Elche, the City of Palm Trees, is the third largest city in the province of Alicante with a population of almost 210,000. The name, City of Palm Trees, stems from the forest of over 200,000 palms that surrounds the city. This forest was first planted in the 10 century by the Arabs who ruled over this part of Spain. The Elche Palm Grove was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000.
Although it is located in one of Spain’s most popular tourist areas, Elche does not rely on tourism for its survival as it is the capital of the footwear manufacturing industry. There are more than 1,000 shoe factories in the area.
A highlight for tourists visiting Elche in August is the famous Misteri d’Elx, the Mystery play of Elche. This play has its origins in the Middle Ages and it commemorates the Assumption of The Virgin Mary. It is performed in the Basilica de Santa Maria. The Basilica de Santa Maria is in the historical part of the city where other places of interest include the Altamira Palace, and the Moorish Baths.
Just out of the city, on the road to Santa Pola, there is the Rio Safari park. The park has a wide range of animals on display as well as swimming pools and water slides.
There is a wide range of holiday accommodation in Elche including villas and apartments for rent as well as a wide choice of hotels ranging from one to five stars.
Approximately 15 minutes driving time from the city centre is a twelve kilometre stretch of beaches offering water sports and restaurant and cafe facilities.
The weather means that the beaches can be enjoyed to the full as Elche averages around 325 days of sunshine a year with an average annual temperature of 19° C.
