account What is the Palmeral de Elche in Alicante?
The Palmeral de Elche is one of the biggest attractions in Alicante. It is the largest palm grove in all of Spain and Europe. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this place is a paradise for fans of nature and the exotic. Are you thinking of visiting it? In this article, we share with you everything you need to know.
A brief history of the Palmeral de Elche
The origin of the Palmeral de Elche dates back to the medieval Muslim era in Spain. The Arab people used highly developed techniques to carry out irrigated agriculture. Since the Alicante environment is arid without much water, these techniques are essential. They work according to a system called "irrigation systems".
What to see in the Palmeral de Elche?
For those who don't know, a palm grove is an area where we find palm groves of all kinds. You will discover tall, short, wide and different colored palm trees. Some trees in this palm grove are very old and that is why it is one of the most incredible parks in its category. Some specimens are over 300 years old. We are talking about more than 200,000 different palm trees that you can admire during your visit. Can you believe it? In an urban territory like Alicante, the park becomes the lung of the city, in addition to its tourist attraction.
Although each specimen is different, they all have something in common: they are of the date palm type. In general, they bear fruit during the month of December. Go ahead and visit the Palmeral de Elche at this time of year!
How is the Palmeral organized?
Specifically, the palm grove is divided into several groups. Among the most famous: the Municipal Park, the Huerto de Cura garden and the Parque del Filet de Fora. The oldest specimens are found in the Huerto del Cura, within the great Palmeral.
The Imperial Palm
Do you want to know if any palm tree stands out or if some have more stories to tell? Well, the truth is yes. Inside the area, you will find the Palmera Imperial. During the 19th century in 1894, Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria, better known as Sissi, visited the Garden. She took a walk and one of the palm trees caught her eye. She said of it that due to its 7 gigantic chandelier-shaped antlers, it was "worthy of an Empire." That is why after this visit, they called it the “Palmera Imperial”. In addition to standing out for its age, this palm tree has a particular recognition in its history.
The Palmeral Route
The Palmeral de Elche has a path called "Ruta del Palmeral" (Palmeral Route). This route allows you to visit the park on foot or by bicycle. This route begins at the Palmeral Museum and ends at the Huerto de San Plácido. Luckily, it was designed to suit any type of audience. Therefore, you don't have to worry: children, the elderly... everyone can walk peacefully.
How to buy tickets for the Palmeral de Elche?
First, you need to know that the Municipal Park is free for everyone. You can walk around the area without it costing you anything. As for the Huerto del Cura, it is a private garden, so its entrance is not free. The general admission price is €5. The ticket is paid at the ticket offices on the same day. And the Museum? It is not free, but the ticket will only cost you a symbolic €1.
Where to stay to visit the Palmeral de Elche?
At B&B Hotels, we've thought of you! We offer you the opportunity to stay at the B&B Hotel Elche. You can't stay closer to this oasis of palm groves. In addition, the hotel is a 7-minute drive from the center of Elche and just 16 minutes from Alicante-Elche International Airport. You do not have a car? Do not worry! There is a bus stop just 50 meters from the hotel.
If you want to know more about what to do in Elche, see our articles: