Day trips
Elche, the city of palms
Some 45,000 date palms in 67 orchards in the middle of the city: the Palmeral of Elche has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
World Heritage under the palms
Elche is about 64 kilometres away, roughly 50 minutes by car. The palm groves were laid out with an irrigation system when Muslim Elche was founded at the end of the 10th century. Together they cover 144 hectares, spread across the city.
Elche has a second UNESCO title too: the Misteri d’Elx, a medieval sacred music drama performed every August in the Basílica de Santa María.
Itinerary
What your day looks like
A sample itinerary for spring and autumn. Opening hours and prices were checked in October 2026 and may change: check the official website before you go.
- 1
09:30
Drive to Elche
Via the AP-7 (Los Montesinos – La Zenia toll section) you reach Elche in about 50 minutes. To avoid the toll, drive inland via Orihuela; it takes about 25 minutes longer.
Open in Google Maps - 2
10:30
Huerto del Cura
The best-known palm garden, a Jardín Artístico Nacional since 1943: about 13,000 m² of palms and cacti. Its famous Palmera Imperial has seven arms growing from one trunk and is named after Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), who visited in 1894. Entry is paid.
Open in Google Maps - 3
11:45
Museo del Palmeral
Walk through the palm groves towards the centre. The Museo del Palmeral, in two 19th-century houses, shows how palm leaves are woven.
Open in Google Maps - 4
13:00
Lunch in the centre
Have lunch in the old town, between the palm groves and the basilica. Spaniards have lunch between 13:00 and 16:00.
- 5
14:45
Basílica de Santa María
The Baroque basilica was begun in 1672; its three façades are by the sculptor Nicolás de Bussy. It was partly destroyed in the Civil War and later restored. This is where the Misteri d’Elx is performed every year.
Open in Google Maps - 6
15:30
Torre de la Calahorra and Palacio de Altamira
The Calahorra is an Almohad tower from the late 12th or early 13th century, part of the medieval walls, with changing exhibitions. The Palacio de Altamira is a late-15th-century fortress palace.
Open in Google Maps - 7
16:15
Parque Municipal
The city park lies outside the UNESCO area but is just as green, with the Huertos del Colomer, the Molí del Real water mill and an open-air theatre. Children will like the traffic park.
Open in Google Maps - 8
17:30
Back to Pilar
About 50 minutes back; via Orihuela without tolls in around 75 minutes.
Calendar
Festivals and events
Misteri d’Elx
On 14 and 15 August in the Basílica de Santa María. UNESCO proclaimed it a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.
Nit de l’Albà
On 13 August, part of the festivities for Elche’s patron saint, the Virgen de la Asunción.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Misteri d’Elx performed?
Is the Palmeral one park?
Is there a toll on the way to Elche?
How far is Elche from Pilar de la Horadada?
More day trips
Another day out?
- ± 35 min
- Not on Mondays
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Roman theatre, a castle with a panoramic lift and modernist façades. All on foot from the harbour.
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- AP-7 toll
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