Discover Elche: The city of palms, culture, and quality of life

Elche, or Elx in Valencian, is a hidden gem on the Costa Blanca. The city offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and those looking to live or invest here. Whether you are fascinated by its impressive palm groves, seeking a vibrant place to live, or simply wanting to enjoy the Mediterranean climate – Elche has it all.

Amenities in Elche

Elche is a mid-sized city with excellent facilities that make life comfortable.

Healthcare

The city has several hospitals and health centers, including the modern Hospital General Universitario de Elche and the private Hospital IMED Elche. Additionally, numerous pharmacies and clinics are spread across the city, ensuring easy access to quality healthcare.

Education

Elche boasts a wide range of educational institutions, from primary schools to universities. The Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) is a prestigious institution known for its programs in healthcare, technology, and social sciences. There are also many international and bilingual schools, making it attractive for expats.

Shopping and dining

Shopping enthusiasts can explore malls such as L'Aljub and El Corte Inglés, as well as charming boutiques in the historic center. Elche also has a rich gastronomic scene, combining traditional Spanish dishes with modern fusion cuisine. Be sure to try the local specialty, Arroz con Costra, a delicious rice dish with a crust of beaten egg.

Sports and recreation

For sports lovers, the city offers a wide range of facilities, including football stadiums, swimming pools, and sports centers. The football club Elche CF, playing at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, adds excitement to the local sports scene. Additionally, there are numerous hiking and cycling trails in and around the city.

Living in Elche

Elche is an attractive place to live for families, students, and retirees alike. The city offers a high quality of life at affordable prices compared to larger cities like Alicante or Valencia.

Why live in Elche?

• Affordable housing: Property prices are relatively lower than in nearby coastal towns.
• Good infrastructure: Excellent connections to Alicante and the airport via highways and trains.
• Safe and family-friendly: A city with plenty of green spaces, schools, and sports facilities.
• Rich culture and history: UNESCO heritage, historic landmarks, and a lively community.

Popular neighborhoods in Elche

For families:

• Altabix: A quiet residential area with parks and schools, ideal for families.
• Los Palmerales: Close to the city center, with good amenities and plenty of green spaces.

For students and young professionals:

• El Pla: A lively neighborhood with affordable apartments, restaurants, and bars.
• Raval: Known for its bohemian atmosphere and proximity to the university.

For tourists and investors:

• Centro: The historic center, ideal for tourist accommodations.
• Arenales del Sol: Close to the beach, popular among holidaymakers.

Nature and climate in Elche

Elche enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The city is famous for its Palmeral de Elche, the largest palm grove in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning landscape is home to thousands of palm trees, giving the city a unique, exotic charm.

Other notable natural spots in and around Elche include:
• Parque Municipal – A beautiful urban park with playgrounds, ponds, and walking trails.
• Huerto del Cura – A botanical garden featuring exotic plants and the famous "Imperial Palm."
• El Hondo Nature Park – A protected wetland with rich biodiversity, perfect for birdwatchers.
• Clot de Galvany – A nature reserve near Arenales del Sol, ideal for hiking and cycling.

Emigrating to Elche

Elche is a fantastic place to relocate, especially for families, retirees, and digital nomads. The city offers:
• A low cost of living compared to other Spanish cities.
• Great transport connections to Alicante Airport and other major cities.
• A relaxed lifestyle with plenty of sunshine, nature, and recreational activities.
• A growing international community with increasing expat-friendly services and international schools.

Real estate investment in Elche

Elche is an attractive city for real estate investors. With constant growth, increasing rental demand, and relatively low property prices, the city offers great investment opportunities.

• Centro and Altabix – Ideal for long-term rentals.
• Arenales del Sol – Popular for holiday rentals due to its proximity to the beach.
• Raval and El Pla – Suitable for student housing and young professionals.

With Elche’s ongoing economic growth and rising tourism, the city offers excellent potential for a high return on investment.

Things to do in Elche

1. Palmeral de Elche – The largest palm grove in Europe, a green paradise with scenic walking paths and a unique irrigation system.
2. Basílica de Santa María – An impressive church with a rich history and stunning architecture.
3. Huerto del Cura – A botanical garden featuring exotic plants and the world-famous "Imperial Palm."
4. Rio Safari Elche – A family-friendly zoo with a water park and exotic animals.
5. MAHE (Archaeological and History Museum of Elche) – A fascinating museum showcasing the history of Elche, including a replica of the famous Dama de Elche.
6. Paleontology Museum – Discover fossils, dinosaurs, and the history of Earth.
7. Arab Baths (Baños Árabes) – The remains of ancient Arabic baths, offering a unique historical experience.
8. Torre de la Calaforra – A medieval defensive tower with stunning views.
9. La Alcudia Archaeological Park – The site where the Dama de Elche was discovered, featuring excavations from different historical periods.

Elche is a city that has it all: a rich history, stunning nature, excellent amenities, and a high quality of life. Whether you're looking for a place to live, invest, or simply visit, this city will not disappoint!