Besides being the second largest city in Alicante, Elche is also a great place to live. It offers everything you could possibly need, from various facilities and entertainment to a beautiful natural environment and over 300 sunny days per year. We’ve prepared this guide to give you some insider tips on living in Elche, including some of the most interesting things to do and finding the perfect property.
Where is Elche?
Elche is located in southeastern Spain within the Valencian Community, 7 miles inland and only 13 miles southwest of Alicante. It’s situated on the Vinalopó River which runs through the city and divides it into two parts. In addition to Alicante, Elche borders several picturesque towns including Santa Pola, Guardamar del Segura, San Fulgencio, Dolores, Catral, Crevillent, Aspe and Montforte del Cid.
Elche’s famous for its UNESCO heritage site, a large palm grove also known as El Palmeral, and has a population of 242,317 which increases quite a bit in summer due to tourism.
How Far Is Elche from Alicante Airport?
Elche is only 9 miles away from Alicante Airport, which is about a 15 minute drive. There are multiple convenient ways to get to the airport besides driving, however, including by taxi which would cost you between £26 – £32 and by bus which would only set you back £1 – £2. Rideshares are also available between Elche and Alicante Airport starting from around £2.
What Is Living in Elche Like?
Living in Elche means living in an authentic Spanish city. While there are wonderful expat communities in the area, most of the population is comprised of native Spanish residents. Elche is known for its close knit community and is a great place to raise a family as it has one of the lowest crime rates in Alicante.
The town offers all amenities you could need. Most neighbourhoods have various shops so you wouldn’t need to worry about access to daily essentials. The largest shopping centre, L’Aljub Commercial Center, is located in the heart of the city alongside bars, restaurants, museums and theatres.
Healthcare is also well developed in Elche with some great clinics available including two large public hospitals as well as a private hospital. The town also offers access to excellent education, being home to the bilingual Laude Newton College, one of the most prestigious colleges in Spain and arguably the top school in Elche, as well as La Devesa, a private Cambridge International School.
Whilst living in Elche is a great fit for expats working from home / self employed individuals, Elche does offer various employment opportunities, mainly in the area of tourism. However, manufacturing is also developed with a large number of factories in the area, as well as agriculture with the production of olives, dates, cereal and pomegranates.
Transport links are excellent in Elche with both Alicante and Murcia airports easily accessible through convenient motorway links as well as Torrevieja and Cartagena. Bus transport is well developed and Elche also has two train stations.
Is Elche a Good Place to Live?
With a tight knit community, low crime rate and every possible amenity one could need, Elche is a wonderful place to live. The authentic culture, well developed healthcare and excellent education only add to its appeal, as do its rich history and various cultural attractions.
Elche is a particularly great place to live for beach lovers as it is located near some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Blanca. Another benefit that’s worth mentioning is that besides being incredibly safe, Elche is a very walkable city, making it great for families and retirees.
Last but not least, you’re likely to find living in Elche quite a bit more affordable in comparison to the United Kingdom with statistics showing that the cost of living in the UK is about 53.2% higher than Elche.
Things to Do in Elche
Rich in history, culture and nature, Elche has no shortage of unique and interesting things to do and places to visit. Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Elche:
- Visit El Palmeral: El Palmeral, the famous Palm Grove of Elche, is incredibly beautiful in addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also one of the largest palm groves in Europe.
- Relax on the Beach: Nearby beaches include Platija Del Carabasi and Playa Del Pinet.
- Climb the Basilica de Santa Maria Clock Tower: Take a walk around the basilica and climb its clock tower for stunning views and exhibitions along the way.
- Hike around Pantà d’Elx: Also known as Pantano de Elche, this is considered the oldest reservoir in Europe and is a wonderful place to hike or have a picnic.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Elche: Elche’s museum is a great way to start exploring the city’s rich history and it is also home to the famous Lady of Elche, a limestone bust from 4th-century BCE Iberian culture.
Buying Property in Elche
If you’re considering living in Elche, you’re likely wondering what types of properties are available here or maybe even already looking for your dream property in Elche. Luckily, the town offers a wide variety of property types, we at Welcome Estates for example list a wide range of those including stunning apartments and modern villas.
Find Property for Sale in Elche
Are you ready to find the perfect property for sale in Elche? Our team at Welcome Estates will make the process as easy as possible. We can organise an inspection trip for you completely personalised to your preferences that will allow you to browse beautiful properties in Elche while taking in its culture and atmosphere firsthand. Get in touch with us today and let’s find your new dream home together!
