Top Things to Do in Elche: The Essentials For Your Day Trip

Thinking of heading to Elche? Good call. Just a quick hop from Alicante, this palm-filled gem in the Vinalopó Valley feels like stumbling into a hidden garden where Roman ruins, Moorish whispers, and baroque beauty all hang out together. With the largest palm grove in Europe (yes, really), ancient archaeological finds, and elegant Mediterranean vibes, Elche is not just pretty, it’s packed with stories. And if you’re the kind of traveler who plans around the next glass of something delicious, you’re in the right place. Elche is a rising star for anyone into local gastronomy and the growing scene of wine tour Valencia experiences. Come for the palms, stay for the pours.

What are the best things to do in Elche?

Admire the UNESCO-listed Palm Grove of Elche

Get ready to feel like you’ve stepped into a desert fairytale, Elche’s Palmeral isn’t just any park. With over 200,000 palm trees swaying in the breeze, this giant green wonder is basically Europe’s own mini oasis. Originally planted by the Moors a thousand years ago (talk about dedication), the grove shows off ancient irrigation hacks that turned this place into a lush paradise.

Visit the Huerto del Cura Garden

Right in the middle of Elche’s palm-filled paradise, Huerto del Cura feels like a secret garden straight out of a movie. Think winding paths, peaceful fountains, and the legendary Imperial Palm Tree, a seven-trunk diva that steals the show. This lush corner of the city mixes Moorish flair with Mediterranean charm, offering you a stroll-worthy escape packed with tropical plants and hidden surprises. Don’t miss the replica of the Lady of Elche peeking out from the greenery, she’s basically the garden’s mysterious muse.

Explore the Altamira Palace

Time to channel your inner explorer, Altamira Palace is where Elche keeps some of its juiciest history. Once an Arab fortress, then a noble pad, and now home to the city’s Archaeological Museum, this riverside gem takes you on a time-travel tour through Iberian warriors, Roman relics, and Muslim craftsmanship. Inside, you’ll even meet the town’s celebrity: a replica of the Lady of Elche (yes, she’s kind of a big deal). It’s the perfect pit stop for anyone who likes their sightseeing with a side of ancient drama.

Marvel at the Basilica of Santa Maria

Right in the heart of Elche, the Basilica of Santa Maria is more than just a pretty façade, it’s where history, drama, and epic rooftop views collide. This Baroque-meets-Neoclassical beauty hosts the Mystery Play of Elche each August, a UNESCO-listed spectacle that turns the church into a stage for angels, drama, and divine storytelling. Don’t miss the climb up the old clock tower, it’s the kind of panoramic moment that makes you want to stay a little longer (or at least snap 47 photos).

Walk the streets of the old Arab quarter

Get lost (in the best way) around the Calahorra Tower, where Elche’s Arab roots are still doing their thing. This part of town feels like a quiet time capsule, full of narrow alleys, old-school bathhouses, and clever irrigation tricks that basically made Elche the palm-filled paradise it is today. It’s the kind of spot where you accidentally wander into history, snap some cool photos, and suddenly feel like you’ve time-traveled without even meaning to.

Relax in the Municipal Park of Elche

Need a break from sightseeing? The Municipal Park in Elche is your shady, palm-filled escape right in the middle of town. Think fountains, breezy walkways, and a whole lot of tropical vibes. Grab a seat under a date palm, watch artisans weave palm leaves like pros, or treat yourself to a long, lazy lunch with proper Valencian flavors. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, that’s the whole point.

Visit the Convent of La Merced

Tucked near Plaza de la Merced, this quiet old convent feels like a time capsule right in the middle of town. With its peaceful cloisters and soft, sun-washed walls, it’s a lovely reminder of the religious life that once shaped Elche. Today, it stands gracefully as the city hums around it, calm, simple, and full of quiet charm.

Admire historic architecture at City Hall

Elche’s city hall isn’t just an old building with fancy stonework, it’s the stage where the town’s personality shows up in full color. Smack in the middle of Plaza de Baix, this Gothic-meets-Renaissance beauty sets the tone with its towers and carvings, while live bands and local festivities regularly turn its steps into an open-air fiesta. Swing by for the architecture, stay for the buzz.

What are the best things to do around Elche?

