Quick answer: Elche (Elx in Valencian), near Alicante airport, is home to the Palmeral, Europe's largest palm grove and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It is about 50 minutes by car from Benidorm, or about two hours by public transport via Alicante. The must-see is the Huerto del Cura garden and its Imperial Palm, followed by the Basilica of Santa María and the old town. Elche holds three UNESCO listings in total.
Why visit Elche
| UNESCO listing | Year | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Palmeral de Elche | 2000 | Europe's largest palm grove, with more than 200,000 palms |
| Misteri d'Elx | 2001 | A medieval sung drama staged each August in the Basilica of Santa María |
| Museo Escolar de Pusol | 2009 | A school museum recognised for heritage conservation |
Sources: El Español, Comunitat Valenciana.
What to see
Huerto del Cura: the most beautiful garden in the palm grove, a private garden with a general ticket of about €5. Its famous Imperial Palm, more than 160 years old, has seven or eight trunks growing from one root. It opens at 10:00 daily.
Parque Municipal: a free public part of the palm grove near the centre.
Basilica of Santa María: a Baroque church built on the site of a mosque and home to the Misteri d'Elx. You can climb the tower for views over the palms.
Old town and museums: the Arab Baths and the Archaeological and History Museum (MAHE). Municipal museums are free on Sundays.
Sources: Hotel B&B, Brainy Backpackers.
Getting there
| Option | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Car | AP-7 or A-70 south past Alicante | About 50 minutes |
| Bus | ALSA Benidorm to Alicante, then a bus or train to Elche | About 2 hours |
| TRAM and train | TRAM L1 to Alicante (about 72 minutes), then Renfe Cercanías to Elx Parc | About 2 hours |
Elche's main station, Elx Parc, is about 200 m from the bus station. Elche is also very close to Alicante airport, so it fits well on your arrival or departure day.
Tips
Start at Huerto del Cura, which is slightly further out, then walk back to the centre.
On Sundays, some sites close at 15:00.
To see the Misteri d'Elx, plan for mid-August and book early.
Combine Elche with a beach stop at Arenales del Sol, or with Tabarca via Santa Pola (see our Tabarca guide).
Elche from Benidorm: FAQs
How far is Elche from Benidorm? About 50 minutes by car.
Is Elche worth visiting? Yes, for Europe's largest palm grove and a relaxed Spanish city centre.
How much is Huerto del Cura? About €5 for a general ticket.
Can I get to Elche by public transport from Benidorm? Yes, via Alicante by bus or by TRAM and train, about two hours.
When is the Misteri d'Elx performed? Every August in the Basilica of Santa María.