Major city · Spain
ElcheElx
Base in Elche for one night, or use it as a half-day from Alicante: the palm grove, the Misteri basilica and the archaeology museum fit in a morning.
Elche is a working city of about 230,000 people 20 km inland from Alicante, and it holds two separate UNESCO designations: the Palmeral, Europe's only large date-palm grove, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000, while the Misteri d'Elx, a medieval sung drama performed each August in the Basilica de Santa Maria, was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001. The historic core is compact and walkable in half a day; the palm groves, the MAHE museum and the Arab baths are all within about 15 minutes of each other. Most travellers see it as a day trip from Alicante, but a night here is cheap and the evening streets around the basilica are quiet and local.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (38 °C (100 °F)+ heat), and the 13–15 August festival nights if you want a quiet hotelavoid Jul–Aug (100 °F (38 °C)+ heat), and the 13–15 August festival nights if you want a quiet hotel
- Airport
- ALC
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Elche112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Elche, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyElche is a low-risk city; the real problems are summer heat, pickpockets around the market and basilica on festival days…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergency services · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckALC Alicante–Elche Airport (L'Altet) (13 km (8.1 mi) from Elche; transfer by taxi or bus (check operators and times)…ALC Alicante–Elche Airport (L'Altet) (8.1 mi (13 km) from Elche; transfer by taxi or bus (check operators and times)…
- Getting aroundThe centre is flat and walkable; the Palmeral, basilica, MAHE and Arab baths sit inside a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) loop.The centre is flat and walkable; the Palmeral, basilica, MAHE and Arab baths sit inside a 0.9 mi (1.5 km) loop.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beercaña at a bar / can at a shop€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)€0.60–1.20 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxi€8–12 (≈ US$10–14)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus ride€1.35 (≈ US$2) (€1.45 (≈ US$2) at night)
- Museum or sight ticketHort del Cura entry€6.50 (≈ US$8) adult
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€22 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€170 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €80 (≈ US$95) · High €140 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ALC Alicante–Elche Airport (L'Altet) (13 km (8.1 mi) from Elche; transfer by taxi or bus (check operators and times) — the Cercanías C-1 train does not serve the airport.)ALC Alicante–Elche Airport (L'Altet) (8.1 mi (13 km) from Elche; transfer by taxi or bus (check operators and times) — the Cercanías C-1 train does not serve the airport.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jun
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Apr (5 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Elche: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
4 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
May
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is flat and walkable; the Palmeral, basilica, MAHE and Arab baths sit inside a 1.5 km loop. AUESA city buses run across the city; single and ten-ride Bus Bono fares are check. Bus R4 links the centre to Elx AV high-speed station about every 10 minutes (check). Driving into the centre is a bad idea: parking is scarce, so park at the edge and walk or take the bus.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45 min (check)
Cercanías C-1 from Elx Parc, every two hours
Castle, old town and the port; contactless bank card works at most barriers.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min (check)
Bus from Elx bus station
Beach town; check the operator and timetable the day before.
Benidorm
cautionDoor to door: 2–2.5 h (check)
Train or bus via Alicante, then tram or bus north
Long for a return day; better as a move than a day trip.
L'Alcúdia archaeological site
goDoor to door: About 30 min (check)
CV-855 towards Dolores, about 3 km (1.9 mi); taxi or local busCV-855 towards Dolores, about 1.9 mi (3 km); taxi or local bus
Where the Dama de Elche was found; the original is in Madrid.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centre / around the Basilica de Santa Maria
Best for one night on foot: palm groves, MAHE and the market are all within 15 min.
Elx Parc station area
Train and bus stations 200 m apart; practical if you arrive late or leave early.
Elx AV (high-speed station)
6 km (3.7 mi) south-west of the centre; only useful if you are connecting by AVE and not sightseeing.3.7 mi (6 km) south-west of the centre; only useful if you are connecting by AVE and not sightseeing.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × €90 | €90 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €80 | €160 |
| Cercanías Alicante–Elche, both ways2 × €5 | €10 |
| AUESA bus single ride2 × €1 | €3 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €29 |
| Trip total≈ €161 per person per day, bed included | €322≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del día (weekday lunch) | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Beer: caña at a bar / can at a shop | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) / €0.60–1.20 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxi | €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) |
| City bus ride | €1.35 (≈ US$2) (€1.45 (≈ US$2) at night) |
| Hort del Cura entry | €6.50 (≈ US$8) adult |
| MAHE + Palau d'Altamira combined | €3 (≈ US$4) adult, free Sunday |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer afternoons in July and August are hot; do the palm groves early or late (check current temperatures).
- The Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani) has been closed; check before you plan around it.
- The Misteri d'Elx final performances on 14–15 August are free but fill hours ahead; rehearsals are ticketed and sell from May.
- Some city buses and the AUESA website have had broken links; use the MovilidadELX app for routes and times.
- Elche CF home games at the Estadio Martínez Valero (3 km (1.9 mi) east) close roads and fill buses on match days.Elche CF home games at the Estadio Martínez Valero (1.9 mi (3 km) east) close roads and fill buses on match days.
Emergency numbers
- All emergency services
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
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ElcheElx
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergency services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassies in Elche; the US has a consulate-general in Barcelona and an embassy in Madrid, the UK and Ireland have embassies in Madrid. For most consular help, Alicante and Valencia have honorary consulates only (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Cercanías Elche → Alicante: about €2.50 (≈ US$3), 25–30 min
- Taxi ALC airport → Elche centre: about €20–25 (≈ US$25–30), 15–20 min
- Bus R4 centre → Elx AV: about every 10 min
Say or show
- Hola / Buenos días — Hello / Good day (OH-lah / BWEH-nos DEE-as)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyo)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
Tourist Info Elx, Plaça del Parc 3: Apr–Oct Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–14:00; Nov–Mar Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 10:00–14:00 (check).
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Elche. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (38 °C+ heat), and the 13–15 August festival nights if you want a quiet hotel · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ALC: last Cercanías and bus times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: basilica and centre, Palmeral and Hort del Cura, MAHE and Altamira, Elx Parc station.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Hort del Cura, MAHE, Arab baths, Basilica tower) and eat pages with last orders.
- Festival fixtures (Palm Sunday, Misteri d'Elx, Moros i Cristians) so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Elche — official tourism site
- officialElche city council
- officialHuerto del Cura — official site
- officialMisteri d'Elx — official site
- officialAlicante–Elche Airport (Aena)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Elche, revision 5267258 (CC BY-SA 4.0)