Summer in Elche
Sunshine, Palms and Spanish Charm
During our summer in Spain we spent a day in Elche – and it completely surprised us. Just a short hop from the coast, it’s a palm‑filled city with a relaxed, local feel that’s perfect for wandering, eating and exploring at your own pace. In this blog I’m sharing how we spent our day – from walking through the famous palms to lingering over lunch, ice cream and a bit of shopping – to help you decide if it might be a great addition to your own Spanish escape.
We only had one day in Elche, but we managed to pack in a lovely mix of simple pleasures without ever feeling rushed. As soon as we arrived, the first thing that struck us was the sea of palm trees. Walking through the palm groves felt calm and almost tropical, with shady paths that were ideal for escaping the midday sun and taking plenty of photos.
From there, we wandered back towards the centre to find somewhere for lunch. There are lots of little cafés and restaurants to choose from, and we enjoyed taking our time, picking a spot with a sunny terrace and watching everyday Spanish life go by while we ate. It felt very local and relaxed – more like stepping into someone’s hometown than a busy resort.
After lunch, we treated ourselves to ice creams and continued exploring. Elche is very walkable, so it’s easy just to follow your nose through the streets, dipping in and out of shops as you go. We spent the afternoon browsing, picking up a few bits and pieces, and stopping whenever something caught our eye – another café, a pretty side street, a square full of families.
Because we were only there for the day, we kept things simple: no strict itinerary, just time to enjoy the palms, a good meal and a gentle wander around the city. It was a lovely contrast to the coast and gave us a real feel for everyday Spanish life in a short space of time.
If you like the idea of adding a day in Elche to your own holiday – perhaps as a break from the beach or as part of a wider Spanish itinerary – I can help you build it into your plans and arrange everything for you , so all you need to do is turn up and enjoy it.
