Nature and dreamlike beaches near the Hotel YIT Ciudad de Elche
Nature and dreamlike beaches near the Hotel YIT Ciudad de Elche
Elche enchants visitors with its natural diversity and stunning beaches. The municipality of Elche covers 326.5 square kilometres of varied landscapes and unique ecosystems that will surprise lovers of nature and outdoor activities. From the mountains and hills of the interior, to the dune complexes of the coast and the wetlands of the Mediterranean coast, our city offers a unique experience for those who want to get in touch with nature.
Nature
El Hondo Nature Reserve
One of the most important nature reserves in the Comunidad Valenciana is El Hondo, located between the towns of Elche and Crevillent. This protected area is one of the last remnants of the wetlands that once dominated the region's coastline. The Albufera de Valencia is the only place in the region that surpasses the El Hondo Nature Reserve in terms of ecological importance.
El Hondo is home to a rich birdlife, with more than 170 species, including the endangered brown teal and the white-headed duck. In addition, numerous herons, anatidae and limicola find refuge in this natural space. El Hondo is also a resting and feeding place for flamingos during their migration.
The park's landscape is dominated by European beachgrass and reed bed, while salicornia and salsolia occupy drier areas. Visitors can explore the park via several strategically placed trails and observatories to enjoy bird watching and stunning sunsets.
Las Salinas Natural Park
Birds are the stars of the Salinas, especially the flamingos, which sometimes congregate in concentrations of thousands of specimens. It is also possible to observe wingshrikes, squawks and various species of anatidae.
The Parque Natural de las Salinas has a visitor centre that houses the Museo de la Sal, an educational space to learn more about the history and importance of salt in the region.
Las Salinas Nature Reserve covers an area of 2,469 hectares in the towns of Elche and Santa Pola. This protected area includes salt marshes, brackish water ponds, salt marshes, beaches and dunes. Formerly, together with El Hondo, it formed part of the vast Elche Lagoon.
Three types of formations can be found in the salt flats: the salt marsh, the reedbed and the dune vegetation. The salt flats is the most extensive and is made up of plant species that have adapted to the extreme conditions caused by the large amount of dissolved salts in the soil. Among the numerous species of limonium, the Alicante endemisms stand out, such as the limonium santapolense.
Birds are the stars of the Salinas, especially flamingos, which sometimes gather in concentrations of thousands of individuals. It is also possible to observe wing-shrikes, squawks and various species of anatidae.
The Parque Natural de las Salinas has a Visitor Centre that houses the Museo de la Sal (Salt Museum), an educational space where you can learn about the history and importance of salt in the region.
Clot de Galvany Natural Park
The Clot de Galvany is home to interesting grassland formations dominated by albardínand alcolechas, surrounded by tarayand carrizo. In the surrounding area, there are mountains and hills mostly reforested with Aleppo pine, where you can see specimens of black hawthorn, mastic, ephedraand palmetto, together with aromatic scrub typical of the mountains of Elche.
The fauna of the Clot de Galvany is also varied and includes endangered species such as the brown teal, the brown pochard and the blind-headed duck, as well as wigeonsand swans.
The Clot de Galvany, located in the Pedanía de Balsares, is an exceptional wetland that forms part of the group of ponds in the area and is linked to the dunes and pine forests of Carabassí. In the past, this unique wetland in Elche suffered serious aggressions when it was subjected to drainage and earthworks that changed its physiognomy. However, thanks to public pressure and the commitment of Elche City Council, it has been recovered and protected, being catalogued as a Municipal Nature Reserve.
The Clot de Galvany has interesting grassland formations dominated by Lygeum, surrounded by tamarix and European beachgrass. In the surrounding area there are mountains and hills, mostly reforested with Aleppo pine, where you can see specimens of black hawthorn, mastic, ephedra and palmetto, together with aromatic bushes typical of the Elche mountains.
The fauna of the Clot de Galvany is also varied and includes endangered species such as the brown teal, the brown pochard and the blind duck, as well as wigeons and swans.
Camp d'Elx
The Camp d'Elx is the rural area surrounding the city, made up of 30 rural districts that form a mosaic of landscapes with common features but unique identities. In recent years, the area has undergone sustainable growth that has preserved its rural essence and its attractive humanised landscape.
Agricultural activity still plays an important role in most of the villages, which maintain a slow and welcoming daily rhythm. The Camp d'Elx has many examples of traditional dwellings and manor houses that enrich its cultural heritage.
Environmental trail around the Elche reservoir
This is an 8-kilometre route along the Vinalopó river, which links Elche to the Aljezares Nature Reserve in Aspe. This river contains landscape and environmental values of great interest, as well as elements of cultural heritage linked to the hydraulic exploitation that has allowed the existence of the Palm Grove of Elche, a World Heritage Site.
