Elche is a city that offers more than just its famous palm groves. It’s a place where history, nature, and local traditions come together in ways that are both accessible and memorable. Whether you’re interested in tasting regional wines, exploring lush gardens, climbing historic towers, or sailing along the coast, Elche has a variety of tours that fit different interests and budgets. We especially appreciate tours like the Alicante: Family Winery of Three Generations for its warm atmosphere and personal touch, and the Huerto del Cura National Artistic Garden for a peaceful stroll through an oasis listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the 11 best tours in Elche, covering wine experiences, cultural sights, boat rentals, and scenic excursions. Each offers something unique—whether it’s a private wine tasting, an ascent of a historic tower, or a boat trip along the coast. Read on to find out which one suits your travel style.
1. Alicante: Family Winery of Three Generations (4 testings)
At number 1, this intimate winery experience offers a genuine glimpse into viticulture without the commercial gloss. The owner personally welcomes visitors, creating a friendly and warm atmosphere that’s perfect for wine lovers who want authenticity. The private car transfer included makes it easy to relax and focus on the tasting.
The tour includes sampling four different wines, along with a gastronomic experience featuring tapas and local wines. Children are also catered to with a dedicated menu, making it ideal for families. The visit to Elche is combined with a guided tour of the city, giving you a taste of local culture along with your wine tasting.
This tour is especially appealing if you’re after a personalized, small-group experience—limited to 15 participants. The reviews praise the friendly communication and the owner’s personal touch. It’s a great choice for travelers who appreciate authenticity and want to learn about viticulture firsthand.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, family-friendly wine tour with excellent value for those who want to combine cultural sightseeing with wine tasting in a cozy setting.
2. Best Winery Tour and Wine Tasting
Number 2 on our list takes you inside a beautiful family winery with a focus on the production process. The guided tour includes a visit to the vineyard, where you can see how grapes are cultivated, and a tasting of four wines that showcase the region’s varietals.
What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of an audiovisual presentation in the Canelobre Caves and a museum of musical instruments, which add a cultural twist to the experience. The visit to the Royal Fountain of the Trinity—a fine example of Valencian Gothic architecture—rounds out the culture.
The tour runs for about 3 hours and is perfect for those interested in wine production, regional heritage, or just a relaxed afternoon tasting. With a small group size, the tour manages to balance educational content with intimate interaction. One review notes, “The guide was very knowledgeable and made the process engaging.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine aficionados who want an immersive visit that combines production, history, and tasting.
3. Elche: Entry Ticket Huerto del Cura National Artistic Garden
For around $8 per person, the Huerto del Cura offers a peaceful walk through one of Elche’s most famous sights. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a lush oasis packed with exotic plants, including over 1,000 palm trees. It’s a perfect spot for a gentle stroll and some photos.
The garden features serene ponds with water lilies, sculptures, and stories that highlight the city’s palm cultivation heritage. Visitors can take their time exploring shaded pathways or relaxing by the ponds. It’s a great option for a low-key, cultural stop—especially if you’re interested in botany or simply want to unwind in nature.
Reviews are positive, with visitors remarking on “the tranquility of the environment” and “the impressive variety of palms.” It’s suitable for all ages, especially families and those seeking a quiet retreat.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, affordable way to see Elche’s famous palms and enjoy a leisurely afternoon among plants and sculptures.
4. Voraz 4 horas
Number 4 offers a 4-hour boat tour on the Santa Pola coast that’s perfect for anyone wanting to navigate without a license. The tour helps you understand the local regulations and provides constant support so you can enjoy the experience safely.
This is a flexible option for those who want to try boating without prior experience. It’s ideal for a quick escape to the water, with the boat equipped with a frande table in the stern—great for snacks or drinks. While it’s a straightforward trip, the guide makes sure you’re comfortable and confident on the boat.
Perfect for families or groups looking for an easy, fun activity that doesn’t require a license or prior experience. The focus is on enjoying the coast and learning the basics of boat handling.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, supportive boating experience suitable for beginners and those seeking a quick coastal adventure.
5. Alicante Shared Tour Old town, Elche & Huerto del Cura Gardens
This 5-hour shared tour offers a broad taste of the area, starting in Alicante’s charming old quarter. The walking tour covers landmarks and local stories, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want a structured overview.
The trip continues with a scenic coach ride to Elche, where the Huerto del Cura Gardens await. Over 1,000 palms create a lush landscape that’s both scenic and educational. The tour provides a good balance between cultural sights and natural beauty, with options to explore further or return to your cruise or hotel.
It’s suited for travelers who prefer a guided experience that covers multiple highlights in one day. The tour’s flexibility makes it a good option for those wanting to see a lot without doing all the planning themselves.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded introduction to Alicante and Elche, perfect for travelers short on time but eager for a rundown.
6. Elche: Basilica of Santa María Guided Tour and Tower Climb
Climb to the top of the Basilica of Santa María in Elche for panoramic views and a fascinating look at the city’s history. This 1.5-hour guided tour includes exploring the historic rooms and learning about the Misteri d’Elx, an important local tradition.
