Exploring the Palmeral de Elche, the largest palm grove in Europe, is one of the most memorable things to do in Elche, Alicante. Walking through this vast, historic landscape feels calm, immersive, and deeply connected to the city’s identity.

With over 200,000 palm trees spread across the urban area, the Palmeral de Elche offers a rare mix of nature, history, and everyday local life. It’s no surprise it sits firmly in my top things to do in Elche, Spain.

A couple’s photoshoot in Palmeral de Elche

I explored the palm grove with Tere and Manolo, a couple who live and work in Elche as pilates teachers. Planning a couple’s photoshoot here felt natural; the Palmeral represents so much of the city they call home.

The soft light filtering through the palms, the repeating lines of trunks, and the sense of space make it an ideal location for relaxed, natural photography. The Palmeral de Elche doesn’t feel staged or overly curated. It feels lived in, which is precisely what makes it special.

Why visit Palmeral de Elche?

If you’re visiting Alicante province and looking for something beyond the beach, the Palmeral de Elche is a must-see. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place where history and daily life blend seamlessly.

Whether you’re visiting as a couple, a family, or solo, it’s a peaceful place to walk, slow down, and experience a different side of southern Spain.

Photoshoots in Elche, Spain

The Palmeral is also a beautiful setting for couples’ photoshoots, engagement sessions, or lifestyle photography. The scale of the palms creates a sense of intimacy even in open spaces, and the light works beautifully throughout the day.

If you’d like to plan a photoshoot in Elche, Spain, feel free to get in touch, and we can talk through your ideas, timing, and location options. Contact me, and we can discuss your needs.

FAQs about visiting Palmeral de Elche, Spain

How many palm trees are in the Palmeral de Elche?

The Palmeral de Elche covers around 500 hectares and contains more than 200,000 date palms. During the Arab era, the palm grove extended over an even larger area.

How old is the Palmeral de Elche?

Some palm trees in Elche are estimated to be over 300 years old. Palm trees grow slowly, taking roughly ten years to develop one metre of trunk.

What type of palm trees grow in Elche?

The most common species is Phoenix dactylifera, the date palm. One of the most famous areas within the Palmeral is Huerto del Cura, a 12,000 m² palm garden declared a National Artistic Garden in 1943.

Why is Palmeral de Elche the largest palm grove in Europe?

With over 200,000 palm trees spread throughout the city, it is the largest palm grove in Europe. Globally, only some palm groves in Arab regions are larger.

What is the largest palm grove in the world?

The largest palm grove in the world is located in Marrakech, Morocco. While it covers a larger area than Elche’s palm grove, it does not necessarily contain more individual palm trees.

Love this blog? You can explore more location guides, photoshoots, and things to do in Alicante and the surrounding area here.