14 Activities
Route Through the Natural Wonders of the Province of Alicante
Starts from
Alicante
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
14
Duration
10 hrs 45 min
Length
53 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Alicante
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hrs 45 min
Length
53 mi
- Natural Attractions
- History and Culture
Flor Vallejo
Travel Expert
- Stroll around Elche and see why it is the city of palm trees.
- Watch the sunset from the viewpoint of the Santa Pola lighthouse.
- Take a short track through the salt flats.
The province of Alicante is not only beaches and mountain villages. Its geography and the microclimate that prevails in this area have given rise to salt marshes and wetlands.
Thanks to this microclimate, the palm trees introduced by the Arabs as an agricultural activity developed in Elche and have managed to create the largest palm grove in Europe. Such is their importance that they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The route is framed mainly in natural areas of Elche and Santa Pola, without forgetting the memory of history in museums and ancient fortresses.
Thanks to this microclimate, the palm trees introduced by the Arabs as an agricultural activity developed in Elche and have managed to create the largest palm grove in Europe. Such is their importance that they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The route is framed mainly in natural areas of Elche and Santa Pola, without forgetting the memory of history in museums and ancient fortresses.
Categories
- Natural Attractions
- History and Culture
The province of Alicante is not only beaches and mountain villages. Its geography and the microclimate that prevails in this area have given rise to salt marshes and wetlands.
Thanks to this microclimate, the palm trees introduced by the Arabs as an agricultural activity developed in Elche and have managed to create the largest palm grove in Europe. Such is their importance that they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The route is framed mainly in natural areas of Elche and Santa Pola, without forgetting the memory of history in museums and ancient fortresses.
Thanks to this microclimate, the palm trees introduced by the Arabs as an agricultural activity developed in Elche and have managed to create the largest palm grove in Europe. Such is their importance that they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The route is framed mainly in natural areas of Elche and Santa Pola, without forgetting the memory of history in museums and ancient fortresses.
Flor Vallejo
Travel Expert
- Stroll around Elche and see why it is the city of palm trees.
- Watch the sunset from the viewpoint of the Santa Pola lighthouse.
- Take a short track through the salt flats.
Day Itinerary
14 Activities
Day 1
52 mi2 mi
Palm Groves, Salt Marshes and Sea Views
Elche is the first stop on the route, a city that was built around the cultivation of palm trees during the Arab period. Scattered throughout the city, the palm trees give it a particular lustre. The route continues through the two parks, El Hondo and the Salinas de Santa Pola. A very characteristic landscape of Alicante near the sea, it is a place for bird watching. Finally, Santa Pola houses a well-preserved castle in the centre and the viewpoint to see the geography of the Alicante coast in all its splendour.
09:305 min
Car Park
There is a large free car park next to the train station in Elche. In just a few minutes you can walk to the Palmeral.
The tour through Elche will be done completely on foot, only returning to the car park to pick up the car and continue the route.
The tour through Elche will be done completely on foot, only returning to the car park to pick up the car and continue the route.
0.3 mi
5 min
09:4530 min
Palmeral of Elche
Elche has more than 200,000 palm trees. Yes, it seems wrong, but it is not.
Elche has the largest palm grove in Europe, and you will notice this in every step you take through the city. The palm trees tint the sky green when you look up and provide a cool shade on hot days.
To start with, take a stroll through the palm grove in the public park, a well-designed space that includes fountains from the Arab period, waterfalls and even playground equipment, ideal if you're travelling with children.
Elche has the largest palm grove in Europe, and you will notice this in every step you take through the city. The palm trees tint the sky green when you look up and provide a cool shade on hot days.
To start with, take a stroll through the palm grove in the public park, a well-designed space that includes fountains from the Arab period, waterfalls and even playground equipment, ideal if you're travelling with children.
0.3 mi
5 min
10:3045 min
Archaeological and History Museum of Elche (MAHE)
To understand the history of the city, you have to enter this museum. In fact, it is two museums in one, as the archaeological museum is housed in the more modern building and the history museum in the Palacio de Altamira (an old building).
Among the surprises to be found during the tour are the Iberian and Roman remains of the site of La Alcudia. These are vestiges of what was the Arab period, with remains of the wall and a collection of pieces and a replica of the emblematic Dama de Elche (the original, incredibly, is in Madrid).
Among the surprises to be found during the tour are the Iberian and Roman remains of the site of La Alcudia. These are vestiges of what was the Arab period, with remains of the wall and a collection of pieces and a replica of the emblematic Dama de Elche (the original, incredibly, is in Madrid).
