The ancient Spanish town of Elche is located in the Eastern part of the country, in the province of Alicante in the Autonomous community of Valencia. For many years, this city has been welcoming visitors and tourists from both Spain and all over the world. There are many reasons to visit it:

  • Mild Mediterranean climate offers warm sea from May to October, lots of sunny days and rare rainfall, pure and fresh air;
  • Developed tourist infrastructure: well-maintained beaches near the city, hotels, restaurants and entertainment for every taste;
  • Cultural dimension: the magnificent Elche Grand Theatre with its musical performances; the Altamira Palace – a real pearl of architecture; The Basilica of Santa María – a recognized UNESCO heritage; The Archaeological and History Museum of Elche (MAHE), the Contemporary Art Museum, the School Museum of Pusol, Elche Palm Grove Museum; the majestic Santa Teresa Bridge and much more;
  • Natural oasis: a famous palm grove, the Botanical Garden «Huerto Del Cura», the Natural Park of El Fondo (El Hondo);
  • Sporting events: the Spanish football club «Elche», a sports area by the river Vinalopó;
  • Shopping tours to shoe stores, located in the area of Elche Outlet Industrial Park.

By the way, Elche is not considered a metropolis with its 326.1 km2 by, however this is the tenth most populous city in Spain. As of January 1, 2020, the population of Elche was 232.517 thousand people, just 56 people more than in Granada, which accounts 232.461 inhabitants now.

Here are some more characteristics of the city:

  • Distance to the administrative center of the province (Alicante): 21 km;
  • Airports: Aeropuerto Alicante-Elche (ALC) – 15-20 minutes away, Aeropuerto de Murcia-San Javier (IATA-MJV) – 45 minutes away;

History of Elche, Spain

The City of Elche in Spain
During its existence, the borders of the city of Elche have changed many times. Initially, the first settlement was located in the town of L’alcudia, two kilometers south of the current city core. From the Neolithic times to the Visigothic period, this settlement had a strategic advantage by protection of the borders, due to convenient location by the river Vinalopó.

Until the 5th century BC, here there was also an Iberian town of Helike, which existed until the Carthaginian invasion in 280 BC. This was a magnificent epoch of the flowering of Iberian culture, which one of the most valuable archaeological find, a stone bust of the «Lady of Elche» (La Dama de Elche) belongs to. Previously, this sculpture could only be seen in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid, but thanks to a special fund created in Valencia, it was transferred to the Archaeological and History Museum of Elche.

In 209 BC, the Iberian town was occupied by the Romans, and in the first century BC it acquired the status of the Colony of Julia Illice Augusta. Then there were a number of destruction and subsequent reconstructions in the town, as a result of the Barbarian invasion and the establishment of Visigoths’ authority.

Sometime between the eighth and ninth centuries, with the arrival of the Arab conquerors, Elche moved to its present borders, in the area known as Vila Murada. In 1265, the conquest of the town by the Christians led by Jaime I forced the Muslims to leave this area and move to Raval de San Joan. As a result of the expulsion of the Moorish, Elche lost a third of its population by the early of the 17th century.

In the 19th century, the town developed extensively making shoes, there was a now popular model of shoes – espadrilles (alpargatera), with jute sole and natural, mainly textile, top. That entailed development of urban areas and industry, which greatly contributed to the growth of the city.

What to see in Elche, Spain

Above we have already listed what is remarkable about the city, and now we will make a route and go for an exciting walk.

  1.  The Basilica of Santa María (Basílica de Santa María)
  2. The Palace of Altamira (Palacio de Altamira)
  3. The Santa Teresa Bridge (Puente De La Virgen/Santa Teresa)
  4.  The Archaeological and History Museum of Elche (MAHE) (Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche (MAHE))
  5. The Palm grove (Palmeral de Elche)
  6. The Botanical Garden «Huerto Del Cura» (Jardín Huerto del Cura)
  7.  The Contemporary Art Museum of Elche (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Elche)
  8. Sports area on the Vinalopo river (Zona para deportes del Río Vinalopó)
  9.  The Natural Park of El Fondo (El Hondo)
  10.  The ethnographic Museum of Escolar de Pusol (Museo Escolar de Pusol)

The Basilica of Santa María (Basílica de Santa Maria)

The Basilica of Santa Maria is one of the most iconic buildings in Elche, so let’s start exploring the city with it. Santa Maria is located in the heart of the historic center, surrounded by the squares of Santa Maria, Santa Isabel and Eucharistic Congress. This beautiful church was build on the ruins of an ancient mosque, in Baroque style. The Basilica has a stunning main facade, two sky-blue domes, and a bell tower known as the Santa Maria Tower. That’s worth a little hard work to climb all those 150 steps to get a great reward: 360°-panoramic view over the city of Elche, including the Altamira Palace and the Palm grove.