The Elche reservoir stands out, a pioneering arch dam that houses an important wetland area with a rich aquatic fauna. On the banks of the reservoir and the river, there is an interesting riparian forest with tamarix as the dominant species, in contrast with the surrounding landscape.
The path is equipped and signposted, facilitating access for hikers and pedestrians from Elche to to the marsh. In addition, there are unique buildings around the reservoir, such as the power station and the former house of the marsh man.
At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a walk along an 80 metre long floating pedalan over the reservoir, which connects the tail of the reservoir to the dam. Information boards along the route highlight the cultural and natural values of the area.
Beaches
But it is not only the nature reserves that are Elche's treasure; its beaches also enchant locals and visitors alike. Nine kilometres of fine golden sand, bathed by more than three thousand hours of sunshine a year, make up Elche's coastline, divided into six extensive beaches, some of which are practically virgin.
L'Altet
L'Altet beach, located between Urbanova and Els Arenals del Sol, is characterised by its unique dune ecosystem, a rarity in Spain. Its 2 kilometres of fine white sand dunes have been awarded the Blue Flag for their quality and accessibility.
Els Arenals del Sol
The beach of Els Arenals del Sol, with almost 3 kilometres of fine, white sand, is renowned for the quality of its water and seabed. Next to the Clot de Galvany Natural Park, it is a corner where dunes and pine forests merge to form a valuable and protected ecosystem.
El Carabassí
The beach of El Carabassí is a jewel under the sierra of El Carabassí, with recent high dunes, fossil dunes and pine groves that give it an exceptional geological and environmental value. Part of the beach is suitable for nudism, although it welcomes bathers of all types.
El Pinet
Located to the south of Elche, El Pinet beach is surrounded by an extensive pine forest. 2 kilometres of fine golden sand make it the perfect place to enjoy the sea and nature.
La Marina
La Marina beach is located close to the town of the same name, which makes it easy and accessible. With almost 3 kilometres of fine golden sand, this beach has all the services and facilities you need for a pleasant day at the seaside.
Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo
Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo, located between La Marina and Guardamar del Segura, is an unspoilt area where dunes and pine forests mix to form an ecosystem of great environmental value. It has been awarded the Blue Flag and offers a unique natural environment in which to enjoy the sea and tranquillity.
Experience Elche in the open air
If you are looking for a destination that combines nature, paradisiacal beaches and outdoor activities, Elche is the place for you. From YIT Ciudad de Elche Hotel, you will have access to a wide range of unique experiences in contact with the natural beauty of this city. Fall in love with its rich flora and fauna, relax on its extensive beaches and be seduced by the rural charm of Camp d'Elx. Don't wait, book your room now!
Nature
El Hondo Nature Reserve
One of the most important nature reserves in the Comunidad Valenciana is El Hondo, located between the towns of Elche and Crevillent. This protected area is one of the last remnants of the wetlands that once dominated the region's coastline. The Albufera de Valencia is the only place in the region that surpasses the El Hondo Nature Reserve in terms of ecological importance.
El Hondo is home to a rich birdlife, with more than 170 species, including the endangered brown teal and the white-headed duck. In addition, numerous herons, anatidae and limicola find refuge in this natural space. El Hondo is also a resting and feeding place for flamingos during their migration.
The park's landscape is dominated by European beachgrass and reed bed, while salicornia and salsolia occupy drier areas. Visitors can explore the park via several strategically placed trails and observatories to enjoy bird watching and stunning sunsets.
Las Salinas Natural Park
Birds are the stars of the Salinas, especially the flamingos, which sometimes congregate in concentrations of thousands of specimens. It is also possible to observe wingshrikes, squawks and various species of anatidae.
The Parque Natural de las Salinas has a visitor centre that houses the Museo de la Sal, an educational space to learn more about the history and importance of salt in the region.
Las Salinas Nature Reserve covers an area of 2,469 hectares in the towns of Elche and Santa Pola. This protected area includes salt marshes, brackish water ponds, salt marshes, beaches and dunes. Formerly, together with El Hondo, it formed part of the vast Elche Lagoon.
Three types of formations can be found in the salt flats: the salt marsh, the reedbed and the dune vegetation. The salt flats is the most extensive and is made up of plant species that have adapted to the extreme conditions caused by the large amount of dissolved salts in the soil. Among the numerous species of limonium, the Alicante endemisms stand out, such as the limonium santapolense.
Birds are the stars of the Salinas, especially flamingos, which sometimes gather in concentrations of thousands of individuals. It is also possible to observe wing-shrikes, squawks and various species of anatidae.
The Parque Natural de las Salinas has a Visitor Centre that houses the Museo de la Sal (Salt Museum), an educational space where you can learn about the history and importance of salt in the region.
