Elche
Elche is the third-largest city in Alicante province with 235,000 residents and the hub of the Vega Baja region. Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is 15 km away and reachable in 16 minutes by car, making Elche one of the best-connected Spanish cities for air travellers. Apartments average around 2,400 per m2 (2025).
Quick facts Elche
Population
235 000
2024
Source: INE
Foreign residents
15%
Source: INE
Estimated Swedes
100
Liten grupp, de flesta bor i centrum eller nära flygplatsen
Distance to airport
15 min
Alicante-Elche (ALC)
Price per m²
1 600 €
Source: Idealista
Sunshine hours per year
3000
Average temperature
19°C
Average temperature
Lifestyle in Elche
Life in Elche combines urban convenience with a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm. The palm grove, shopping districts (Elche is the shoe capital of Spain), historic city centre and 8 golf courses provide a varied offer. The population mix is international yet distinctly Spanish in character. Suitable for families, working professionals and retirees alike.
Why Swedes love Elche
- ✓Real Spanish city life: Elche is a vibrant city of 235,000 people — you live among Spaniards, not in an expat bubble.
- ✓UNESCO heritage: Palmeral de Elche with 200,000+ palms is the largest palm grove in Europe, giving the city a completely unique atmosphere.
- ✓Proximity to the airport: Alicante-Elche airport (ALC) is actually in the Elche municipality — you are home 15 minutes after landing.
- ✓Incredibly affordable: A major city with all amenities where apartments start from €70,000 — a fraction of what Alicante or Malaga cost.
🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?
- •Those seeking the coastal expat bubble with English-speaking neighbours (Elche is a Spanish city — Spanish is spoken here).
- •People wanting a tourist resort feel with beach bar service and entertainers (this is a real city, not a holiday resort).
- •Those who do not want to learn any Spanish at all (English and Swedish services are limited compared to the coast).
Districts in Elche
Centro Histórico
UNESCO Heritage & Palm Grove
Pros
- +Unique UNESCO palm grove (Palmeral de Elche) around the corner
- +Genuine Spanish urban environment with cafes and squares
- +All services within walking distance — pharmacy, markets, library
Cons
- −Older buildings (often without lift, need renovation)
- −Traffic noise on central streets
- −Limited parking
Altabix
Modern & Family-Friendly
Pros
- +Modern housing with pool and garage
- +Good schools and parks nearby
- +Close to the university (UMH) and shopping centres
Cons
- −Less charm than the old town
- −Car recommended for quick access to the centre
Playa de Arenales del Sol
Beach & Holiday
Pros
- +Fine sandy beach with Blue Flag
- +Beachfront apartments at reasonable prices
- +El Hondo nature reserve nearby — bird watching
Cons
- −9 km from Elche centre — car needed
- −Limited services outside summer season
- −Can be deserted November–March
El Altet / Flygplatsområdet
Practical & Commuter-Friendly
Pros
- +Very cheap compared to the whole province
- +Close to the airport — perfect for frequent travellers
- +Own beach (El Altet beach) within reach
Cons
- −Airport noise can occur
- −Less charming — industrial feel in parts
- −Limited dining and nightlife
Climate in Elche vs Stockholm
2800
Sunshine hours/year
50
Rainy days/year
28°C
July avg
25°C
Sea temp July
| Month | Elche | Stockholm | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11°C | -2°C | +13°C | |
| Apr | 19°C | 5°C | +14°C | |
| Jul | 29°C | 18°C | +11°C | 26°C |
| Okt | 21°C | 8°C | +13°C |
Property market in Elche
Price trend (5 years)
+10%
Steadily increasing trend since 2020
Estimated Rental Yield
6%
Gross yield for long-term rental
Tourist license
Possible
Generally possible to obtain a short-term rental license.
What does a property cost?
Average price ranges for standard properties in good condition.
* Prices are estimated averages and may vary depending on location, condition and view.
Attractions & experiences in Elche
El Palmeral de Elche (UNESCO World Heritage with 200,000 palms), Alcázar de la Señoría (historic castle), Museu de la Festa, El Plantío Golf Resort (18 holes, 5 minutes from the airport), the beaches of Santa Pola and Guardamar (20 minutes) and the renowned shoe markets.
Transport & getting around in Elche
Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is around 15 km away, approximately 16 minutes by car. Excellent connections by bus (L1/L2) and RENFE train to Alicante. Direct flights from Sweden are operated by SAS and Norwegian.
The best of Elche
UNESCO
200 000 palmer
Storstad
All service och kultur
Shopping
Skorhuvudstad
Nära flyg
15 min till flygplats
Practical for Swedes
Travel from Sweden
SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair
Flera dagligen
Ryanair, Norwegian
Dagligen
SAS, Norwegian
Dagligen
Transfer to the area:
Taxi 15 min (~€20). Bus L36 and cercanías train to Elche from the airport. Car hire not necessary if living centrally.
Healthcare & Health
Hospital General Universitario de Elche (large public hospital). Vinalopó Salud is a good private alternative. Several health centres in all districts.
NIE number & Legal
Apply at the Policía Nacional in Elche (Comisaría de Elche). Appointment required (cita previa).
Swedish services on-site
Compare with nearby areas
💡Tips for buying in Elche
The Altabix district and the area around the Palmeral are most sought-after. Check that properties near the palm grove are not subject to building restrictions in the UNESCO buffer zone. Elche offers more purchasing power per euro than Alicante city but with the same airport proximity.
Watch out for
"Those seeking the coastal expat bubble with English-speaking neighbours (Elche is a Spanish city — Spanish is spoken here)., People wanting a tourist resort feel with beach bar service and entertainers (this is a real city, not a holiday resort)., Those who do not want to learn any Spanish at all (English and Swedish services are limited compared to the coast)."
Common questions about Elche
No, far from it. Elche has two UNESCO World Heritage sites (Palmeral and Misteri d'Elx), a university, fantastic gastronomy and its own beaches. The shoe industry remains but the city has diversified enormously.
Yes! Arenales del Sol and El Altet are Elche's own beaches, just 9 km from the centre. They have Blue Flag status and are less touristy than Alicante's beaches.
Extremely easy — the airport is officially called Alicante-Elche and is actually in the Elche municipality. By car it takes 15 minutes, and there is a bus line and cercanías train.
Spanish is essentially necessary. Unlike the coast, Elche is a genuine Spanish city where daily life takes place in Spanish. Basic Spanish helps enormously, but many younger people speak English.
Properties in Elche
No properties available in this area right now.
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