Print this pageEl Palmeral de Elche, Alicante - the largest Date Palm plantation in Europe
Map showing the location of Elche
Elche is located an hour's drive Southwest of Alicante, about an hour and a half's drive from Benidorm. It is home to the largest date palm plantation in Europe: a quite unique example of Northern African agricultural practices in Europe and a direct heritage of the Islamic occupation of Spain towards the end of the first Millenia A.D. - it is one of the most visited cities in the Costa Blanca.
The Palmeral of Elche was laid out at the end of the 10th Century A.D. at the same time that the Muslim city of Elche was built. It is a quite magnificent example of the agricultural ingenuity of the Muslim farmers:
The date palms are planted alongside the boundaries of the irrigated plots of land, helping maximise the retention of water, and allowing a very varied horticulture in an otherwise arid climate. The same techniques are used around oasis in the North African deserts.
There are some excellent beaches along the coast running down to Santa Pola, with broad swathes of sand, such as the small tourist resort of Els Arenal del Sol.
Fiestas in Elche
Misterio de Elche - Mystery of Elche - 11th to 15th August.
A fascinating theatre production performed in two parts on the 14th and 15th August, to which the entrance is free. The rehearsals from the 11th to the 13th of August also could be visited, for these you have to buy a ticket. It has been performed since the 13th Century in the beautifully decorated Basilica of Saint Mary of Elche and is a mystery play about the death of the Virgin and her assumption to heaven. It is completely sung by the 300 performers and the entire town comes to watch. The celebrations culminate in a procession through the town. This is a really special and traditional occasion.