Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Elche Spain: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Elche is a beautiful city located in the province of Alicante, Spain. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its rich history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Elche is known for its palm groves, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, parks, and historic monuments.
Elche is a great place to visit for those who love the outdoors. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural parks, including the El Hondo Natural Park and the Sierra de Crevillente. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. The city is also home to beautiful beaches, including the popular El Carabassí Beach.
Traveling to Elche is easy. The city is well-connected by train, bus, and plane. Visitors can fly into Alicante-Elche Airport, which is just a short distance from the city center. There are also several train and bus stations in Elche, making it easy to explore other parts of Spain. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Elche has something for everyone.
Getting to Elche
Elche is a beautiful city located in the province of Alicante, Spain. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty, it is a popular tourist destination. Here are the best ways to get to Elche:
By Air
The nearest airport to Elche is Alicante-Elche Airport, which is located just 14 kilometers away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in Europe and the UK, making it easy for tourists to reach Elche. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Elche. Taxis are available 24/7 and the journey takes around 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the C-6 bus, which runs every 20 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to reach Elche.
By Train
Elche has two train stations – Elche Carrus and Elche Parque. Both stations are well-connected to major cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. If you are coming from Madrid or Barcelona, you can take the high-speed AVE train, which takes around 2.5 hours. If you are coming from Valencia, you can take the regional train, which takes around 1.5 hours. Once you arrive at the train station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach your destination in Elche.
By Bus
Elche has a modern bus station located in the city center, which is well-connected to major cities in Spain. If you are coming from Madrid or Barcelona, you can take the ALSA bus, which takes around 6-7 hours. If you are coming from Valencia, you can take the SUBUS bus, which takes around 2 hours. Once you arrive at the bus station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach your destination in Elche.
Overall, getting to Elche is easy and convenient, with several options available. Whether you prefer to travel by air, train, or bus, you can easily reach this beautiful city and start exploring its many attractions.
Accommodation Options
Elche is a city in Spain that is known for its beautiful palm tree gardens, historical sites, and vibrant culture. When planning a trip to Elche, it is important to consider the different accommodation options available. Below are some of the options available for travelers.
Hotels
There are several hotels in Elche that offer comfortable and convenient accommodation for travelers. Some of the top-rated hotels in Elche include:
| Hotel Name | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Huerto del Cura | $150 – $300 | 4.5/5 |
| Hotel Areca | $100 – $200 | 4/5 |
| Melia Alicante | $200 – $400 | 4/5 |
These hotels offer a range of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and restaurants. They are also conveniently located near popular tourist attractions.
Hostels
For budget-conscious travelers, there are several hostels in Elche that offer affordable accommodation. Some of the top-rated hostels in Elche include:
- Hostel Ole
- Albergue Juvenil
- Residencia Universitaria Santo Domingo
These hostels offer dorm-style rooms as well as private rooms. They are also located near popular tourist attractions and public transportation.
Apartments
For travelers who prefer more privacy and independence, there are several apartments available for rent in Elche. Some of the top-rated apartments in Elche include:
- Apartamentos Elche
- Elche Luxury Apartments
- Elche Apartment Rentals
These apartments offer fully-equipped kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms. They are also conveniently located near public transportation and popular tourist attractions.
Things to Do in Elche
Visit the Palmeral of Elche
Elche is famous for its palm grove, the Palmeral of Elche, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the area and enjoy the beauty of over 200,000 palm trees. The Palmeral is a great place to take a walk, relax, and enjoy the Mediterranean climate.
Explore the Historic Centre
Elche’s historic centre is full of narrow streets, beautiful buildings, and interesting landmarks. Visitors can take a walk through the old town and discover the city’s rich history. One of the highlights of the historic centre is the Basilica of Santa Maria, which dates back to the 17th century. Another must-see attraction is the Altamira Palace, a beautiful building that now houses the Archaeological Museum of Elche.
Visit the Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Elche is located in the Altamira Palace and houses a collection of artifacts from the city’s rich history. Visitors can explore the exhibits and learn about the different cultures that have inhabited the area over the centuries. Some of the highlights of the museum include the famous bust of the Lady of Elche, which dates back to the 4th century BC, and the Iberian ceramics collection. In addition to these three main attractions, there are plenty of other things to do in Elche. Visitors can take a stroll through the Huerto del Cura, a beautiful garden filled with exotic plants and palm trees. They can also visit the L’Aljub shopping centre, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Overall, Elche is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the Costa Blanca region.
