Palmeral of Elche, Palm grove and garden in Elche, Spain.
The Palmeral of Elche is a palm grove containing around 200,000 date palms laid out in geometric patterns across more than 144 hectares. The trees are connected through a network of irrigation channels that distribute water through the entire area, with walking paths and smaller gardens scattered throughout.
Palm cultivation began during Roman times but expanded into a large-scale project under the Caliphate of Córdoba in the 10th century. The sophisticated water management system created then remains largely in use today and continues to shape how the land functions.
The groves remain actively farmed by local families using methods passed down through generations, keeping ancient traditions visible in everyday work. You can observe the traditional irrigation channels and harvesting practices that continue to shape how people use this land today.
Access is easiest through the Palm Grove Museum and the connected municipal park, which offer several walking routes through different sections. These routes guide you through various parts of the site and show how the irrigation system works in practice.
The Imperial Palm within the Huerto del Cura gardens is a male date palm with seven branches that spread like a natural canopy. Visitors are often surprised to discover that a single tree can develop so many distinct trunks in this way.
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