Elche, Spain

Located close to the city of Alicante, offering excellent transport connections, the historic city of Elche is less than 15km from Spain’s Mediterranean coast and close to several Natural Parks. Elche was established by the ancient Greeks, but expanded most rapidly in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries with the growth of its successful shoe-making industries. The city has preserved a wealth of historical buildings within its charming centre, including Altamira Castle which dates from the twelfth century.

Palmeral of Elche

Palmeral of Elche is Europe's largest grove of palm trees. With over 200,000 palms it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, some of the trees believed to be over 3000 years old. 

This serene place is a haven amongst the busy region of the Costa Blanca.  It’s prized resident is an eight-armed candelabra shaped Imperial Palm Tree and is over 170 years old, weighing more than 8 tons. 

Basilica of Santa Maria

The current temple was built in 1672 with the finalising works completing the build in 1784.  The Bell Tower has 170 steps and until the beginning of the 20^th Century housed the bell ringer and his family.  At the height of the Bell Tower is a panoramic view of Elche.