Elche

Elche is located around 20 km from the sea shore and some 20 km from Punta Prima. Elche is famous for its palm tree forests, planted by the Maurs, which embrace the city in a circle. The forest still is one of the main local industries. From the female trees you get the dates, while the male palm trees produce the leafes that are used as amulets against the weather storms and as the material for palms for the Palm Sunday of the catholic Church.

 

The most impressive trees are in the specially cultivated Huerto del Cura. Being in the area you really need to see this. Palm tree forest is a rarity in Europe.

 

Elche