a town of E. Spain, in the province of Alicante; on the right bank of the river Vinalopo, and on the railway from Madrid to Alicante. Pop. (1900) 11,388. The country around is flat and fertile, producing much wine, dates, oranges, oil, saffron and aniseed. In the town there are tanneries, and manufactures of alcohol, chocolate and soap. The women make fine lace. In the neighbouring village of Salinetas de Elda there are warm sulphur and saline baths.