British travel writers discover Elche beyond the Costa Blanca beaches

British travel writers and content creators have been getting a taste of Elche as the city steps up efforts to attract more UK visitors throughout the year. From historic landmarks and traditional crafts to local food and natural attractions, the visit is showcasing another side of the Costa Blanca to one of Elche’s key international tourism markets.

British visitors explore Elche’s historic sights

The group visited after learning more about Elche during a tourism presentation at the Instituto Cervantes in London in July.

Their trip has included some of the city’s best-known sights, including the Palmeral Museum, Festa Museum, Altamira Palace, Basilica of Santa Maria, Calahorra Tower and Arab Baths.

The programme gives the visitors an opportunity to experience the city’s heritage first-hand after the earlier presentation in the UK.

Natural attractions and traditions take spotlight

They have also ventured beyond the city centre to explore El Hondo Natural Park, while sampling local food and discovering traditional crafts including white palm weaving and the work of Elche’s palm tree specialists.

The combination of heritage, nature, food and traditional skills is being used to demonstrate that Elche has plenty to offer visitors away from the traditional sun-and-beach attractions associated with the Costa Blanca.

Misteri d’Elx included in programme

The visitors are also attending the first full rehearsal of the Misteri d’Elx autumn performances at the Basilica of Santa Maria.

This year’s programme coincides with the 25th anniversary of the medieval drama being recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage.

The rehearsal gives the British visitors another opportunity to experience one of Elche’s best-known cultural traditions during their stay.

Elche targets year-round British tourism

The UK is a key tourism market for Elche, and the council hopes visits like this will introduce more British travellers to a side of the Costa Blanca beyond its beaches.

The aim is also to encourage year-round tourism by promoting Elche’s heritage, food, natural attractions and traditions outside the main holiday season.

By introducing travel writers and content creators to those attractions directly, Elche hopes the experience will help bring the city’s cultural and natural highlights to a wider British audience.