Free walking tours in Elche and what to see

Must-sees

Elche is known for its Palm Grove, a World Heritage Site, with thousands of palm trees spread across orchards within the city. The Huerto del Cura is the most visited, with its garden and the many-armed Imperial Palm. The Municipal Park and the Palm Grove Museum help you understand this landscape inherited from Moorish times.

In the historic centre, the Basilica of Santa María stands out: this is where the Misteri d'Elx is performed, a medieval sacred drama also recognised by UNESCO. Close by are the Palace of Altamira, the Calahorra tower and the Arab Baths. The MAHE archaeology museum explains the site of La Alcudia, where the Lady of Elche was found.

Free tours and guided visits

Tip-based free tours in Elche usually cover the historic centre, the basilica, the Palace of Altamira and part of the Palm Grove, explaining the history of the Misteri and the irrigation system. Among paid visits, the Huerto del Cura and the climb onto the basilica roof, with views over the sea of palms, are worthwhile. Popular trips from Elche go to the La Alcudia site, Santa Pola and Tabarca island.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the essentials: the Huerto del Cura and the Palm Grove in the morning, and the historic centre, the basilica and the MAHE in the afternoon. With two days you can add La Alcudia, El Hondo natural park or a beach day in Santa Pola or Arenales del Sol.

Where to stay

It is best to stay in the centre, between the basilica and the Palm Grove, so you can walk almost everywhere. The area has restaurants, shops and good access to the stations. If you want to combine sightseeing with the beach, Arenales del Sol is a few kilometres away, although from there you will need a car or bus to reach the city.