Guide to Elche, alicante, elx, spain guide. The palms of Elx/Elche
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Places in Spain - Elche/Elx, Alicante

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Around 23km inland from Alicante is the capital of the El Baix district and the Valencian regions' third largest city in terms of population. Elche had its original location at L'Alcudia where the bust of the Lady of Elche was found, however the city was moved by the Moors to its current position, surrounded by groves of palm trees. Elche is known as Elx in Valenciano.

 

Today, over 200,000 officially protected palm trees in the city lend it a somewhat exotic air. These palms are evident on every street corner and can be especially enjoyed in the well-tended city park and just a short walk away in the Huerto del Cura (Priest's Garden) where a palm in the form of a severn-armed candelabra is a great example of the freaks of nature. This park is the only one in Elche that you have to pay to visit. Currently the price is €5 per adult which we thought a little steep.

 

 

When King James I conquered the city, the victorious Christians occupied the Vila Murada or walled city and the Moors moved to the Ravel area, where a contemporary art gallery is now situated.

 

Besides being a popular tourist destination, Elche has a thriving industry in shoe manufacture. There are around 1,000 shoe factories in Elche. There's also a busy rubber industry that employs 20% of the Elche workforce.

 
Elche map location
 
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What to see in Elche

In the historical area of Elche , there are lots of monuments and buildings to see and most are within easy walking distance. Make the tourist office near the castle your first call and you can collect lots of information and a street plan although the street plan can be a little confusing as there are so many parks.

 

Altamira Castle

Also known as Alcázar de la Señoría and the 'Lord's Fortress' is located next to the Municipal Park. It was originally built in Almohad times (12th-13th centuries), and was later renovated with a brick exterior in the 15th century. This former fortress became a fabric plant in 1913. Over the years it has also been used as the town hall and as a prison during the Spanish Civil War. Today it houses the Archaeology and History Museum.

Elche
 
 

Elche Palm Grove and palm parks

This famous orchard contains over 2,000 palm trees and was declared a national monument in the year 2000.

 

Elche is known worldwide for its palm trees.

 

There are several large palm parks in Elche. One of the most popular is the Huerto del Cura. This park is where you will find the unique Imperial palm Tree with seven branches originating from one trunk. The park covers 13,000 square metres. Entry is €5 per adult.

 

The municipal park is free.

Elche

 

The Arab Baths (Baños Arabes)

These Arab baths date from the 12th century and include re-modelled Roman baths. Each bath consisted of three rooms, the most popular being the warm bath. Made of stone slabs, the bath was supported by 8 pillars between which, hot air was passed. This practice is what gave birth to our modern day saunas. During the 14th century the building was used as a convent. The baths can be found in Calle Eres de Santa Llucia. They are open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am-1.30pm and 4.30pm to 8pm. On Sundays the hours are 10.30am-1.30pm.

 

Basilica of Santa Maria (Saint Mary)

This wonderful building dates from around 1673 when the first foundation stone was laid. This Baroque Basilica is the only temple in the Catholic world that is permitted to hold within, a religious theatrical drama. The famous play from the 13th century, 'Elche Mystery Play' is perfomed here.

 

 

Elche
Elche parks
 

The Tower of the Basilica

This tower is what enabled Elche to become known as a city. In 1871, Amadeus I, King of Spain visited the tower and on seeing the views of the town from the top, he described Elche as 'a wonderful city'. At that time, 80% of Elche was covered in palm trees.

 

Today it is possible to climb to the top of the tower. The price os €2 per adult. The steps are quite difficult and not for the feint-hearted. The views from the top are well worth the effort. On the way up there are two stops in small rooms. One houses a photographic display and museum, the second houses the bells. The tower is open daily from 11am-6pm. Tickets are bought inside the tower door.

Elche
 

The Municipal Park in Elche

This is just one of many parks in Elche and as you would expect, it's full of palm trees. This is a wonderful place to enjoy both the sun and the shade. The park is filled with tall palms, water features, a band stand and much more. On the other side of the road is the outdoor swimming pool and the sports park where all manner of sports take place. The tourist office can be found on the corner of the Municipal Park.

