If there is one place in Elche that deserves the label “must visit” for anyone who enjoys nature, history and local heritage, it is the Huerto del Cura.
This historic garden was declared a National Artistic Garden in 1943 and remains one of the best preserved plots within the wider Palmeral of Elche, the largest palm grove in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking through the paths of the Huerto del Cura feels like stepping into an exotic oasis. Mediterranean and tropical species grow side by side, small ponds and sculptures pop up in unexpected corners. The star of the show is the Imperial Palm, a remarkable 180 year old tree with one trunk and seven arms. It is one of the most admired palms in the world and a rather photogenic one!
Elche, or Elx in Valencian, is known for its three UNESCO designations. The city has cared for this garden with enormous pride. Visitors will find unusual species, but the most appreciated feature is still the collection of towering date palms.
A little history: Huerto del Cura
Back in 1876, a farmer named Andrés Castaño Peral bought the plot where he
had been living. It covered 13,000 square metres. After his death, the land passed to his third son, José Castaño, born in 1843. José was a chaplain and vicar, which is how the garden ended up with its unusual name.
José gave up many ecclesiastical privileges to dedicate himself to caring for the site. He even built a small chapel so he could hold mass and other religious services on the grounds.
In 1894, the garden received a surprise visitor. Elizabeth of Wittelsbach, better known as Empress Sissi of Austria and Hungary, arrived quite out of the blue. She was captivated by the beauty of the place, especially by the grand palm at the centre. She declared it worthy of an empire, and from that day José renamed it the Imperial Palm.
When José died in 1918, the garden passed to a new owner, Juan Orts Miralles, a close friend of the chaplain. Juan bought the property at auction and dedicated himself to preserving it. Most importantly, he resisted pressure to turn the land into urban development. It was during his time that the Huerto del Cura opened to the public and began welcoming well known visitors.
From that moment on, the garden continued to grow and evolve into the landscape treasure you see today.
The Huerto del Cura forms part of the Palmeral of Elche, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The palm grove holds more than 200,000 palms, mostly date palms, and experts believe their origins could go back to the time of the Phoenicians. In other words, about 5,000 years of history. Quite something.
Main areas and highlights
The Imperial Palm
The jewel of the garden. This rare specimen breaks all the traditional rules of botany with its dramatic seven armed shape. There is even an exhibition room inside the garden where you can learn about its story.
Ornamental collections
The garden includes palms from all over the world, exotic varieties and a wonderful collection of cacti and succulents.
Animals
Nature has settled comfortably in the garden. Visitors often see impressive peacocks, ducks of all sorts, turtles and plenty of fish.
Ponds and sculptures
Across the garden you will find reminders of its past. A lovely pond features a reproduction of the Lady of Elche. There are also busts of José Castaño, King James I the Conqueror and of course a tribute to Empress Sissi.
La Casa del Huerto
A lovely little building within the grounds, adding more character to the garden.
Practical information
Opening hours
Autumn and winter
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 to 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 to 15:00
Spring
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 to 18:30
Sunday: 10:00 to 18:00
Summer
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 to 21:00
Times may vary slightly on special dates.
Prices (as of 2025)
All entry tickets include an audio guide in several languages.
- General entry – €6.50
- Reduced entry – €4.80 (students, over 65s)
- Super reduced – €3.80 (children aged 5 to 15, agencies and groups, visitors with disabilities, unemployed visitors, residents of Elche)
A free alternative
If you are short on time during your visit to Elche, you can explore the Municipal Park instead. It is another beautiful palm garden close to the Basilica of Santa Maria and other key sights. The tourist office is right next to it.
