Elche tourist information
The flat plains of Vinalopó have one exceptional city. A select group exists in the world, formed by cities that hold more than one recognised Treasure to humanity. Elx is part of this collective. However, the Palmeral and the Misteri, in all their greatness, beauty and originality, don’t stand alone. The city accompanies its treasures, exalting its’ two thousand year history, combining modernity with dynamism. Ilicitanos (Elx inhabitants) conserve the natural coastline, which closes an imaginary circle that makes up the territory.
The importance and magnitude of customs in Elx extend to the handmade elaboration of many products, much of which derive from the Palm tree, like dates and white palms, which are made into diverse objects. Ceramics, paintings and prints are also common, mainly alluding to the Misteri d´Elx or the Dama de Elx, in original pieces by ilicitano artists on topics such as The Palmeral and the city. There even remain some workshops where esparto is still used in the making of shoes; the well-known espardenyas (espadrilles). Traditional techniques also continue to prove effective in the production the liquor "Cantueso" derived from dates.
The sea, the fertile lands and game all form part of the origins of the rich and varied gastronomy of Elx. Salted foods, split olives, vegetables and seafood as well as small game all form part of a cuisine in which the main dishes are arròs amb costra or el putxero amb terongetes, whereas the desserts are typified by the tarta de Elche (made with almonds and meringue), fresh dates, pomegranates, fig bread, or date ice cream.
Facilities located in the Avenida de la Universidad offer complete athletics installations. Between the Ciudad Deportiva and two modern sports centres there are tennis, fronton, handball, basketball, indoor football, volleyball and skateboarding.
The town of Elx - also known as the palm grove of Europe with more than 400 hectares of palm-tree groves - has a coastline of over 9 km of long beaches, most of which - despite having full facilities - are set in beautiful unspoilt settings. Furthest to the north lie two natural beaches with fine sand and clear waters, plus another, more popular, semiurban beach known as Arenales del Sol. The four beaches further south are more exotic and natural in appearance being delimited by an interesting strip of sand dunes belonging to the Elx-Guardamar sand dune system. These beaches are the perfect setting for water sports, with two diving centres that organise dives off Tabarca Isle and other spots along the Costa Blanca. A golf course complements the sports alternatives.