Elche parks
   

The Tower of Calaforra

Located next to the Basilica, this 12th century tower was built by the Arabs as a watchtower to watch people entering the city from Alicante. The tower is oblong in shape and is quite unique. No other similar tower survives in the Valencian region.

   

The Lady of Elche

Known in Spanish as Dama de Elche, is a stone bust that was discovered in in 1897 on an archaeological site at L'Alcudia, around 2km from Elche. This piece of sculpture is believed to be Iberian, dating from the 4th century BC. Over the years the sculpture has had a varied history. It was taken to France shortly after being found. It was shown in the Louvre Museum and hidden during World War II. Franco's government managed to negotiate its return to Spain in 1941. It was placed in the Prado Museum in Madrid then later moved to the Arhaeological Museum in Madrid where it remains. It was shown for a while in Elche in 2006. The government of Elche have appealed for its permanent return to Elche but have so far been refused. Instead, Elche has to make do with a replica. When made, the Lady Of Elche would have been painted in full colour. There is an ongoing debate about the authenticity of the bust. many claim it is a forgery. One of the best replicas can be found in La Glorieta which is a small square in the city centre. There's also a copy ine tourist office.

 

 

Elche parks
There are several other churches within Elche, dotted between the parks and plazas.
Elche church
   

 

Getting around Elche

The River Vinalpo runs through Elche and has several impressive crossing points. If you stay close to the river you are guaranteed to see the best sights including the Basilica, the Palacio, the Museo de la Fiesta and the old town market. The tourist office have a street plan that illustrates the best walking routes to get the most out of your visit.

 

Elche is full of splendid buildings with intricate stonework and a fair share of statues and monuments. Look out for the Lady of Elche. make sure you have stout walking shoes on and take plenty of water with you. You will however, find lots of little cafes in which to rest.

 

The tourist train runs around the city and the Municipal Park. This is a great and easy way to see the best sights. There's a stop outside the park. There's also a cycle hire service in Elche with regular parks throughout the city.

 

Theme parks and what to do in Elche

Further afield from Elche, a great day out can be had at the Rio Safari Park, located on the Elche-Santa Pola road. The park has an excellent range of animals on display as well as swimming pools and water slides. There's a regular dolphin show too. Further details and prices can be obtained on 966 638 288.

 

Scuba Diving in the Elche area: Subaelx - www.scubaelx.com. Capt. Antonio Mena, 92, Elche. Tel 966 641 042

 


Museums in Elche

The Museu Municipal de la Festa

This museum in Elche is dedicated to the 'Festa' of Elche which is the famous mystery play. The museum houses costumes and related items.

The Archaeological Museum of Elche

Located on Diagonal del Palau, this museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-8pm. On Sundays the hours are 10.30am-1.30pm. Known as 'MAHE', the museum shows the evolution of Elche since the first settlements. This is one of the most interesting and well planned museums in the region.

Museu del Palmerar

Located in the Hort de Sant Placid, the entry price is just €1. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the museum illustrates the history and cultivation of the palm trees.

The visitors centre

This is where you can see an audio-visual presentation about the city. Ideal for first-time visitors to Elche. It is located in the Municipal Park.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Founded in 1980, this museum shows over 150 works of art from local artists.


Fiestas and events in Elche

The patron saint, San Agatangelo is honoured in February with a procession from the church to the Basilica de Santa Maria.

The Mystery Play of Elche (Festa)is a Medieval drama that dates from the 15th century. It is played out mid-August every year as part of the holidays for Assumption of Virgin Mary. Also combined with this fiesta is the Nit de l'Alba or Night of the Dawn. All over Elche there will be firework displays all night. The play takes place in the Basilica.

8th-12th August is Moors and Christians. On the 28th December it's the Venida de la Virgen.

 

There are several patron saint days in Elche, each parish having their own saint. Idealspain filmed the celebrations in honour of San Agatangelo in February.

