Shade becomes a precious commodity when the sun shines on the beaches. 15 km from the coast, the city of Elche offers them in abundance under its 200,000 palm trees. Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, they constitute the most important ensemble in Europe. The first were planted in Antiquity. But it was the Arab occupants, from the 10th century, who developed the palm grove with its elaborate irrigation system. In the garden of San Placido, a small dedicated museum explores all aspects, from pollination by roped climbers to the artisanal weaving of white palm fronds. A 10 km loop trail crisscrosses part of the 500 hectares of this palm grove. It crosses the municipal park, rich in rare specimens such as the trident. On the sidelines, the priest’s garden shelters other remarkable trees and plants. The Empress’s palm tree, a tribute to Sissi who passed here in 1894, constitutes its flagship. It resembles a candlestick with its central trunk surrounded by large shoots.
What to see in Elche?
In the souvenir shop, there is no escaping the Lady of Elche, an emblematic bust 2,500 years old, found here. The inhabitants, upset that the original was exhibited in Madrid, reproduced it everywhere and in all forms. We will also talk to you about Mystery of Elche, classified by UNESCO. This religious theatrical performance, a survivor of the Middle Ages, is played and sung by volunteers every year, from August 11 to 15, in the baroque basilica of Santa Maria.
Discover Alicante, the white city
Alicante, the rival city, is about twenty kilometers away. There again palm trees grow, this time for pleasure. The most prominent adorn the Esplanade of Spain, the long promenade paved with tricolor undulations, bordering the port and the terraces of restaurants and ice cream parlors. A stone’s throw away, in the city center, we stock up on turron, the local cousin of nougat. A little further, the picturesque Santa Cruz district is full of white houses accented with blue, wrought iron balconies, ceramic tiles, flower pots, children and cats running up the stairs. Above throne Santa Barbara Castle Hill. Fortified by the Arabs, it was subsequently extensively remodeled. More than the exhibition rooms, we are captivated by the views of the sea and a promising coastline.
What else to do on the Costa Blanca?
To the south, towards Elche, the small island of Tabarca offers beautiful walks between pirate refuges and fishermen’s houses as well as dives in the crystal clear waters of the marine reserve. The beaches also follow one another towards the north. Past the skyscrapers and the exuberance of the station Benidormwe push to the village ofAltea. With its lively streets and lookouts over the sea, its markets and summer festivals, its small coves and of course its share of palm trees, it is sure to seduce you!
Practical Travel
Go
- Paris Orly-Alicante from €80 round trip, 5 to 7 direct flights per week, on Transavia. transavia.com
Stay
- DormirDCine 4* Hotel in Alicante. Right in the city center, with a rooftop with snack bar and swimming lane, 57 cinema-themed rooms from €100 per double. ddchoteles.com
- Hotel Elche Centro 3* (Melia group). Comfortable, functional and well located. rooms from €59 for a double, from €78 with breakfast. Tel.: 01 76 40 12 91, melia.com
Enjoy
- Restaurant Teselas in Alicante. An old casino with a terrace, between pompous and refined decor. Typical or modernized cuisine. Dish from €17. teselasrestaurant.com
- Restaurant Juan Abril in Altea. On the promenade facing the sea, you can find specialties (especially rice-based) and regional wines. Dish from €14. restaurantejuanabril.es
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