Year after year, the Basilica hosts the Misterio de Elche festival, one of the symbols of the city’s identity. The fest was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008, representing a musical idea of twentieth-century about death, assumption, and coronation of the Virgin, and attracting thousands of tourists every year. To learn more about the Mystery Play of Elche, also known as La Festa, is it worth visiting the Museum of the same name.

  • Location here;
  • Opening hours: 11:00-18:30 (daily)
  • Web-site: campanariomiradorelche.com
  • Ticket prices:
    • adults – €2,
    • children (up to 10 years) – €1,
    • children (under 5 years) – free.

The Palace of Altamira (Palacio de Altamira)

The City of Elche in Spain
The Altamira Palace, a Moorish-style castle-fortress, is situated just a 2-minute walk from the Basilica of Santa Maria. In the XV and XIX centuries, this palace was the residence of the nobility of Elche, Altamira family. The Palace has also another name – Alcázar de la Señoría.
It is recognized as a real pearl of architecture, and at the foot of its walls there are huge cores, which were used to break the fortress many centuries ago. Today, the Palace of Altamira has not only preserved its ancient appearance, but also houses a concert venue and an archaeological museum. Tourists consider this place as a must-see in Elche.

  • Location here
  • Opening hours: daily from 10: 00 to 18: 00
  • Web-site: elchesemueve.com
  • Ticket prices:
    • adults – €3,
    • children (under 6 years) – free,
    • students and groups: €1,
    • pensioners and large families: €1,5.

The Santa Teresa Bridge (Puente De La Virgen/Santa Teresa)

It is believed that the bridge of Saint Teresa is the oldest in Elche, since there are no documents confirming the existence of another earlier bridges. At the beginning of the XVII century, it was just a wooden bridge connecting the oldest part of the Vila Murada area and the Moorish quarters with small local businesses, the Franciscan monastery of San Josep on the opposite side of the river, as well as the road leading to Orihuela and lands of Vega Baja.

Although the project of a new modern and durable stone bridge was designed in 1673, its construction began only in 1705, when the necessary funds were collected. However, due to the civil War of Succession (la Guerra de Sucesión), construction was interrupted until 1715.

Another trouble was in October 1751, when the project was nearing completion, but the only arch of the bridge could not withstand waters pressure due to the destruction of the dam. In 1756 it was decided once again to restore the bridge and strengthen its structure.

The presence of this bridge helped people to inhabit the riverbanks, that led to the emergence of the Santa Teresa or Pla de Sant Josep neighborhood. Also, the Santa Teresa Bridge connected this area with Baja del Segura area and the southern provinces of Spain.

Since then, over the years, the bridge suffered from numerous landslides that affected its design; that led to several restorations. The last reconstruction of the bridge was carried out from August 2004 to May 2005. Now to admire this bridge it’s possible any time of the day: by day, to see the riverbed of Vinalopo from above and the mosaic «Viper Multicolored» (Víbora Multicolor), drawings by artist Sixto Marco on the railing of the bridge, near the old Moorish quarter of San Juan; and by evening, to enjoy the twinkling lights of street lamps on both sides of the river, and the night scenery of Elche.

The Archaeological and History Museum of Elche (Museo Arqueológico y de Historia de Elche − MAHE)

Those who are interested in history and archaeology are recommended to visit the Elche Archaeological and History Museum, also known by the acronym MAHE. Located in the historic center of the city, next to the Altamira Palace, it demonstrates exhibits dedicated to the cultural heritage of Elche, from the Neolithic era to the Late Middle Ages.

This is really a great place to visit with the whole family, where the statuette of the Lady of Elche, mentioned above can be seen with your own eyes. As for today, this is one of the most valuable preserved Iberian busts. By the way, if your visit coincides with Sunday, International Museum day (May, 18), or the holidays of August 15, October 9, or December 6, admission to the museum will be free for everyone.