 

The procession leaves the small church and weaves through the streets, finishing at the Basilica. The procession includes loud fireworks set off at every junction and on arrival at the Basilica. The procession includes the band. The costumes are particularly beautiful and colorful. The girls wear lace headscarves, bright sashes and colourful crinoline dresses. Their jewellery is of a religious nature and traditional. The procession, as like all other fiestas, brings traffic to a standstill in the city.

Elche Fiestas
   

 


The local area around Elche and Idealspain's visits

 

Beaches

Elche has around 9km of shoreline with white sandy beaches. The beach resorts include L'Altet, Els Arenals del Sol, El Carabassi, El Pinet, La Marina and Les Pesqueres.

 

We visited Elche as part of our Costa Blanca tour after calling in at Alicante, Santa Pola and Benidorm. From Elche we took the N340 to Murcia.

Elche is just 20km from Alicante and 50km from Murcia, making access to and from the cities easy. Elche is within easy reach of major motorways and the airport in Alicante (El Altet).

 
Contacts
National Police Elche Emergencies 091
Local Police Elche 966 658 092 - Emergencies 092
Guardia Civil Elche 965 451 082 - Emergencies 062
Fire Brigade Elche 965 448 508 - Emergencies 080
General emergencies 112
Hospital General de Elche
Camino de la Almazara, 11
966 679 000
General hospital Alicante 965 938 300
County Council Alicante 965 121 300
British Consulate in Alicante 965 216 022
German Consulate in Alicante 965 217 060

Library in Elche

Plaça Santisimo Cristo de Zalamea

966 658 125

Town Hall (Ajuntament)

Plaça de Baix, 1, 03202 Elche

 

966 65 80 00

Tourist Office, Elche

C/ Filet de fora, 1, Elche

96 665 81 40
Post Office, 03202, Elche (Main office)
Pº de la Juventud, 18, 03202, Elche
965 446 911
Municipal Grua, Elche 966 658 192
   
   
 

 

Costa Blanca Samaritans  
 
Transport
Bus station Elche 966 615 050
Bus station Alicante 965 130 700
Train station Elche 902 240 202

RENFE Train station Alicante

Estació Elx-Parc: Avinguda del Ferrocarril nº 2
Estació Elx-Carrús: Carrer Jorge Juan amb Avda. de la Libertad.

968 502 214
Alicante Airport information

966 919 100

Radio Taxi Elche 965 427 777
   
   
 

Bus companies running in Elche

Alsa - 902 422 242

La Melillense - 965 456 947

Mollá (Grupo subús) - 965 424 242

Serrano - 965 456 146

Autobuses Urbanos de Elche - 965 420 392

Vegabús - 966 613 222

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Entertainment

Rio Safari Elche

Ctra Santa Pola-Elche

www.riosafari.com

Tel - 966 638 288

Archaeological and History Museum

Diagonal del Palau, 7

Elche

Tel - 966 658 203

   

Museu Municipal de la Festa

Carrer Major de la Vila, 25

Elche

Tel - 965 453 464

Arab Baths

Passeig de les Eres de Santa Llúcia, 13

Elche

Tel - 965 452 887

   

Museu Paleontològic d'Elx

Plaça de Sant Joan, 3

Elche

Tel - 965 458 803

Parc Arqueològic i Museu de l'Alcúdia

Ctra. Dolores, km 2

Elche

Tel - 966 611 506

   

Vistors Centre

Parque municipal

Elche

Tel - 966 658 178

Museu del Palmerar

Porta de la Morera, 12

Elche

Tel - 965 422 240

   

Museo de la Virgen (MUVAPE)

Basílica de Santa María (Puerta de la Comunión). Plz. Sta Isabel s/n

Elche

Tel - 965 422 240

 

Museum of Contemporary Art

Tel - 965 421 534

Camping in the Elche area

Camping International La Marina

Ctra N332, km76

Elche

Tel - 965 419 200

 
Pikolinos shoe shop and museum- C/German Bernacer, 4, Elche. Tel 965 681 488
   

 

 
 
     
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