The highlight is the 170-step climb to the tower’s summit, where views extend over the city, the palm groves, and distant landmarks. Along the way, panels explain the church’s 17th-century Baroque façade and other architectural features. The interior rooms host themed photo exhibits that add depth to your visit.
This tour is ideal for history and architecture lovers who want an active sightseeing experience combined with spectacular views. The climb is physically manageable for most, but those with mobility issues should consider this.
Bottom Line: A great way to combine history, architecture, and scenic vistas in a compact tour.
7. From Alicante: Elche Half-Day of Palms, History & Heritage
For travelers with limited time, this private half-day tour from Alicante offers an in-depth look at Elche. You’ll visit the Huerto del Cura Garden, home to over 2,000 palm trees, and the UNESCO-listed Palmeral of Elche, the largest palm grove in Europe.
The tour also includes a visit to the Santa María Basilica and a scenic stop at Glorieta Square. The itinerary is flexible, with pick-up in Alicante and a guided walk through the city’s highlights. The driver and guide help you maximize your time while providing insightful commentary.
This experience is perfect for travelers with a tight schedule who want a curated, private exploration of Elche’s most notable sights. It’s known for good value, considering the personalized service and comprehensive itinerary.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for those wanting an easy, private introduction to Elche’s palaces, churches, and gardens.
8. Rent Boat Cattleya 8H
Number 8 offers an 8-hour boat rental on the Valencian coast. With a boat up to 6 meters, you can explore the coastline at your own pace with minimal qualification required.
This trip is ideal if you’re looking for flexibility and adventure—you can visit nearby islands like Tabarca or simply relax on the water. The boat features a frande table in the stern for snacks or drinks, making it perfect for a full day at sea. The nearby island of Tabarca is a designated natural reserve, adding a scenic and ecological element to your outing.
This is a good option for independent travelers or groups who want to steer their own course, with the option to explore at leisure. Be aware that you need some basic boating knowledge or confidence in handling the vessel.
Bottom Line: Perfect for experienced boaters or those willing to learn, wanting a full day to explore the coast and nearby islands.
9. Rent Boat Cattleya
At number 9, this 4-hour boat rental offers much of the same freedom as the 8-hour trip but on a shorter schedule. Renting a boat up to 6 meters, you can head toward the island of Tabarca or enjoy the coast at your own pace.
The boat features a frande table in the stern, making it suitable for a casual day on the water. It’s ideal for travelers who want a flexible, self-guided experience but don’t want to spend a full day at sea. The proximity to Tabarca, a natural reserve, adds a scenic and nature-focused element to the outing.
This rental is suited for experienced boaters or confident beginners who want an accessible way to enjoy the coast with minimal hassle.
Bottom Line: A flexible, shorter option for those looking to explore the coast and Tabarca with their own vessel.
10. Voraz 2H
Number 10 features a 2-hour boat experience on the Santa Pola coast, designed for easy, license-free navigation. The tour offers support from the crew and explanations about local regulations, making it beginner-friendly.
This short trip is perfect if you want a quick taste of boating without the commitment of a full day. The boat’s size and simplicity make it accessible for novices, while the support ensures a safe and smooth ride. It’s a great option for families or groups seeking a fun, informal outing.
The tour emphasizes learning the basics of boat handling and enjoying the scenery along the coast. It’s a practical and low-stress way to get on the water.
Bottom Line: A beginner-friendly, short boat ride perfect for trying out sailing in a low-pressure setting.
11. Voraz 8 horas
Rounding out our list, this 8-hour boat experience offers a full day of coastal exploration. Like the shorter tour, it’s designed for easy navigation without a license.
This longer trip gives you more time to explore the coast, relax, and learn about local maritime regulations. The crew remains available for support throughout, ensuring your safety and enjoyment. It’s suitable for families, couples, or groups who want a more immersive day at sea.
If you’re interested in combining scenic views with hands-on sailing, this tour provides the most time for that. The flexible nature makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to maximize their time on the water.
Bottom Line: An ideal full-day option for confident beginners or those wanting a deeper coastal experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Elche
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and time constraints. If you’re a wine lover, the Alicante: Family Winery or the Best Winery Tour will satisfy your palate. For cultural and scenic sights, the Huerto del Cura or the Basilica climb provide immersive experiences.
If you prefer active outdoor fun, the boat tours and rentals are excellent for exploring the coast at your pace. For quick visits, the half-day private tour offers a good overview.
Timing also matters: book early in the season if you want to secure spots during busy months, especially for popular experiences like boat rentals or wine tours. Check availability based on your travel dates and group size.
Final Thoughts
Elche offers a wide variety of tours tailored to different interests and schedules. For a personal, relaxed wine experience, the Alicante: Family Winery stands out, while the Huerto del Cura Garden is perfect for a peaceful nature escape. For maritime adventures, both the 8-hour boat rental and shorter Voraz tours offer memorable days on the water.
No matter what your interests, these tours give you an excellent way to experience Elche beyond just walking around. Booking early and choosing the right experience for your travel style will ensure you make the most of your time in this fascinating corner of Spain.
