A tropical paradise
El Palmeral is a beautiful park which is free to visit and very close to Alicante
Hola fellow Alicante fans….if you’re looking for things to do in Alicante while you visit, let me tell you about El Palmeral Park. I recently had the pleasure of re-discovering this hidden gem of Alicante and let me tell you, it’s a destination that’s sure to capture your heart. Nestled between Alicante city and the Airport, this lush oasis of over 2,000 palm trees and lakes, offers a peaceful retreat to escape the bustling city.
Becasue of it’s location, a lot of people miss it and this is a shame because, not only is it free to access, it is also very easy to get to.
My recent visit to El Palmeral
I hadn’t visited for a while and had forgotten how enchanting it was. I walked to El Palmeral on a Tuesday morning (it’s about a 45 mins walk along the cost road south of Alicante city) and as I wandered through El Palmeral, I found myself hypnotised by its tranquil beauty. The towering palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and everywhere I turned, I caught glimpses of the azure waters of the Mediterranean sea across the road peeking through the foliage.
One of the highlights of any visit will be the cascading waterfall tucked away in a secluded corner of the park. The sound of rushing water added to the park’s serene ambiance, creating a perfect spot for a moment of reflection and it’s a lot of fun to walk behind it.
There’s also a well-stocked café nestled amidst the greenery. After a leisurely stroll through the park, I treated myself to a refreshing beer and a tapa, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere as I watched the world go by.
For those looking to add a bit of adventure to their visit, El Palmeral offers a BMX-style bike track at the far end of the park – perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages. And with a cycle path leading all the way from the city centre to the park, getting there couldn’t be easier. Alternatively, you can hop on the number 1 or 27 bus, or take the airport bus (C6) although that bus will cost a little more as there is a set fee from the city to the airport but you’ll be getting off at El Palmeral which is some way short of the airport.
When to go to El Palmeral
No matter the season, El Palmeral is a delight to explore. In winter, the park is open from 9:00 am until 10:00 pm, while in the summer, you can linger until 11:00 pm, allowing you to experience its magic both day and night.
The proximity of El Palmeral to the sea adds another layer of charm to this enchanting destination. While the park and the Mediterranean are separated by the main road leading to the airport and beyond and the tracks for the train that travels to Elche, there are still opportunities to enjoy the coastline. If you are up for further exploring, it is possible to reach the sea by passing through an underground tunnel located at the side of the park, across the road, you can emerge at the tiny Cala de Ali: a secluded strip of sand where you can still take a refreshing dip or watch the sun go down in solitude.
Or alternatively, a short 500-meter walk along the coastline in the direction of Alicante city will lead you to Playa de San Gabriel: another small beach where you can swim in the sea close to El Palmeral park. But these are both very small quiet beaches and if you want the full facilities of a busy beach after your trip to the park, you’ll do better to head back to Postiguet Beach in the city centre.
Looking for the top beaches in Alicante city? https://thisisalicante.com/the-top-3-beaches-in-alicante-city/
So, if you find yourself in Alicante looking for something to do, be sure to carve out some time to visit El Palmeral. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity amidst nature, an adrenaline-fueled adventure, or simply a quiet spot to enjoy a drink and a snack, this enchanting oasis has something for everyone. Happy exploring!
Hasta Pronto!
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