Elche de la Sierra is the perfect destination if you are planning a rural tourism holiday in the interior part of the peninsula. It is located in Albacete, in the Sierra de Alcaraz and close to the Segura river.
This town is pure history and cultural heritage. Walking through it from beginning to end, you will see one of the buildings that literally stands out above the rest, the church of Santa Quiteria, which can be seen from different parts of the town. Inside it houses a valuable organ.
Following the Calle Mayor to the Town Hall square, and then walking down a few more minutes, you will cross a place called La Puentecilla, arriving at a municipal washing place like those of the olden days, which is still in use. Still wandering around the town centre, you will come across the Casa de la Cultura and some schools, near which you will find the Balsa del Pilar, a small pond whose water is used for irrigation. In the same park there is an ancient holm oak known as "La Carrasca".
Leaving the town centre and moving away, on the outskirts of the village, we can see numerous fountains and viewpoints, including Almírcar-Barca, from which we can admire the Peña de San Blas. From these views you can take home the perfect souvenir.
In the area around the village there are some places where you can practise outdoor sports such as hiking. Some of the most visited places are the Camino de la Longuera, or the Cenajo reservoir. Along the way you may be able to see the Canales, which are ancient aqueducts over 2,500 years old.
Elche de la Sierra is a town renowned for the way it celebrates Corpus Christi. The most striking tradition is “las alfombras de serrín”. Using this material, the locals create mosaics and religious scenes on the ground that flood the streets. You should not miss the festival of San Blas, patron saint of the town, which takes place every 3rd of February.
And if you are looking more for a educational plan, don't hesitate to visit the cave paintings at Solana del Molinico, near the village of Socovos. Some of the paintings date back to 6,000 BC.
We imagine that by now you've probably worked up an appetite, we'll take the opportunity to invite you to try some of the local specialities, such as migas or “ajopringue”, a dish based on liver, garlic and bread.
And afterwards, as a good Spanish tradition, you can take a well-deserved siesta in the hotel or country house where you have decided to stay. In this village you can enjoy all the peace and quiet and comfort you need to regain your strength and go out again.
As you can see, Elche de la Sierra is the perfect place to forget the routine of the city. Come to Albacete and discover its charms for yourself during a few days of rural tourism.
