Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Re-enactments of ancient battles between Moors and Christians, held 22 to 24
April, inland from Valencia's Costa Blanca.
5 CARTHAGINESES Y ROMANOS, CARTAGENA
Battles between Carthaginians and Romans bring to life Cartagena's history in
the second half of September.
Elche
POP 233,250
Precisely 23km southwest of Alicante, Elche (Valenciano: Elx) is split north-south
by the channelled trickle of Río Vinalopó. It's a Unesco World Heritage site twice
over: for the Misteri d'Elx, its annual mystery play, and for its extensive palm
groves, Europe's largest, originally planted by the Phoenecians and extended by
the Arabs. Islamic irrigation systems converted the region into a rich agricultural
producer that still offers citrus fruit, figs, almonds, dates - and 85% of Spain's
pomegranates.
Sights & Activities
Around 200,000 palm trees - some shaggy and in need of a haircut, most trim and
clipped, and each with a lifespan of some 250 years - make the heart of this busy
industrial town a veritable oasis. A signed 2.5km walking trail (ask at the tourist of-
fice for its leaflet
Historic Palm Groves Route
) leads from the Museu del Palmerar
through the groves.
Sleeping
HOTEL HUERTO DEL CURA €€
( 96 661 00 11;
www.huertodelcura.com
;
Porta de la Morera 14; r Mon-Thu €112, Fri-
Sun €102-132; )
Accommodation is in trim bungalows within lush, palm-
shaded gardens. It's a family-friendly place with playground, large pool and babysit-
ting service. Complete the cosseting at Elche's longest-standing luxury hotel by din-
ing in
Els Capellans
, its renowned restaurant. Parking is €12.
Hotel
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