Islamic heritage Address: Passeig de l'Estació, s/n, 03202 Elx, Alicante
Where: Elche, Elx in Valencian, is a town 25 kilometers southwest of Alicante (Alacant). The palm grove surrounds the town and extends into it. Although we refer to it as a single entity, it actually consists of a collection of separate plots or “huertos” (orchards).
They are called 'huertos' (orchards) because they were originally intended for agricultural use. Today their main function is ornamental and cultural: they’ve been transformed into gardens, even though they’ve kept their original name.
Opening hours: Some areas of this extensive palm grove are green spaces that remain open to the public at all times, while others—such as the museum, the Municipal Park, and the Huerto del Cura—have specific opening hours.
Here you have te complet info for one of the most emblematic: Huerto del Cura. Click here
How to visit: You can explore some of the most representative orchard plots —on foot or by bike— scattered throughout the city’s old quarter. This lets you admire both the palms and the historic buildings that remain within the orchards. It’s best to start at the Elche Tourist Information Office to pick up maps and guidance.
The Tourist Office is located next to the 'Palmeral': Plaça del Parc, 3. Tel. (+34 966 658 196)
Points of interest: The plots of palm trees or their groupings are called 'huertos' (orchards).The best known are the Parque Municipal, Huerto de Abajo, Huerto del Chocolatero and Huerto del Cura. In the last one you will find the best and oldest palm trees, some with more than 300 years. Among them, the so-called Imperial Palm Tree, unique in the world with its seven symmetric branches.
Routes: There is a palm grove route that will led you to know the most outstanding trees. But if you want to have an overview, you must climb the 170 steps of the bell tower of the Basilica of Santa María. There is also a multi-adventure park among the palm trees.
