Explanada de España
Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya, ESP
Running parallel to the seaside, from Alicante Port in the east to Canalejas Park in the west, the magnificent Explanada de España looks out over the marina’s yachts and fishing boats, offering a scenic introduction to Alicante. Landmarks like Casa Carbonell, the Royal Casino de Alicante, and Hotel Gran Sol line the promenade alongside cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Renowned Valencian architect José Guardiola Picó laid out Explanada de España in the early 20th-century. Running for over 547 yards (500 meters) the floor of the grand maritime promenade is adorned with a tri-color wave-like mosaic of some 6.5 million marble tiles, hemmed in by rows of towering palm trees and elegant street lamps.
Travelers may explore Explanada de España during a private or group walking tour of Alicante, making visits to historic landmarks such as the mountaintop Santa Bárbara Castle for a view of the coast, and architectural gems like the Casa Carbonell and Alicante Town Hall, finishing the day with a stroll along the scenic city port with a glass of enjoying glass of traditional Sangria.
- Suitable for solo travelers, couples, families.
- Throughout the year, theatre and puppet shows aimed at children and families.
- Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection.
- Tours may include round trip hotel transfers. Check specific tours for details.
Explanada de Espana in Alicante stretches along the port, connecting Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza Puerta del Mar, and is just steps away from Playa del Postiguet. Alicante is a great walking city and taxis are readily available as is an extensive public transport network of intercity buses and trams.
Explanada de Espana is a popular destination and comes alive especially at night with eclectic artists, street entertainers, and stalls of crafts and snacks. Alicante is lovely year-round to visit, with the spring and fall seasons offering both warm weather and fewer crowds. Come in June for San Juan's Bonfires (Hogueras de San Juan), marked by large satirical artistic papier-mâché figures and fireworks, and in March for Carnival, a three-week fiesta of costume parades, music, and dancing.
In addition to the Explanada de España and the nearby Gabriel Miró Square, a popular gathering spot along the water, Alicante has several beautiful green and open spaces to enjoy. There’s La Ereta park at the foot of the Santa Bárbara Castle, opposite El Postiguet beach; El Palmeral park, with beautiful palm trees, ponds, and streams and a sports facilities; and Canalejas, where travelers may enjoy a picnic amongst ancient towering rubber plants.
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