This marble walkway lining Alicante’s coast is where local residents pursue one of their favourite pastimes: the evening walk.
Take a “paseo”, the Spanish word for their beloved evening stroll, on the Explanada de España. This walkway, covered in more than 6 million marble tiles, leads from the port and hugs the curving coast. As you walk, follow the red, white and black designs on the esplanade that depict waves on the Mediterranean Sea. Join the crowds of locals and tourists who are on the path day and night. This is the city’s most popular walking route.
Get to the esplanade early to watch the sunrise over the sea. Sit at one of many cafés along the walkway, sip a coffee and people-watch in the morning rays. Local musicians perform here, so listen for the traditional Spanish melodies wafting through the air.
As you walk along the path, you can buy drinks, snacks or handicrafts from vendors who hawk their wares all along the esplanade. Feel the ocean breeze blowing through the four rows of palm trees lining the path. Sit beneath the trees to stay cool even on the hottest days during summer. At the end of the path stands a sculpture by local artist Mark Hersch.
If you’ve spent the day exploring some of Alicante’s other attractions, return to the esplanade in the evening. Pleasant lighting fills the walkway and illuminates the esplanade throughout the night. Stroll along with a coffee or an ice cream and rest on one of the benches placed along the path. Attend one of many outdoor concerts at the music pavilion. Concerts are put on here during evenings throughout the summer and attract many locals as well as visitors.
Begin your walk on the Explanada de España at the Alicante Harbour, which is accessible by tram or on foot from most areas of the city. Parking is available around the harbour, although parking spaces are in high demand in the evenings. The esplanade can be accessed free of charge.
