Guided tour of the Palm Grove and the centre of Elche

What it is

Elche's tourist office runs an hour-and-a-half guided tour that leaves from the Tourist Info in Plaza del Parque and passes through the Municipal Park, the basilica of Santa María, the old town and the Glorieta, telling the story of the Palm Grove, the Misteri and the history of the city. It costs €5; €3 for students, over-65s and groups of ten or more; free for under-6s. From late October to late March it leaves on Sundays at 11:30, from Monday to Thursday at 11:30 and on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays at 11:30 and 16:00. It is given in Spanish, Valencian and English.

What you are told

The route goes among palm orchards and along the monumental route, and helps you understand Elche's three World Heritage items: the Palm Grove, the Misteri d'Elx and the Puçol Educational and Museum Project. As well as the Municipal Park and the basilica of Santa María, it passes through the old town, the open-air shopping centre and the Glorieta. It is a good first plan if you arrive in Elche without knowing it: afterwards you can go back on your own to whatever interested you most.

Timetables in other seasons

From the clock change in late March until 30 June, and from 1 September until the clock change in late October, the tour leaves Sunday to Thursday at 11:30, and on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays at 11:30 and 17:00. The tourist office warns that there is not an afternoon tour on every public holiday: ask beforehand. On 1 January and 25 December there are no guided tours.

Tips

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water in the hot months: much of the walk is outdoors. If you are travelling with children under 6, they go free. Afterwards, the Huerto del Cura and the Palm Grove Museum are a few minutes' walk away.