Elche

Elche (Elx) is the Costa Blanca's third-largest city and one of only two places in the world with TWO UNESCO World Heritage listings — the Palmeral (Europe's largest palm grove, planted by the Moors a thousand years ago) and the Misteri d'Elx mystery play. It is also Spain's footwear capital, home to brands like Pikolinos, Mustang and Tempe (the manufacturer behind Zara's shoes). Just 10 minutes from Alicante airport, it combines real-city services with much lower property prices than the coast.

Iberian settlement (the famous Dama de Elche sculpture is from the 5th c. BC), Roman Ilici, Moorish Ils — which planted the palm grove using an Arab irrigation system still in use today — and refounded after the 13th-century Christian reconquest. The footwear industry exploded from the late 19th century.

A real Spanish working city with a relaxed, low-rise feel thanks to the palms. Strong university and cultural life (Universidad Miguel Hernández), excellent food market and a young, Spanish-speaking population.

• 1.Walk the UNESCO Palmeral and Hort del Cura garden
• 2.See the original Dama de Elche replica at the MAHE archaeological museum
• 3.Visit the Basilica de Santa María (home of the Misteri d'Elx)
• 4.Tour the Museo del Calzado (footwear museum)
• 5.Explore the Clot de Galvany and Salinas dune ecosystems

Inland Valencian heartland — rice with rabbit and snails, arroz con costra (oven-baked rice with an egg crust unique to Elche), and exceptional dates from the palm grove.

Business and four-star city hotels (Hotel Huerto del Cura set inside the palm grove is iconic), plus beach hotels at Arenales del Sol.

Continue exploring the Central Costa Blanca.