    • Location here
    • Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (daily)
    • Web-site: elche.es
    • Ticket prices:
      • adults – €3,
      • students – €1,
      • children (under 6 years) – free,
      • pensioners: €1,5

The Palm grove (El Palmeral de Elche)

The Elche palm grove, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2000, is also known as the Elche palm garden or forest, being home to between 200,000 and 300,000 of these plant species that makes it the largest palm grove in Europe. An incredibly pleasant and informative walk can be arranged, admiring by palm trees varities.

The park houses a museum of palm groves, telling not only about the features of these plants, but also about amazing ways to climb to the top of palm trees. There is also an archaeological museum with Arabic baths (Baños Árabes) nearby, which can keep engrossed ancient history lovers.
In addition to the lush greenery, fresh air and its own museum, this palm grove has a well-developed infrastructure and is suitable for families with children.

  • Location here
  • Opening hours: 24/7
  • Web-site: www.elche.es
  • Phone number: +34 966 658 196

The Botanical Garden «Huerto Del Cura» (Jardín Huerto del Cura)

This wonderful garden earned love of urban dwellers and always draws attention of those who appreciate closeness to nature. There are palm trees of various types, there are cacti and abundant greenery that create captivating landscapes and relax.

This is a perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet in an urban environment, or spend time with the family, observing wildlife, which is represented by a pond with water lilies, varities of birds and fish, trees and flowers.

  • Location here
  • Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 10:00-14:00 and 16:30-20:30
  • Website: huertodelcura.com
  • Phone number: +34 965 451 936

The Contemporary Art Museum of Elche (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Elche)

The City of Elche in Spain
It always makes sense to include museums in your travel itinerary, due to their high historical, cultural and educational values. In addition to being an interesting place for leisure, this is alsow a real chance to find out more about modern Spanish art.

Museum tour will take a maximum of an hour, and how many new discoveries and non-standard ideas can be got for expanding of your own horizons!

  • Location here
  • Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 10:00-14:00 and 15:00-18:00
  • Web-site: elche.es

Sports area on the Vinalopo river (Zona Para Deportes Del Rio Vinalopo)

The City of Elche in Spain
Those who like playing sports during the trip, should go to the Vinalopo river sports area. The advantage of this place is that it is suitable for people of all ages, because there are wide and well-equipped playgrounds for kids, and adults can run, do gymnastics, ride a bike or do exercises on a horizontal bar.
But even without sports, this is a great place to relax and enjoy birdsong especially after a strenuous day with sightseeing. Sitting comfortably on a bench and observing the sunset – it is so nice to plan what to visit the next day.

  • Location here
  • Working hours: 7/24
  • Phone number: +39 351 124 5675

The Natural Park of El Hondo (Parque Natural El Hondo)

About 12 kilometers southwest of Elche, there is a swampy area known as El Fondo. This is a unique natural park filled with wildlife, where it can be come up with and organize many outdoor activities.

Among the interesting features of the park – there is an opportunity to walk directly through the swamp, thanks to the system of wooden paths. In addition, El Fondo offers several routes of different complexity levels and length, for walking or cycling, with bird-watching areas and picnic areas.

The ethnographic school Museum of Pusol (Museo Escolar de Pusol)

Just a few minutes from El Hondo there is placed the School Museum de Pusol – an educational and Museum project that has been implemented since 1968 in the unitary school of the rural settlement of Pusol, near Elche. Its main mission is to educate school children through acquaintance with local heritage and culture as educational materials, while carrying out its own Museum activities.

Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, this Museum presents sketches from the life of the local population – «ilicitanos». The Museum is divided into sectors that show everyday items of traditional rural housing, products of artisans and nearby urban industry. A school garden is also available for visitors to relax and walk in.

The exhibition easily takes its guests back to the past centuries, immersing them in the village life of Elche neighborhood through numerous exhibits and images. Even locals like to visit this place to talk about the «good old days».

Beaches of Elche

The City of Elche in Spain
Although the city of Elche is not located on the coast, nearby coastline stretches for 9 kilometers, offering 6 spacious beaches to for every taste. If Santa Pola is taken as a landmark, then beaches with dunes and golden sand can be found in the North, and beaches arounded by pines are in the South.

