Elche (Elx) is a municipality in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, located between the Mediterranean coast and the Vinalopó River valley. With a population exceeding 230,000 inhabitants, it is the third most populous city in the Valencian Community.
It stands out for its important historical, cultural, and natural heritage. Its most recognized symbol is the Palmeral of Elche, the largest palm grove in Europe, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Also notable is the Misteri d’Elx, a sacred-lyric drama of medieval origin declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The economy of Elche is characterized by a strong industrial tradition, especially in the footwear, fashion, and industrial components sectors, together with relevant agricultural activity based on products such as pomegranates, dates, and various vegetables.
Furthermore, the municipality has an extensive municipal area that includes the beaches of Arenales del Sol, El Altet, La Marina, and Carabassí, as well as natural spaces of great ecological value, such as the El Hondo Natural Park and the coastal salt flats. Elche thus combines a rich historical heritage with significant economic dynamism and high environmental quality.