A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Elche: The City of Palm Trees and World Heritage Site

Introduction

Elche, also known as the City of Palm Trees, is a gem located in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, Spain. This city, rich in history and culture, is famous for its impressive Palm Grove, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and for its Misteri d'Elx, a medieval sacred representation also recognized by UNESCO.

The Palm Grove of Elche

The Palm Grove of Elche is one of the main attractions of the city. With more than 200,000 specimens, it is the largest palm grove in Europe and one of the largest in the world. This oasis of date palms extends over 3.5 km2 and is a living testimony to the agricultural practices of the Arabs who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages.

The Misteri d'Elx

The Misteri d'Elx is a sacred representation that is celebrated every year in the Basilica of Santa Maria de Elche. This liturgical drama, dating from the 15th century, narrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and her Coronation in the heavens. It is the only medieval play that has been performed continuously to this day and was declared Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001.

The Natural Park of El Hondo

The Natural Park of El Hondo, located a few kilometers from Elche, is another attraction of the area. This wetland is an important refuge for migratory birds and is ideal for nature lovers and bird watching.

The Archaeological and History Museum of Elche

The Archaeological and History Museum of Elche (MAHE) is a must-see to understand the rich history of the city. The museum houses a wide collection of artifacts ranging from prehistory to the medieval period, including the famous Lady of Elche, a 4th century BC Iberian sculpture.

The Basilica of Santa Maria

The Basilica of Santa Maria is another icon of Elche. Built in the 17th century on the ruins of an ancient mosque, this Baroque-style church is famous for its bell tower and for being the stage of the Misteri d'Elx.

The Route of the Castles

In the surroundings of Elche, you can take the Route of the Castles, a tour of the medieval fortresses of the province of Alicante. Among the most notable castles are the Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante and the Atalaya Castle in Villena.

Gastronomic Products of Elche

• Dates from Elche

  Elche is famous for its palm groves and, of course, for the dates that are produced in them. The dates from Elche are sweet and juicy, and are used in a variety of local dishes, from desserts to main courses. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a delicious and nutritious snack.

• Mollar Pomegranates from Elche

  The Mollar pomegranate from Elche is another local product that stands out for its sweetness and soft texture. This fruit, which has Protected Designation of Origin status, is used both in local cuisine and in the production of products such as jams, juices and wines.

• Rice with Crust

  Rice with crust is a typical dish of Elche and the Baix Vinalopó region. This dish consists of oven-baked rice with sausages and chicken and rabbit meat, which is covered with a layer of beaten egg that is baked in the oven, forming a "crust". It is a hearty and very tasty dish.

• Wines from the D.O. Alicante

  Although Elche is not a wine-growing area par excellence, it does benefit from the proximity of the wineries of the Denomination of Origin Alicante. The wines from this D.O. are varied and of high quality, and pair perfectly with the cuisine of Elche.

Sports Activities in Elche (Alicante)

Football

Elche is home to Elche Football Club, a team that competes in the First Division of Spain. Tourists can visit the Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium to watch a match or simply to take a tour of the facilities.

Hiking

Elche offers several hiking routes to enjoy its natural landscape. Among them, the Vinalopó Route stands out, which runs along the river that crosses the city, and the Natural Parks Route, which allows you to discover the diversity of flora and fauna in the area.

Cycling

Elche has several cycling routes that allow tourists to explore the city and its surroundings. From urban routes to rural paths, there are options for all skill levels.

Water sports

A short distance from Elche there are several beaches where you can practice water sports. La Marina, for example, is a popular place for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while in Santa Pola you can practice diving and snorkeling.

Places near Elche

If you are in Elche and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Santa Pola, a charming coastal town in Alicante, Spain, is famous for its golden beaches, historic castle-fortress and vibrant seafood market. Visitors can enjoy delicious dishes of fresh seafood and paellas in its numerous restaurants.

Alicante, a Mediterranean jewel in Spain, captivates visitors with its golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cuisine, highlighting paella, fresh seafood, and local wines. A perfect destination for lovers of good food and sun.