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Experiences

Palm grove of Elx/Elche

With more than 200,000 palm trees, this 'palmeral' is the largest in Europe. Its expansion took place in Al Andalus times, with the construction of an extensive network of irrigation channels, mostly still in existence today. For being a unique cultural landscape of exceptional value this palm grove was declared Universal Heritage by the UNESCO in 2000. It is a living cultural legacy of Al Andalus.

Info & location
City/Province Alicante (Alacant)
Type of experience:
  • Landmarks
  • Nature
Where

Elche, Elx in Valencian, is a town 25 kilometers southwest of Alicante (Alacant). The palm grove surrounds the town, goes into it and, although we refer to it as a whole, it is actually a set of different orchards.
Main orchards

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, viewpoint and a multi-aventure park

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.
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