Let’s name the best beaches that are so easy to get from Elche:

in the North, it will be Playa de Arenales del Sol, la Playa El Carabassí and la Playa El Altet. And in the South there are Playa El Pinet o La Marina. Due to their proximity to the Tabarka island marine reserve, they are ideal for diving and other water sports.

Read our article about the best beaches of the Costa Blanca here.

Elche Football club

The City of Elche in Spain
Spaniards just love football, so talking about it would be incomplete without mention of the famous Spanish football club «Elche», which plays in the first division of Spain now. The club was founded on 28 August 1922 as a result of the merger of several local clubs. Its main team plays its home games at the Martinez Valero stadium, which can hold 33,732 spectators.

There have been ups and downs in Elche club’s history, but on August 23, 2020, it triumphantly returned to the first division, after its unexpected relegation in 2015. It has been achieved this new positive result thanks to a goal in the 96th minute against the team that also sought the leadership this year – FC «Girona».

Shopping in Elche Industrial Park (Elche Parque Empresarial)

But if men need to go to Elche to cheer for their favorite team, then a splendid gender should go there in search of their perfect pair (or maybe more) of shoes.
The fact is that this city has a large number of shoe industries, concentrated in Elche Parque Empresarial area. That’s where a wide range of Spanish brand shoes is presented. Each factory has its own outlet store, where seasonal collections of shoes can be found both the latest and previous years, often with good discounts.

Sometimes, among the tourists, Elche Parque Empresarial is simply called a shoe outlet.
It can be reached in different ways – by car, by taxi, or as part of an organized tour. From the Alicante bus station there is a bus number 90, the route «Alicante-Elche», a ticket costs only 1.55 euros.

Elche gastronomy

The City of Elche in Spain
Not without reason it was said that a sure way to learn the culture of a place better is to try its gastronomy, and Elche has a lot to offer in this regard. The local cuisine is incredibly tasty and refined, as, for example, how about that «dates with almond hearts wrapped in fried bacon»? Or «chaplain salad with a side dish of crispy rice», local sweets «torrijas» stuffed with creamб or «Elche tostada» (fig bread), sounds great, right? Among soft drinks, it is recommended to favour pomegranate juice, one of the most popular, healthy and delicious fruits in this area.

In Elche, there are many high-quality gastronomic places worthy of recommendations, and visitors of tourist portals often note such as the restaurant «Restaurante Mar&Merlot», «El Galgo», «Taberna La Olivereta» or «Restaurante El Raval». All of these facilities offer authentic Spanish cuisine with local delicacies.

Restaurante Mar&Merlot

  • Address: Calle Alvado 3 Plaza de las Flores, 03202 Elche, Spain
  • Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday 13:30-16:00
    From Wednesday to Saturday 13:30-16:00 and 21:00-23:30
    Sunday is closed.
  • Phone number: +34 692 839 960
  • web-site: marimerlot.com

El Galgo

  • Address: Sant Jaume, 6 (Bajo), 03202 Elche, Spain
  • Phone number: +34 964 04 22 00
  • web-site: elgalgorestaurante.com

Taberna La Olivereta

  • Address: Calle Olivereta 4 Elche, 03203 Elche, Spain
  • Phone number: +34 965 45 14 40
  • web-site: tabernalaolivereta.com

Restaurante El Raval

Address: Carrer Major del Raval, En la Plaza 9, 03203 Elche, Spain

  • Opening hours: Wednesday 11:00-23:45
  • Phone number: +34 648 10 11 55

Taberna La Olivereta

  • Address: Calle Olivereta 4 Elche, 03203 Elche, Spain
  • Phone number: +34 965 45 14 40
  • web-site: tabernalaolivereta.com

Restaurante El Raval

  • Address: Carrer Major del Raval, En la Plaza 9, 03203 Elche, Spain
  • Opening hours: Wednesday 11:00-23:45
  • Phone number: +34 648 10 11 55

Thus, it is safe to say that Elche is a city steeped in history, interesting sights, modern infrastructure and natural oases, and it is worth to visit in Spain, for once. If you are interested in this wonderful city and want to buy a home in Elche, you can get acquainted with our wide range of homes by checking out our catalogue.

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