The province of Alicante, one of the main tourist centers of Spain, stands out for its benign climate that guarantees more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

However, it also offers the possibility of cultural visits and contemplate natural sites of great beauty. In addition to the capital, towns like Torrevieja or Elche offer several attractions.

WHAT TO SEE IN ALICANTE

The city of Alicante has more than 330,000 inhabitants and is the second in importance of the Valencian Community. Apart from the port and promenade, there are cultural assets such as the castle of Santa Barbara, erected in the 9th century on a mound that presides over the city and which has several architectural styles.

In the municipality of Torrevieja, in addition to its beaches for bathing, we can visit the salt flats, a natural park with a territory of 7.43 hectares.

If we are looking for a beach tourism with a wide range of hotels, towns like Benidorm, Denia or Villajoyosa fulfill this function.

WHAT TO SEE IN ELCHE

The city of Elche is the second most important center of the province of Alicante, with more than 227,000 inhabitants. If you want to know WHAT TO SEE IN ELCHE, you will be struck by its extension of palm grove, since it has several extensions, thanks to the climatic conditions. In the center of the city, you can visit the “Palmeral of Elche”, the most important urban concentration of this species in the European continent.

But if something stands out the city is by the “MISTERI D’ELX”, the main contribution it has made to humanity. It was named Patrimony of Humanity since 2001 and is the oldest work that is represented in an uninterrupted way in a temple, at least since the middle of the XV century, and has drawn the prohibition that was established after the Council of Trent.

The “MISTERI D’ELX” is a dramatic representation that takes place in the Basilica of Santa Maria, which coincides with the feast of the Assumption on 14 and 15 August. Actors are adults and angels are represented by children, since it prevented the participation of women in liturgical acts.

At Vespra, on August 14, the apostles enter the basilica and a dialogue is presented in which the Passion of Christ is evoked. The descent of the angel is one of the most emotional moments of the representation.

The Festa is on August 15, the apostles are facing a rabbi who intends to force them to renounce their faith. The performance closes with Gloria Patri, a song of praise to the Lord.

In addition to the traditional representation, there are extraordinary passes on 29 and 30 October, as well as on November 1. Also, on August 11, 12 and 13, general tests are open to the public.