Clot de Galvany Natural Park
The Clot de Galvany is home to interesting grassland formations dominated by albardínand alcolechas, surrounded by tarayand carrizo. In the surrounding area, there are mountains and hills mostly reforested with Aleppo pine, where you can see specimens of black hawthorn, mastic, ephedraand palmetto, together with aromatic scrub typical of the mountains of Elche.
The fauna of the Clot de Galvany is also varied and includes endangered species such as the brown teal, the brown pochard and the blind-headed duck, as well as wigeonsand swans.
The Clot de Galvany, located in the Pedanía de Balsares, is an exceptional wetland that forms part of the group of ponds in the area and is linked to the dunes and pine forests of Carabassí. In the past, this unique wetland in Elche suffered serious aggressions when it was subjected to drainage and earthworks that changed its physiognomy. However, thanks to public pressure and the commitment of Elche City Council, it has been recovered and protected, being catalogued as a Municipal Nature Reserve.
The Clot de Galvany has interesting grassland formations dominated by Lygeum, surrounded by tamarix and European beachgrass. In the surrounding area there are mountains and hills, mostly reforested with Aleppo pine, where you can see specimens of black hawthorn, mastic, ephedra and palmetto, together with aromatic bushes typical of the Elche mountains.
The fauna of the Clot de Galvany is also varied and includes endangered species such as the brown teal, the brown pochard and the blind duck, as well as wigeons and swans.
Camp d'Elx
The Camp d'Elx is the rural area surrounding the city, made up of 30 rural districts that form a mosaic of landscapes with common features but unique identities. In recent years, the area has undergone sustainable growth that has preserved its rural essence and its attractive humanised landscape.
Agricultural activity still plays an important role in most of the villages, which maintain a slow and welcoming daily rhythm. The Camp d'Elx has many examples of traditional dwellings and manor houses that enrich its cultural heritage.
Environmental trail around the Elche reservoir
This is an 8-kilometre route along the Vinalopó river, which links Elche to the Aljezares Nature Reserve in Aspe. This river contains landscape and environmental values of great interest, as well as elements of cultural heritage linked to the hydraulic exploitation that has allowed the existence of the Palm Grove of Elche, a World Heritage Site.
The Elche reservoir stands out, a pioneering arch dam that houses an important wetland area with a rich aquatic fauna. On the banks of the reservoir and the river, there is an interesting riparian forest with tamarix as the dominant species, in contrast with the surrounding landscape.
The path is equipped and signposted, facilitating access for hikers and pedestrians from Elche to to the marsh. In addition, there are unique buildings around the reservoir, such as the power station and the former house of the marsh man.
At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a walk along an 80 metre long floating pedalan over the reservoir, which connects the tail of the reservoir to the dam. Information boards along the route highlight the cultural and natural values of the area.
Beaches
But it is not only the nature reserves that are Elche's treasure; its beaches also enchant locals and visitors alike. Nine kilometres of fine golden sand, bathed by more than three thousand hours of sunshine a year, make up Elche's coastline, divided into six extensive beaches, some of which are practically virgin.
L'Altet
L'Altet beach, located between Urbanova and Els Arenals del Sol, is characterised by its unique dune ecosystem, a rarity in Spain. Its 2 kilometres of fine white sand dunes have been awarded the Blue Flag for their quality and accessibility.
Els Arenals del Sol
The beach of Els Arenals del Sol, with almost 3 kilometres of fine, white sand, is renowned for the quality of its water and seabed. Next to the Clot de Galvany Natural Park, it is a corner where dunes and pine forests merge to form a valuable and protected ecosystem.
El Carabassí
The beach of El Carabassí is a jewel under the sierra of El Carabassí, with recent high dunes, fossil dunes and pine groves that give it an exceptional geological and environmental value. Part of the beach is suitable for nudism, although it welcomes bathers of all types.
El Pinet
Located to the south of Elche, El Pinet beach is surrounded by an extensive pine forest. 2 kilometres of fine golden sand make it the perfect place to enjoy the sea and nature.
La Marina
La Marina beach is located close to the town of the same name, which makes it easy and accessible. With almost 3 kilometres of fine golden sand, this beach has all the services and facilities you need for a pleasant day at the seaside.
Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo
Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo, located between La Marina and Guardamar del Segura, is an unspoilt area where dunes and pine forests mix to form an ecosystem of great environmental value. It has been awarded the Blue Flag and offers a unique natural environment in which to enjoy the sea and tranquillity.
Experience Elche in the open air
If you are looking for a destination that combines nature, paradisiacal beaches and outdoor activities, Elche is the place for you. From YIT Ciudad de Elche Hotel, you will have access to a wide range of unique experiences in contact with the natural beauty of this city. Fall in love with its rich flora and fauna, relax on its extensive beaches and be seduced by the rural charm of Camp d'Elx. Don't wait, book your room now!