Elche is the second most populous city of province of Alicante known for El Palmeral, it's UNESCO listed world heritage site, and the Mystery Play of Elche (Misteri d'Elx).

• What to do in Elche
  • Clot de Galvany Natural Park
  • Festivals
    • Elche Film Festival
    • Fantastic Film Festival
    • Guitar Festival
    • Medieval Festival
  • Fiestas
    • Moors and Christians
  • Nit de l'Alba
  • Nit de Roa and the Misteri d'Elx
  • The Arrival of the Virgen
  • Museums
    • Museum of Palaeontology
    • Casa de l'Hort dels Pontos
    • Museum of Archaeology and History
• Where to Eat in Elche
• Where to Stay in Elche
• The Surrounding Area
  • Alicante
  • Santa Pola
  • Guardamar del Segura

What to do in Elche

Clot de Galvany Natural Park

The Clot de Galvany is a municipal protected are of wetlands and dunes with workshops and guided tours, where visitors can learn more about the butterflies, migratory birds and the local biodiversity.

Festivals

Elche Film Festival

The Elche Film Festival, founded almost 50 years ago in 1978, promotes new talents and the culture of cinema.

It is usually held in June, with screenings at the Hort del Xocolater and the Arenales del Sol beach, showcasing a wide variety of national and international short films.

Fantastic Film Festival

The first Fantastic Film Festival occurred in 2013, and takes place in the Centro de Congresos "Ciutat d'Elx".

It has since grown into a competitive short-film event, adding book presentations and collaborations with other festivals and institutions.

Guitar Festival

The Guitar Festival hosts a variety of concerts, and master classes involving many talented guitarists.

The organisation also holds contests of interpretations open to solo guitarists of all ages as well as categories for under 20s and under 15s.

Medieval Festival

The Medieval Festival takes place at the end of October celebrating the city's history, bringing performances, dances, music and exhibitions to the theatres and streets of Elche.

Fiestas

Moors and Christians

The Festival of the Moors and Christians runs from the 7-11 of August and it begins the celebrations that honour the patron saint of Elche, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

Recreating the Christian reconquest of Elche, events include parades by the 13 troupes in elaborate costumes, along with street food, concerts and much more.

See the full programme on the festival’s official site.

Nit de l'Alba

The Nit de l'Alba is held on the 13th of August continuing with the celebrations honouring the patron saint of of Elche.

It features an extraordinary pyrotechnic display that uses around two tonnes of gunpowder and 70,000 rockets, as well the traditional palmera de la Virgen, launched from the tower of the Basilica de Santa Maria.

Nit de Roa and the Misteri d'Elx

The Misteri d'Elx is performed in two parts on the 14th and the 15th of August in the Basilica of Santa Maria.

The play includes medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music an all the parts are performed by by men in keeping with its medieval liturgical origin.

Given its popularity of the play attendees are expected to arrive at the church several hours before it begins.

Later, on the evening of the 14th of August, the Nit de la Roà sees residents hold a wake for La Virgen, walking the streets by candlelight.

The Misteri d'Elx was recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2001.

The Arrival of the Virgen

On the 28th of December in 1370 it is said that Francesc Cantó, while patrolling the coast of Elche, discovered a chest containing the image of the Virgin of the Assumption as well as the manuscript of the Misteri d'Elx.

Today this is commemorated with a pilgrimage on the same date, that begins at dawn, from Tamarit Beach in Santa Pola and travelling to the Hort de les Portes Encarnades in Elche.

On the morning of the 29th of December the procession of the arrival accompanies the image of the Virgin with boys and girls dressed as angels.

Museums

Museum of Palaeontology

The Museum of Paleontology opened in 2004 after more than two decades of work by the Grupo Cultural Paleontológico de Elche to unite their collections.

The museum has an extensive collection of fossils, minerals and shells.

Casa de l'Hort dels Pontos

The Casa de l'Hort dels Pontos is a house that was restored in 2023 to recreate traditional life of Elche's residents.

It is furnished with pieces over a century old and finished with period materials such as palm wood beams and joists, and wattle and daub for the structure.

Museum of Archaeology and History

The Museum of Archaeology and History is presented in two parts: one displays finds from the region dating back to the Neolithic, while another—housed in a former Muslim-era fortress—explores the founding and development of Elche from the 10th century onwards.

Where to Eat in Elche

Elche has many great options for food lovers whether you want to dine by the sea or in the town's historic centre.

A selection of popular choices include:

• MalaBarraca - Homemade, gluten free restaurant using local produce.
• Sal i Fum - Mediterranean slow-food fusion using local seasonal food.
• Kokoro Fusion - Inspired by traditional Japanese cuisines and close to tbe beach.

Where to Stay in Elche

• Huerto del Cura – iconic hotel located within El Palmeral.
• Hort de Nal – boutique stay in a beautiful, natural setting.
• B&B Elche – modern, good-value base with easy access by road.

The Surrounding Area

Alicante

The provincial capital, Alicante is another popular tourist destination as well as being a great transport hub.

Santa Pola

Santa Pola is known for its beaches, salt lakes and fresh seafood. From here you can also catch the ferry to Tabarca Island.

Guardamar del Segura

Further up the coast lies Guardamar del Segura, famous for its wide sandy beaches, coastal dunes and pine forests.