The 3 Most Beautiful Parks in Alicante

Of course, the best way to cool down during Alicante’s hot summers is in the sea. But something that’s definitely worth recommending — and a fun change for kids — is visiting one of Alicante’s lovely parks. There are several, of course, but in this blog I describe the 3 most beautiful ones. In Spain, it’s very common to go for a picnic here. Especially on weekends it’s often busy: blankets, tables and chairs, everything gets hauled along — even full party tents. It’s all allowed. There are usually opening hours, though. Most parks are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Keep that in mind, so you don’t lay out your entire picnic only for the park attendant to close the gate right in front of you.

Parque El Palmeral in Alicante

It never stops being an impressive sight: so many palm trees together. More than 7,000 were planted in 1997, when the park opened. There’s plenty to do. Besides walking and enjoying your drink in the shade of a palm frond, you can also go canoeing on the small lake — great fun for children. There are several playgrounds with a zip line and slide, climbing towers, and spring riders. There’s a kiosk where you can order coffee and there are toilets. A perfect place to spend half a day!

You’ll discover beautiful exotic plants and flowers — the kind you’d only spot on a windowsill in the Netherlands if you’re lucky.

Do note: I’ve been here regularly in winter. From around 5 p.m., the park can take on a slightly edgier vibe. Because it’s free, it also attracts visitors you might prefer to avoid.

Bring: Picnic supplies, kids’ bikes, camera

Parque Marjal

This city park is probably the most innovative park on the Costa Blanca. It was created in 2015 and is now fully in bloom. There’s a pretty waterfall, countless gorgeous shrubs with exotic flowers, and a large central pond where we regularly spot frogs, turtles, and ducklings. So it’s really fun for kids. Bring a blanket and a football (soccer ball) and spend hours playing in the shade of one of the fast-growing Spanish trees. Take note: because it’s all grass, uninvited guests like mosquitoes are common here. So don’t forget your mosquito spray! And feeding the ducks is prohibited, by the way — so be careful before you toss the leftovers of your bocadillo (sandwich) into the water.

This park is innovative because it was specifically designed to prevent potential flooding in Playa San Juan and the surrounding area. Playa San Juan lies below sea level and used to be a sort of marshland. It hardly ever rains here, but when it does, it can really pour. Water from the area is then channeled to this park so we can keep our feet dry on the coast!

From this park, walk past the waterfall, over the bridge straight into Parque de Perros — the dog park. It has this nickname because dogs are allowed to roam freely here (they’re not allowed inside Parque Marjal). This park is also great for an evening stroll. Lots of people are out running; personal trainers are busy working those cerveza bellies off their clients; and there are always many families walking with their children. We recently spotted a squirrel here, which kept the kids busy for two hours as they followed it through the bushes.

Facilities: no toilet, no kiosk.

Opposite Parque Marjal is the nightlife area “La Seda.” You’ll find plenty of bars there to grab a bite and a drink — and use the toilet.

Palm Grove of Elche (Palmeral de Elche)

This park is on the UNESCO World Heritage List — and once you’re there, you’ll understand why. More than 200,000 palms were planted. Park your car in the center of Elche and wander endlessly through one of the parks. You’ll find many playgrounds and picnic spots. There are also several coffee bars, and in the old town next to the park you’ll find countless restaurants.

A little train also runs through the center, telling you along the way about the story behind the planting of all the parks.

Those yellow fruits hanging beneath the palm trees aren’t coconuts — they’re dates. Unfortunately, you can’t eat them.

Had your fill of palm trees? Then walk out of the center along the dry riverbed and check out the beautiful bridges that were built to connect one side of Elche to the other.

You can find more information on routes, opening hours, and up-to-date COVID information in English here.