The Spanish love their evening strolls. They even have a word for it: paseo. The Explanada de España is the promenade that runs from the busy port region and wraps itself around the coast. Its surface was constructed from more than 6 million marble tiles. The red, white and black patterns represent the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a hive of activity, by day or night, and one of the most popular routes to follow in the city.
By day the promenade is one of the best people-watching locations in the city. Arrive early to have a coffee and wait for the sunrise. Pull up a seat at one of the many cafés that line the esplanade to bask in the morning sun and watch local characters going about their day. Vendors line the tiled walkway, selling drinks, snacks and handmade souvenirs. Listen for the traditional Spanish music regularly played by street performers in the area. The ocean breeze and four rows of palms that run along the esplanade make it a cool destination, even in the height of summer. Continue to its far end to reach a monument to local artist, Mark Hersch.
In the evening, the esplanade truly glows, with romantic lighting illuminating the walkway and remaining on throughout the night. In summer the city organizes a number of open-air concerts in the music pavilion, and much of the city congregates around the area. Meander along with an ice cream in hand or sit overlooking the water as you reflect on another lovely day in paradise.
The Explanada de España begins at the Alicante Harbor and can be reached by tram or foot from most areas of the city. There is some parking in the area but this becomes difficult to find in the evening.
