology of Elche (MAHE).
This museum is one of the essential cultural attractions for any lover of historical heritage. Inside, visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating history of this ancient city, from the Iberian period to the Middle Ages.
The museum has an impressive collection of archaeological objects, such as the famous Lady of Elche -areplica, since the original is in Madrid-, which is one of the most representative works of Iberian culture and a symbol of the city. The museum also houses temporary exhibitions that address various themes.
But the MAHE is not only a place to admire works of art and historical objects, it is also a place to learn and enjoy with the family. It offers activities and educational workshops for all ages, as well as guided tours that allow you to deepen your knowledge of the history and culture of Elche.
3. The Calaforra or Calahorra Tower
Very close to the Basilica and the Palace of Altamira is located this unique building whose interior and terraces we recommend you visit. This fortification of Almohad origin (12th century) was part of the defensive system of the city and later became a manor house.
4. The Convent of Santa Llúcia and Arab Baths
A visit that is not usually recommended in any guidebook about Elche but you will love it if you enjoy history and culture.
5. Municipal Park (Palmeral de Elche)
The Municipal Park of Elche, with free admission, is the best place to admire the essence of the Palmeral, with its impressive palm orchards, irrigation ditches and paths. An ideal space to understand this unique landscape, declared a World Heritage Site.
If you have several days, I recommend the Route of the Palm Grove, a tour of some of the most emblematic of the many orchards that shape what is considered the largest expanse of palm trees in Europe, with more than 200,000 specimens.
6. Huerto del Cura (botanical garden)
The Huerto del Cura is an old palm orchard and botanical garden that has the distinction of National Artistic Garden. This fantastic space is made up of around 1000 palm trees, mainly date palms. In addition we find different Mediterranean plants and cactus that, together with the ponds and sculptures, give rise to a space of exceptional beauty. The musical theme“Aromas Ilicitanos“, one of the hymns of the city, was presented in this garden in 1951.
7. The Vaillo Tower
Not far from the center, this ancient defensive tower dating from the fifteenth century is a highly recommended visit. From its 20 meters high, you can admire a beautiful view of the Palm Grove. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 to 14.00 hours, free entrance.
Main Museums in Elx
This is a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, reflected in its museums and archaeological sites.
If you enjoy visiting museums, you will be pleased to know that there is a voucher that, for only 8 €, will allow you access to all those that depend on the City Council.
Among the most outstanding museums in Elche, do not miss:
The Archaeological and History Museum of Elche (MAHE) is an essential stop to learn about the evolution of the city from its Iberian origins to the present, with special attention to the Lady of Elche, whose replica is exhibited here.
To understand the value of the Palm Grove, the Palm Grove Museum offers a didactic experience about its cultivation and tradition, allowing you to learn about the work of the palm growers.
On the other hand, the School Museum of Puçol is an ethnographic treasure that shows the rural and educational life of the area in the twentieth century.
And if we talk about ancient history, the archaeological site of l’Alcúdia, located a few kilometers from the center, is the place where the Lady of Elche was found and where you can still visit the remains of the Iberian, Roman and Visigoth city that gave birth to Elche.
Natural Spaces and Hiking
From the very center of the city we can take the hiking route that leads us to the reservoir of Elche (although we can also go by car to the esplanade of the reservoir and start there. The dam of the Elche reservoir is one of the oldest in Europe, being a cultural heritage of incalculable value.
Also starting at the Molí del Real you can make a circular route of 40 kilometers to the beaches of Elche: the South Path of Vinalopó – Camp d’Elx.
It is also highly recommended to visit the Natural Park of El Hondo, between Elche and the neighboring town of Crevillent. Once there, we can make different hiking trails and bird watching.
The Natural Park of the Salinas de Santa Pola, where the Vinalopó River flows into the sea, is another natural area worth visiting, as is the Clot de Galvany, next to the magnificent beaches of Los Arenales del Sol and El Carabassí.
