Although originally planted by the Phoenicians, it was the Arabs who used their skills to expand and develop this palm grove, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Unique in Europe in terms of its size, it benefits from the mild climate here and a remarkable irrigation system that feeds over 200 000 trees. Female palm trees produce dates that are harvested in the autumn, while the fronds from male trees are used in Palm Sunday processions and in handicrafts.