Six reasons why Elche is the perfect Spanish weekend getaway

It had been a month since I returned from sunny Riyadh. With miserable weather in London in February, I was itching to get my dose of Vitamin D. The coronavirus crisis had recently erupted in China, though Europe was still considered relatively safe with only a handful of cases (people who had just returned from China). I wanted to go somewhere warm for the weekend without the need to take any additional days off from work. I decided on Elche as I had never been there and it seemed off the beaten path! Also known as the “City of Palms”, Elche is located in the Alicante province of southeastern Spain. With its lush green palm plantations, fascinating Moorish-Baroque architecture and captivating art installations, Elche certainly left an impression!

How long do you need in Elche?

Elche is quite small, making it ideal for a weekend trip if you live in Europe and can get a direct flight to Alicante.

When is it best to visit Elche?

I visited Elche in the first week of February. The weather was perfect with a high of 23°C and clear skies making it a good option for a warm(ish) weekend getaway. You do, however, need a jacket in the evenings, as it gets slightly chilly. In the summer the temperature climbs to around 30°C so it is perfect if you prefer warmer weather.

How to get there?

The closest airport to Elche is Alicante airport.

Taxi: Alicante airport is ~ 30 minutes from Elche by taxi. A taxi from the airport to Elche would cost ~ €35.

Train: You can also take a train from Alicante-Terminal station to Elche, which takes around 30 minutes.

Where to stay?

I would recommend staying at Huerto Del Cura. With lush green palms and other sub-tropical plants, it makes you feel almost like you are in the Maghreb. The rooms are located in bungalows, which are spread out across the property. There is a big outdoor pool if you fancy a dip in the summer. The breakfast is really good, with a continental buffet. I would, however, suggest not having meals other than breakfast at the hotel as the variety is quite limited and the quality of the food doesn’t match the price. There are several other tapas places in Elche with more authentic, tasty and cheaper food!

Here are the 6 reasons why you need to consider Elche for your next weekend getaway:

1. Palms, Palms and Palms

Did you know that Elche has over 200,000 palm trees? One reason I loved Elche was because of its magnificent palm trees! In Elche, you can’t escape the palms. They are literally everywhere. The city offers several parks where you can appreciate the palms to the fullest:

Palmeral of Elche

Palmeral is the largest palm orchard in Europe. It looks like a lush, green forest of palm trees, giving the city a unique look. Using irrigation techniques from North Africa, the Moors created the palm grove around a thousand years ago.

Admission Fee: Free

Huerto Del Cura Jardin Artistico Nacional (My favourite park in Elche!)

Also known as the “Priests Garden”, this park is a paradise for nature lovers and a must-see if you are in Elche. The garden is very well maintained with defined walking trails and a variety of magnificent palm trees, cacti and other sub-tropical plants. There is nothing like the feeling of being surrounded by palms. Allow yourself at least an hour to appreciate this amazing place. Don’t miss the hundred year old palm tree in the centre of the park. The park also has a few peacocks, which further add to its charm. I also found this park more peaceful than other parks in Elche.

Admission Fee: For a fee of €5, you get a comprehensive handbook to guide you around the park.

Municipal Park

This park is right in the city centre. Here at the entrance, you will see the visitor centre built in traditional Moorish style. Painted in mustard and white, the fortress style monument looks beautiful in the backdrop of the palm trees. The Municipal Park is a lovely landscaped garden with fountains, sculptures and a bird tower. It’s a great place to take a stroll, enjoy an ice cream and do a spot of people-watching. Oh, and you can also see quite a few white pigeons being chased by children!

Admission Fee: Free

2. Fascinating blend of Baroque and Moorish architecture

Basilica Santa Maria

With its blue dome rising from the palms, the Basilica of Santa Maria really defines the skyline of Elche. It was built in the Baroque style between 1672 and 1784. Climb up the bell tower to admire the views of the Palmera.

Admission Fee: Free unless you wish to climb the bell tower, which is €2

Palace of Altamira

This 11th century Moorish castle is located in the centre of Elche, right next to the Palmeral. It now houses Elche’s archaeological museum. The grandeur of the castle with its palms and fountains makes you feel you are somewhere in the Arab world, if only for a moment.

Admission Fee: €3

3. Orange Trees everywhere…

Thanks to the Moorish rulers who planted hundreds of orange trees, you will find them everywhere in the city. The rulers wanted to replicate their surroundings in North Africa so that they could feel at home. You will find orange trees throughout the city, including the central square, side alleys and parks.

4. Captivating art installations like these…

Elche has interesting art installations like this one in various corners of the city.

5. Great Tapas!

Spanish cuisine had never been amongst my favourite cuisines. My only experience with Spanish food had been with paella, which (to be honest) didn’t excite me! Elche introduced me to some amazing tapas and changed my perception of Spanish cuisine. I love how the Spanish like to throw eggs, truffle and ham in almost everything!

For tapas and drinks, I would recommend El Garage bar. They have outdoor seating as well. I loved how they prepared their dishes of eggs, ham, potatoes, truffle, paprika and peppers.

6. Delicious Cortados

How many of you have tried a cortado before? It was certainly the first time for me and I loved it! With the ratio of espresso to milk 1:1, the cortado is somewhere between a macchiato and a flat white. There are a few cafes in the city centre where you can enjoy a cortado, while appreciating the views of the lush green palmeras and the blue domed Basilica Santa Maria.

If you have had enough of the crowds in Malaga and Madrid but are still looking for a laidback place to immerse yourself in Spanish history, culture and a bit of nature, book your next getaway in Elche (once life and travel return to normalcy). Until then, stay safe!

Tagged alicante, architecture, art, delicious, elche, holiday, oranges