The city of Elche in southern Alicante province holds a UNESCO World heritage site that is entirely unique in Europe: a network of over 200,000 date palms covering 144 agricultural plots across 500 hectares, a Moorish irrigation system still in use today, and a claim to be the largest palm grove in Europe, rivalled only by the date plantations of the Middle East. The Palmeral of Elche, declared a World heritage site by UNESCO in 2000, was originally planted by the Moors who ruled the Iberian Peninsula between the 8th and 13th centuries. They designed a sophisticated irrigation network that channeled water from the Vinalopó River through a system of channels, ditches, and waterwheels to sustain the palm groves and the vegetable gardens beneath them. The result is a cultural landscape that has been continuously cultivated for over a thousand years, and the date palms of Elche are not merely decorative: they produce the famous Elche dates, harvested in December and considered some of the finest in the Mediterranean.

Quick Facts: Elche Palm Grove

• Location: Elche (Elx in Valencian), Alicante province, Valencia region, approximately 20 km south-west of Alicante city. The palm grove is spread across multiple sites within the city and its outskirts, with the largest and most accessible section being the Huerto del Cura (Priest’s Garden), a 6,000-square-metre garden displaying the most famous single specimen: the Imperial Palm, a date palm with seven trunks growing from a single base
• Best time to visit: December during the date harvest season, when the palm groves come alive with activity and local markets sell fresh Elche dates. Spring (March-May) for pleasant temperatures and the flowering of the palm trees. Summer is very hot (35-40°C)
• Key sites: Huerto del Cura (the botanical garden with the Imperial Palm and over 1,000 palm varieties); the Municipal Park (a public park within a historic palm grove, free entry); the Palmeral Museum (housed in a traditional farmhouse, explaining the history and cultivation techniques); and the Elche Mystery Play (Misteri d’Elx), a medieval liturgical drama performed annually in August in the basilica of Santa María, also a UNESCO Intangible Cultural heritage
• Getting there: Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is a 15-minute drive. Regular buses and trains connect Elche to Alicante city. The historic centre is pedestrian-friendly

You will find the city of Elche in the Valencia region of Spain. It is considered to be the third most populated city in the region; while at the same time to be the 20th largest in the entire country. And although it may not large, the city of Elche is one of the more popular destinations in the country on account of its more than 15 kilometres of coastline along the Mediterranean sea. Furthermore, added bit of romance to the city, the entire city is split into two separate parts thanks to the Vinalopó Creek which runs through it.

Palm trees in Elche, Costa Blanca, Spain / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

A lot of time and effort had been put into the development and maintenance of the city of Elche. Each and every single road that meanders its way through the city is lined with some of the most well Palm trees imaginable. As a result of the countless palm trees which can be found throughout the city, the city of Elche has been dubbed the Capital of Palm Trees.

Of course this title got also thanks to the Palmeral of Elche Orchard Grove which is home to more than 200,000 palm trees. It is interesting to point out that the Palm Grove of Elche is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

basilica of Santa María de Elche, Spain / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

The city itself played an important part in the history of Spain. It was here, back in 1897 when the Dama de Elche was first discovered in the region. The statue itself can now be seen at the National Archaeological Museum which is found in Madrid. There are also a number of other important, and very significant monuments and attractions that can be found in and around the city.

Perhaps the biggest attraction to the city of Elche is that of the Altamira Castle which can be found right next to the Municipal Park. Both the Castle and the municipal Park are also part of the Palm Grove of Elche and was built back in the 12th and 13th centuries during the times of Almohad. It was also renovated back in the 15th century and also served as a fabric plant during the start of the 1900s. And while it had once been the town hall, as well as a prison, today the Castle serves as the Elche Archaeological and History Museum.