Free walking tours in Elda and what to see

Must-sees

Elda lies in the Vinalopó valley, inland in the province of Alicante, and its name is tied to the shoe. The must-see is the Footwear Museum, which traces the history of the industry that made the town grow, with machinery, workshops and shoes from every era. In the centre, the church of Santa Ana, the Casino Eldense and early 20th-century mansions such as the Casa de Pepe Barata recall the prosperity footwear brought.

On the hilltop stand the remains of Elda castle, a 12th-century Almohad fortress, and on the outskirts is the El Monastil site, with Iberian, Roman and Visigothic remains that are complemented by the Archaeological Museum. For an outdoor walk, El Pantano is a small wetland. Elda forms almost a single town with Petrer, whose castle and old quarter deserve a walk.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Elda. What you will find are guided and dramatised tours run by the town council around the centre, the castle and the historic buildings, worth checking at the tourist office. From Alicante, Elda can be combined in a single day with Petrer, Novelda or Villena.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the Footwear Museum and a stroll around the centre. If you add the castle, the Archaeological Museum and El Monastil, allow a full day. With two days you can also see Petrer at leisure and visit other towns in the Vinalopó.

Where to stay

The most comfortable choice is to sleep in central Elda or in the area that joins it to Petrer, with shops, restaurants and good rail and motorway links. Hotel choice is not very wide, so if there is an event in town it pays to book early. Alicante, about forty minutes away, is the alternative with the most choice.