Exploring Alicante’s natural and cultural treasures becomes effortless with the Alicante: UNESCO Heritage Palm Grove + Artistic Garden Tour. Priced at $73 per person and lasting 2.5 hours, this tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and botanical artistry. It departs from convenient locations in Alicante, making it easy to join and enjoy these two iconic sites in one seamless experience.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the opportunity to visit the largest palm grove in Europe, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Alongside, the Huerto del Cura Garden, recognized as a National Artistic Garden since 1943 and part of the Cultural Heritage of the Valencian Community, provides a peaceful escape filled with varieties of palms, cacti, and flowers. The tour is ideal for those who appreciate botanical diversity, tranquil settings, and cultural significance, although it does require some walking and is not wheelchair accessible.

Key Points

Two UNESCO-listed sites: Europe’s largest palm grove and the Valencian Artistic Garden
Price of $73 per person for 2.5 hours of exploration
Self-guided options available with free audio guides in multiple languages
Highlights include the Imperial Palm Tree and feeding fish, peacocks, and ducks
Guided tour lasts 1 hour, with an option for a self-guided walk of 100 minutes
No guide required for a peaceful visit, but a group leader and driver accompany the tour

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Discovering the UNESCO Heritage Palm Grove in Alicante

The tour kicks off with a visit to the largest palm grove in Europe, acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This grove, considered the most beautiful in all of Spain, was originally created by Arab inhabitants in the tenth century. Its irrigation system, some of which is still in use today, demonstrates historical ingenuity.

This area looks natural but is carefully cultivated. Visitors admire the variety of palm species, cacti, and flowers that fill the landscape. The setting offers a sense of tranquility, enhanced by the sounds of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves. The grove is a perfect spot to appreciate botanical diversity and historical landscape design.

A standout feature is the Imperial Palm Tree, named after Empress Elisabeth of Austria (also known as Sissi). She visited the orchard in 1894, inspiring the dedication of this specific palm. The bust of the Empress nearby commemorates her visit, adding a layer of cultural history to the natural scene.

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Exploring the Huerto del Cura Garden’s Artistic Landscape

Following the palm grove, the tour takes participants to the Huerto del Cura Garden, a private historic garden declared a National Artistic Garden in 1943. Known as a Cultural Heritage site, this garden combines artistic horticulture with peaceful surroundings.

The garden is home to a stunning variety of trees, palms, cacti, and flowers. A small pond filled with colorful fish adds to the calming atmosphere, where visitors can also feed the animals—food is available for purchase within the park.

The Imperial Palm Tree is the gem of this garden, with its unusual growth of shoots at a height of 2 meters—a rare occurrence since such growth typically appears when the palm is 10-15 years old. Here, the palm is over 30 years old, making its uncommon height and development particularly noteworthy.

The garden’s design and plant collection showcase a blend of botanical beauty and artistic landscaping, creating an environment of peace, natural elegance, and cultural charm. It’s a quiet place to enjoy strolling, birdwatching, and feeding the fish.

Practical Details: How the Tour Runs

Guests can choose from five pickup locations, including hotels and shopping centers in Alicante, with the tour starting at El Palmeral. The self-guided walk through the palm grove lasts approximately 100 minutes, allowing leisurely exploration at your own pace.

The guided tour, which lasts about 1 hour, is led by a knowledgeable group leader and driver, who speak Spanish, English, and Russian. The tour includes transportation and entrance fees, making it straightforward to enjoy without additional planning.

Audio guides are available for free at the entrance of the Artistic Garden, with options in English, Spanish, Valencian, French, and German. These guides help illuminate the history and botanical features of each site, enriching the experience.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at the same locations, making logistics simple and convenient.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The package includes transportation, entrance fees, a group leader and driver, and audio guides. There is no guide for the entire tour, but the audio guides and knowledgeable staff ensure a fulfilling visit.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring a camera and charged smartphone for photos and using the audio guide, and internet access is recommended. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and accessibility restrictions.

The experience offers value for money, especially considering the entrance fees and transport are included, with the option to skip the line at the sites. Cancellation is free if canceled 24 hours in advance.

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The Guide and Visitor Experience

The guide is praised for being kind, knowledgeable, and well-informed about the area. They provide clear explanations and make the visit comfortable, even when guests explore independently. The peaceful nature of the sites combined with expert commentary creates an enriching atmosphere.

Although the tour operates without a mandatory guide during the walk, the audio guides and staff support help visitors understand the historical and botanical significance of each site.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for botanical enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. It suits travelers interested in cultural heritage sites and natural beauty without intense physical activity.

It’s a shorter, relaxed experience that offers informative insights and beautiful scenery. However, it’s not accessible for wheelchair users, so those with mobility restrictions should consider accessibility options before booking.

Final Thoughts on Alicante’s Palm Grove and Artistic Garden Tour

This 2.5-hour journey provides an immersive look at Alicante’s botanical and cultural treasures. The UNESCO heritage palm grove impresses with its size, history, and variety of palms, while the Huerto del Cura Garden offers a peaceful escape filled with colorful plants and artistic landscaping.

The combination of self-guided exploration with guided insights makes it a flexible and enriching experience. The affordable price and all-inclusive transport and entrance fees add to its appeal.

Most visitors will appreciate the knowledgeable staff, beautiful scenery, and historical details, making it a worthwhile addition to any trip to Alicante. It’s especially suitable for those who value cultural sites, tranquility, and botanical diversity in a manageable, well-organized package.

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Alicante: UNESCO Heritage Palm grove + Artistic Garden Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2.5 hours, with self-guided walks of about 100 minutes and guided tours lasting around 1 hour.

What is included in the price?
Price includes transport, entrance fees, a group leader and driver, and audio guides for the Artistic Garden.

Are there guided explanations during the visit?
Yes, a group leader and driver lead the guided part, and audio guides can be downloaded for self-guided exploration.

Can I feed the animals in the garden?
Yes, food for animals like fish, peacocks, and ducks is sold on-site for feeding.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is peaceful and offers plenty of open space, it may not be ideal for very young children due to walking requirements and the environment.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, charged smartphone, and internet access for the audio guides.

Is there a guide during the entire tour?
No, but the group leader and audio guides provide ample information.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transport to and from the sites is included in the tour.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if done 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, wheelchair accessibility is not available at these sites.

This Alicante UNESCO Heritage Palm Grove + Artistic Garden Tour offers an enjoyable, informative, and tranquil experience that highlights the best of Alicante’s natural and cultural landscapes in a well-organized, affordable package.