Local Cuisine
Elche is known for its delicious local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet. Visitors to Elche will find a wide range of traditional dishes and local wines to enjoy.
Traditional Dishes
One of the most popular dishes in Elche is the Arroz con Costra, which is a rice dish made with chicken, rabbit, and sausage, and topped with a crispy egg crust. Another popular dish is the Gazpacho Manchego, which is a hearty stew made with game meat and vegetables.
Seafood lovers will enjoy the Caldero, which is a fish stew made with rice, fish, and potatoes. Another seafood dish to try is the Arroz a Banda, which is a rice dish cooked in fish broth and served with seafood on the side.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Turron de Elche is a must-try. It is a nougat made with almonds and honey, and is a popular dessert during the Christmas season.
Local Wines
Elche is located in the Alicante region, which is known for its excellent wines. Visitors to Elche can enjoy a variety of local wines, including the Monastrell and the Alicante Bouschet.
The Monastrell is a red wine that is made from the Monastrell grape, which is grown in the Alicante region. It is a full-bodied wine with a rich, fruity flavor. The Alicante Bouschet is another red wine that is made from a grape that is unique to the region. It is a bold wine with a deep, dark color and a complex flavor profile.
Visitors to Elche can enjoy these local wines at one of the many restaurants or bars in the city, or they can take a tour of one of the local wineries to learn more about the winemaking process.
Conclusion
Elche is a destination that offers something for everyone, from its rich cultural heritage to its beautiful natural landscapes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending the Festa d’Elx, a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The city’s palm tree forest, Palmeral de Elche, is another must-see attraction, containing more than 11,000 palm trees that are mostly date palms.
For those seeking relaxation, Elche’s coastal towns and beaches are the perfect place to unwind. Playa El Carabassi, for example, is a beautiful beach that offers crystal-clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere.
Foodies will also appreciate Elche’s prestigious gastronomy, which includes traditional dishes such as arroz con costra, a rice dish with a crispy crust, and arroz con conejo y caracoles, a rice dish with rabbit and snails. Visitors can also enjoy local wines, such as Fondillón, a sweet wine that has been produced in the region for centuries.
Overall, Elche is a hidden gem that is worth exploring. Its unique blend of history, culture, nature, and cuisine make it a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
FAQ´s
What is Elche known for?
Elche is known for its palm groves, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as its shoe industry and the annual Mystery Play, a religious drama that takes place during Holy Week.
How do I get to Elche?
Elche is located in the province of Alicante in southeastern Spain. The closest airport is Alicante-Elche Airport, which is about 15 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or rental car to get to Elche.
What are the best things to do in Elche?
Some of the best things to do in Elche include visiting the Palmeral de Elche, exploring the historic city center, visiting the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, and attending the Mystery Play during Holy Week.
What is the weather like in Elche?
Elche has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer is around 30°C, while in winter it is around 15°C.
What is the best time of year to visit Elche?
The best time to visit Elche is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. However, if you want to attend the Mystery Play, you will need to visit during Holy Week, which usually falls in March or April.
What is the Palmeral de Elche?
The Palmeral de Elche is a large palm grove that covers over 200 hectares in the center of the city. It contains over 200,000 palm trees and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is the Mystery Play?
The Mystery Play is a religious drama that takes place during Holy Week in Elche. It tells the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is performed by local actors in the Basilica of Santa María.
What is the shoe industry in Elche?
Elche has a long history of shoemaking, and the city is home to many shoe factories and outlets. The industry is known for its high-quality leather shoes and has been a major contributor to the local economy.
What are some traditional dishes in Elche?
Some traditional dishes in Elche include arroz con costra (rice with a crust), gazpacho manchego (a hearty soup made with meat and vegetables), and arroz con conejo y caracoles (rice with rabbit and snails). Elche is also known for its delicious pastries, such as the famous date palm cake.
What are some nearby attractions to visit from Elche?
Some nearby attractions to visit from Elche include the city of Alicante, with its beautiful beaches and historic castle, the Tabarca Island, a small island with crystal-clear waters and a marine reserve, and the town of Santa Pola, known for its salt flats and seafood restaurants.
