Elche is a city that offers more than just its famous palm groves and historic sites. It’s a place where you can taste local wines, stroll through lush gardens, and explore centuries-old architecture—all within a short drive from Alicante. We’ve rounded up the four best tours and experiences that capture Elche’s charm, authenticity, and variety. Whether you’re into wine, history, or botany, there’s something here to make your trip memorable. One standout is the Family Winery tour — a personal, friendly experience that’s perfect for those who want to see behind the scenes of a working vineyard. The Huerto del Cura entry ticket offers a peaceful walk among exotic plants, while the Palmeral of Elche tour combines scenic beauty with cultural exploration.
If you’re unsure which to pick, don’t worry. We’ve broken down each option to help you decide based on your schedule, interests, and budget.
1. From Alicante: Family Winery for Three Generations
For around $101 per person, this 3-hour visit to a family-owned winery offers a genuine, personal look into local viticulture. It’s not a large commercial operation; instead, it’s a warm, welcoming place where the owner personally greets visitors and shares stories of the vineyard’s history. The tour includes a private car transfer from Alicante, making logistics straightforward. Once at the winery, you’ll taste four different types of wine and learn how they’re made, giving you a deeper appreciation for regional wine craftsmanship. Kids are not left out — a dedicated children’s menu ensures the whole family can enjoy the experience.
Highlights include a gastronomic tapas and wine tasting and an insightful guided tour of the vineyard, where you see the grape-growing process firsthand. The owner’s personable approach makes this tour stand out, especially for those wanting an authentic connection to local winemaking. The tour’s length and price reflect its intimate nature and focus on quality rather than volume.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers seeking a personable, educational experience with local flavor and a family-owned atmosphere. Book early, as this tour is popular.
2. Elche: Entry Ticket Huerto del Cura National Artistic Garden
At just $8 per person, this entry ticket grants access to the Huerto del Cura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true oasis in Elche. Spend a leisurely day wandering shaded pathways lined with exotic plants and palms, exploring serene ponds filled with water lilies and vibrant fish. The garden is a showcase of palm tree species, with stories told through sculptures and plant labels highlighting Elche’s long-standing palm cultivation heritage.
This site offers a peaceful escape for nature lovers and anyone interested in botany. The garden’s design creates a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for photography or quiet reflection. It’s suitable for a casual visit, or as a relaxing break during a busy sightseeing day. The garden’s atmosphere and plant diversity make it a standout for botanical enthusiasts and families alike.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly way to enjoy a UNESCO-listed garden and learn about palm cultivation. It’s a laid-back, scenic experience well worth including.
3. From Alicante: Best Winery Tour and Wine Tasting
For about $88 per person, this 2.5-hour tour offers an inside look at a beautiful family winery. You’ll start with a guided tour of the vineyard, where your guide explains the wine production process from grape to glass. This is followed by a tasting session of four different wines, with ample time to compare and savor. The tour also includes a visit to the production rooms, giving you an idea of the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
The transportation to and from the winery is included, making logistics simple. Reviewers praise the tour for its informative content and the friendly, knowledgeable guide. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a quick but comprehensive insight into local winemaking without a long day trip. The focus on small-group intimacy and quality tasting makes this experience engaging and educational.
Bottom Line: Great for wine enthusiasts who want a guided, interactive experience and a taste of local flavors in a relaxed setting. Book in advance to secure a spot during peak times.
$88 per person
4. From Alicante: Elche Half-Day of Palms, History & Heritage
This 5-hour private tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Elche’s most iconic sights. Starting from Alicante, you’ll visit the Huerto del Cura Garden, known for its exotic palms and sculptures, and then explore the Palmeral of Elche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest palm grove in Europe. The tour also includes a visit to the Santa María Basilica, a striking example of local architecture, and a stroll through the lively Glorieta Square with its cafes and historic buildings.
The tour’s highlight is the scenic viewpoint stop, where you enjoy stunning views of nearby orchards and rolling hills — ideal for photos. The personalized nature of this private tour makes it suited for travelers who want a flexible, in-depth experience. It’s perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone interested in Elche’s unique landscape and cultural sites.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a thorough, personalized exploration of Elche’s cultural and natural highlights in half a day.
$277 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting the perfect experience, consider your budget, interests, and available time. If you’re a wine enthusiast, the Family Winery (see details here) or the Wine Tasting Tour (see details here) are excellent options. For a laid-back, scenic visit among exotic palms and sculptures, the Huerto del Cura (see details here) offers great value.
If your time is limited but you want a comprehensive cultural overview, the Half-Day of Palms, History & Heritage (see details here) allows you to see many highlights in just a few hours. Budget-wise, the garden entry is the easiest on the pocket, while the winery tours give a more immersive experience at a moderate cost.
Consider weather, especially for outdoor activities, and book early during peak seasons. Some tours, like the private one, fill up quickly, so planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out.
Final Thoughts
Elche offers a diverse collection of tours tailored for different interests. Food and wine lovers will appreciate the family winery experiences and guided tastings, while botanical enthusiasts will enjoy wandering through the Huerto del Cura. For a deep dive into the city’s architecture and natural scenery, the half-day private tour hits all the key highlights.
For travelers with limited time, the Palmeral tour provides a compact yet rich experience. Budget travelers will find the garden entry hard to beat for value, while those seeking a personal connection with the land may prefer the family winery.
No matter which you choose, booking early and considering your travel style will ensure you get the most out of your visit to Elche. These tours combine history, natural beauty, and local flavor, making Elche a memorable part of your Spanish journey.