Palm Groves and Religious Culture

The Palmeral of Elche gives the cultural heritage of Alicante province a distinctive landscape dimension. In the south of the province, on the Mediterranean coast, it forms an artificial oasis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes 67 palm groves, with around 45,000 date palms covering 144 hectares. These figures point to an extensive, carefully designed cultural landscape, not just a single attraction. As you explore, this offers a different perspective on Elche: the focus here is on the interconnected landscape of groves, land and irrigation.

The irrigation system, including the Acequia Mayor, and the traditional layout of the groves have been preserved. Rows of date palms mark the boundaries between plots. Water management and the division of land are therefore equally important parts of this heritage. If you are interested in the connection between landscape and history, you can focus on details that differ from those of a castle or museum: not individual exhibits, but the structure of a cultural landscape. Together, these elements shape the character of the Palmeral.

The Misteri d’Elx offers another cultural dimension: this sacred musical drama tells of the death, assumption and coronation of the Virgin Mary. Its subject and form broaden the picture of Elche to include a religious musical tradition. In Alicante, Castillo de Santa Bárbara offers a different focus: this medieval castle, which is open to visitors, dates from the 9th century. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. The Hogueras de San Juan festival is recognised as being of International Tourist Interest. Together, these cultural highlights range from a sacred drama and a medieval structure to a recognised festival tradition. Check current access arrangements before visiting the castle.

Castles, the Bronze Age and Heritage

At Castillo de Castalla, you can visit the Palau, the Torre Grossa and the parade ground. These three features provide specific architectural points of interest, rather than inviting you to view the castle only as a whole. In Villena, a Bronze Age find takes centre stage: the Gran Tesoro de Villena comprises objects made of gold, silver, iron and amber and can be seen at the Museo Arqueológico José María Soler. The distinction is clear: Castalla draws attention to named parts of a castle, while Villena focuses on an archaeological treasure and its materials. These offer different ways to explore history.

Landscapes, Trails and Travel Planning

Alicante province has a typical Mediterranean landscape, where beaches and mountain scenery alternate. Numerous local and short walking trails offer a way to discover the region’s villages, customs and history. So the natural perspective leads not only into the landscape, but also to the people and traditions of the region. Natural highlights include Sierra de Mariola, Font Roja and the Salinas de Santa Pola. Barranc de l’Infern offers a distinctive landscape of its own, shaped by a descent to the riverbed, caves, large rock openings and springs. In contrast to the changing scenery of beaches and mountains, here the focus is on rock formations, springs and the descent to the riverbed.

Along the Costa Blanca, wine tourism experiences explore Moscatel, Monastrell and other grape varieties. Here, too, the focus is on a different kind of discovery than at castles or museums: the grape varieties provide the theme for these experiences. For your journey, Alicante-Elche International Airport offers fast direct connections to numerous cities in Spain and Europe. Check the connections available for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations

Benejúzar, L'Atzúbia, Alcalalí, Algorfa, Alicante, Altea, Beniarbeig, Benidorm, Benijófar, Benissa, Benitachell, Calpe, Catral, Crevillente, Dénia, El Campello, Els Poblets, Finestrat, Formentera Del Segura, Gata De Gorgos, Guadalest, Guardamar Del Segura, El Fondó De Les Neus, Javea, Jijona, La Nucia, Lliber, Los Montesinos, Murla, Mutxamel, Ondara, Orba, Parcent, Pedreguer, Pego, Pilar De La Horadada, Rojales, San Miguel De Salinas, Sanet Y Negrals, Santa Pola, Torrevieja, La Vila Joiosa, Benilloba, Tibi, Polop, Senija, Almoradí, Jacarilla, Daya Vieja, Teulada, San Juan De Alicante, Petrer, Muro De Alcoy, La Romana, Elda, Elche, Benimarfull, Alcoy, Castalla, El Verger, Benigembla, Monforte Del Cid, San Isidro, Busot, Callosa D'en Sarrià, San Fulgencio, Castell De Castells, El Ràfol d'Almúnia, Bolulla, Sant Vicent Del Raspeig, Biar, Daya Nueva, Sax, Salinas, Bigastro, Aspe, Aigües, Banyeres De Mariola, Cocentaina, Alcoleja, La Vall d'Ebo, Benidoleig, Benimantell, Sella, La Vall De Laguar, Alfafara, Pinoso, Beneixama, Gaianes, Onil, Beniardá, Beniarrés, Tàrbena, Orxeta, Relleu, Villena, Benimassot, Confrides, Callosa De Segura, Novelda, Agres, Orihuela, L'alfàs Del Pi, La Vall D'alcalà, La Vall De Gallinera, Penella, San Bartolomé, Albatera, La Torre de les Maçanes, El Chaparral, Portichol, El Tosalet, Lorcha, Arneva, Tabarca, Agost, Ontilles, El Mojón, Puerto Marino, Xinorlet, Los Arenales Del Sol, Monóvar, La Carroja, La Encina, Margarida, Benissili, Canyades d'en Cirus, Granja De Rocamora, La Florida, La Mandarina, Benifato, Xaló, Abdet, Casas del Señor, Las Virtudes, Penàguila, Barbarroja, La Canalosa, El Moncayo, Montesol, El Bacarot, Castillo de Montemar, Beniaia, Tormos, La Murada, La Xara, Dolores, Muntanya de la Sella, Bahía de Jávea, L'Alguenya, Orito, San Felipe Neri, Tangel, Benferri, Santa Clara, Forna, Quatretondeta, El Tossal, Trencall, Ibi

For the broader travel overview: Valencia.