Elche (Elx) is an oasis. Literally. It is surrounded by the Palmeral, a forest of 200,000 palm trees planted by the Arabs, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sound of the city is the rustling of palm fronds in the sea breeze. It smells of dates and the white dust of the Alicante interior.
It is a city of mysteries. The Misteri d’Elx (August) is a medieval sacred drama performed inside the Basilica, the only one of its kind protected by UNESCO. The Lady of Elche (an Iberian bust, though the original is in Madrid) is the city’s icon—mysterious, regal, and ancient. Elche feels North African in its landscape but thoroughly Valencian in its culture.
The vibe is calm and agricultural, but wealthy (it’s the shoe capital of Spain). Locals eat Arroz con Costra (rice with an egg crust). To enjoy Elche, walk the Huerto del Cura garden, see the imperial palm, and look for the “White Palm” weavers.
The perfect plan for Elche:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Palm Forest
- Morning: Huerto del Cura. The jewel of the palm groves. See the Imperial Palm (7 trunks). It’s a botanical garden.
- Afternoon: Basilica of Santa Maria. Climb the tower. You see a sea of green palms surrounding the blue dome. Lunch: Restaurante El Granaino. Order Arroz con Costra.
- Evening: Walk the City Park (Parque Municipal). It’s free and full of palms.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Archaeology & Shoes
- Morning: MAHE (Archaeological Museum). It’s inside the Altamira Palace. Very modern and good. See the history of the Lady.
- Afternoon: Pusol School Museum. UNESCO listed. A museum of local life/agriculture. Unique.
- Evening: Dinner in the center.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Beach
- Morning: Drive to Carabassí Beach (15 mins). Wild dunes and pines.
Weather
August: The Misteri play (Aug 14-15) and Nit de l’Albà (Aug 13 – massive fireworks). Hot.
Spring/Autumn: Pleasant. 25°C.
Winter: Mild.
Local Customs
1. The Play: The Misteri is performed by amateurs in Lemosin (old language). It is breathtaking. Book tickets.
2. Dates: Eat fresh dates (Dátiles) in autumn.
3. Shoes: Visit the Salvador Artesano factory outlet. It’s a shoe shopper’s heaven.
History & Culture
Iberian settlement (Ilici). The Lady of Elche (4th century BC) was found here. The Romans and Moors expanded the irrigation systems that keep the palms alive. The Palmeral is a feat of medieval hydraulic engineering.
Getting Around & Safety
Walking: The palm groves and center are walkable.
Train: Connected to Alicante.
Info for Nomads
Quiet, green, very cheap. Good for focus.
Workation Vibe
Good wifi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a beach town? +
No, the city is inland (15km), but the beaches (Arenales, Carabassi) are very close.
What is Arroz con Costra? +
Rice with sausage and chicken, covered in beaten egg and baked in the oven until it creates a golden crust.
Is the Lady of Elche there? +
Only a replica. The real one is in Madrid (MAN). Locals are still salty about it.