0.2 mi
5 min
11:3030 min
Basílica de Santa María
Imposing from every angle, the great dome and the bell tower are what stand out the most. If you visit Elche on the 14th and 15th of August, you will find a great celebration called Mystery of Elche. This is a performance in which numerous people participate and represents the death and assumption of the Virgin into heaven. Also, the three days before the event, you can see the rehearsals.
Apart from the religious celebration, which is essential in Elche, there is the possibility to climb the many steps of the bell tower and get to see the historic centre and the palm grove from above.
Apart from the religious celebration, which is essential in Elche, there is the possibility to climb the many steps of the bell tower and get to see the historic centre and the palm grove from above.
0.5 mi
10 min
12:1530 min
Huerto del Cura Garden
Huerto del Cura is another large green space with palm trees that is perfectly designed and where ponds and peacocks play a leading role.
Ideal for sitting and listening to the sound of birds and the sound of water, it is home to one species of palm tree in particular: the imperial palm tree. Located in the centre of the orchard, it reflects the late 19th century visit of Empress Sisi to the site. More than 180 years old, it is still in perfect condition.
Closing times of the garden vary according to the month of the year. You can consult the opening times on the official website.
Ideal for sitting and listening to the sound of birds and the sound of water, it is home to one species of palm tree in particular: the imperial palm tree. Located in the centre of the orchard, it reflects the late 19th century visit of Empress Sisi to the site. More than 180 years old, it is still in perfect condition.
Closing times of the garden vary according to the month of the year. You can consult the opening times on the official website.
5.4 mi
15 min
13:001 hr 30 min
Estanquet
On the outskirts of Elche, there is an excellent place to stop for lunch on the way to El Hondo park. Tasty food, good presentation and quick service.
They specialize in wood-fired rice dishes and fresh fish options. They also offer a set menu with different prices.
They specialize in wood-fired rice dishes and fresh fish options. They also offer a set menu with different prices.
8.5 mi
20 min
15:001 hr
El Fondo Natural Park
Ready for a little trekking? El Hondo Park (El Fondo in Valencian) is a wetland area where you can observe birds, flamingos and other species.
There are four possible routes for hiking in the park, the green one is of intermediate length to give an overview of what is in the area. This route lasts one hour and borders one of the salt marshes, and then continues on to the El Rincón lagoon and the viewpoint. It can be done with children.
There are four possible routes for hiking in the park, the green one is of intermediate length to give an overview of what is in the area. This route lasts one hour and borders one of the salt marshes, and then continues on to the El Rincón lagoon and the viewpoint. It can be done with children.
18.5 mi
40 min
16:455 min
Car Park
When you leave El Hondo park and drive a few kilometres along the N-332 road, the landscape suddenly changes, and you pass through the middle of the Salinas de Santa Pola. Leave your car in this car park and enjoy a brief stroll along the salt marshes.
0.3 mi
5 min
17:0010 min
Santa Pola Salt Flats
This natural spot is home to different species of birds, and is connected to the Mediterranean Sea. Take in the views of the salt marshes and, if you're lucky enough, spot some flamingos that gather in the area.
0.3 mi
5 min
17:1515 min
Tamarit Tower
Now you can see the Tamarit tower surrounded by the salt lake. It is a former watchtower used against the pirates and which has been perfectly preserved.
9.2 mi
20 min
18:0030 min
Castle-Fortress of Santa Pola
The main point of Santa Pola, the castle was built for defensive purposes, to prevent the continuous attack of pirates on the coasts of the city.
With a perfectly square shape, it is currently in a good state of conservation. It no longer functions as a castle-fortress but houses in its Patio de Armas several interesting visits such as the Sea Museum and the Chapel of the Virgin of Loreto.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you will find events, markets, or fairs set up inside the castle.
With a perfectly square shape, it is currently in a good state of conservation. It no longer functions as a castle-fortress but houses in its Patio de Armas several interesting visits such as the Sea Museum and the Chapel of the Virgin of Loreto.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you will find events, markets, or fairs set up inside the castle.
4.8 mi
15 min
18:455 min
Car Park
Leave your car in a car park next to the lighthouse. From there, it is less than a 10-minute walk to the viewpoint.
0.1 mi
5 min
19:0030 min
Lookout of the Santa Pola Lighthouse
The viewpoint is located on a footbridge at the top of the cliff. Due to its construction, it seems to be suspended over the waves that break over the cliffs.
It has one of the best views of the coast of Alicante. On clear days, you can make out the island of Tabarca and, further away, the coast of Murcia with the island of Grossa.
It has one of the best views of the coast of Alicante. On clear days, you can make out the island of Tabarca and, further away, the coast of Murcia with the island of Grossa.