Explore the wine routes of Valencia

Tired of the usual sightseeing loop? Time to swap cathedrals for corks. Just an hour northwest of Elche, the Vinalopó Alto valley is where sun, soil, and centuries of tradition come together in every glass. Think sleepy villages, dusty roads lined with olive trees, and vineyards that have been here longer than your last few travel plans combined. It’s rustic, real, and ridiculously scenic. Sip bold reds at a local bodega, wander through fields that still follow Arab-designed irrigation, and soak up a slice of Spanish wine culture that’s as earthy as it is elegant. Cheers to one of the tastiest day trips near Elche, and a perfect pairing with your wine tour Valencia adventure.

Where wild vines and good times meet

Just 30 minutes west of Elche, Casa Balaguer is your perfect excuse to escape the city and dive headfirst into the wild world of natural wine. Nestled between the hills and the sea, this no-rules bodega is all about organic grapes, clay amphorae, and wines with serious personality. Expect earthy aromas, seaside breezes, and an experience that’s as unfiltered as the wines themselves. Come curious, leave with a glass in hand and a few great stories.

Take a coastal escape to Santa Pola

Only 25 minutes southeast of Elche lies Santa Pola, a coastal town perfect for visitors seeking a relaxed beach escape along the Costa Blanca. The sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea, sandy beaches, and the iconic lighthouse provide a picturesque setting for a sunny getaway. The Santa Pola salt flats and flamingo reserves add a touch of natural beauty to this seaside town. Ideal for families and couples alike, this destination showcases the close connection between Elche and its surrounding coastline, highlighting the diversity of the region’s attractions, from palm groves to shimmering beaches.

Take a quick hop to the coast in Alicante

Just 17 miles northeast of Elche, Alicante is the ultimate coastal contrast to the city of palms. With turquoise waters, colorful streets, and that iconic castle perched on a hill, this seaside escape has something for everyone. Wander the palm-lined Explanada, snack your way through tapas bars in El Barrio, or sink your toes into the sand at Postiguet Beach. If you’re more into grapes than waves, don’t miss a stop at an Alicante winery, sunshine in a glass, straight from the source. It’s the kind of day trip that tastes as good as it looks.

Dive into the things to do in Alicante in Spain and sip your way through the coast!

Visit the charming town of Novelda

Just a 21-minute drive from Elche, Novelda is a hidden jewel in the Vinalopó valley, celebrated for its exquisite Modernist architecture and marble production. Don’t miss the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, a whimsical building often compared to Gaudí’s works, overlooking the town from a nearby hill. After exploring the town’s iconic structures and the modest but fascinating archaeological museum, take time to visit local vineyards and taste the distinctive monastrell wines of the area. Novelda offers a beautiful contrast to the palm-filled landscapes of Elche and serves as a peaceful complement to Elche’s bustling center.

Explore the soulful streets of Murcia

Just under an hour’s drive from Elche, the city of Murcia serves up a bold blend of sunshine, Baroque façades, and laid-back charm. This is where tapas come with laughter, palm trees line buzzing plazas, and every turn invites a little detour, into a cozy café, a colorful market, a centuries-old church, or even a rustic wine bar. With its surrounding Murcia wineries producing bold reds and crisp whites, the region is also a delight for wine lovers looking to sip their way through local tradition. Don’t miss a stroll along the Segura River or a visit to the jaw-dropping cathedral that locals are rightly proud of. Murcia is warm, welcoming, and full of character, just how southern Spain should feel.

Ready for more? Check out our ultimate guide to the things to do in Murcia Spain and plan a visit that’s as sunny as the city itself.

Wander at Alcoi’s dramatic heritage and modernist flair

Tucked about 50 minutes north of Elche, Alcoi (or Alcoy) is where nature, history, and a touch of theatrical flair collide. Locates between two natural parks, this underrated gem swaps beach vibes for mountain magic, think rugged gorges, pine-covered trails, and a river that begs for an afternoon wander. The city’s Art Nouveau buildings give it a creative twist, and if you time it right, the Moors and Christians festival is pure historical drama, parades, costumes, and enough fanfare to make Game of Thrones jealous. Add in a museum or two and some seriously good local eats, and you’ve got yourself a road trip worth making.

Good to Know before visiting Elche