Parque El Palmeral

Parque El Palmeral is a large municipal park on the southern edge of Alicante, right along the Mediterranean shoreline. It ranks among the city's biggest green spaces and draws both locals and visitors looking for a break from the beach and the historic center.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The park stretches along Avenida de Elche, in the El Palmeral-Urbanova-Tabarca district, on the route linking downtown Alicante with the airport and the town of Elche. From the city center it's roughly a ten-to-fifteen-minute ride by car or city bus, since the main road toward Elche and the southern coastline runs right past it. Drivers will find parking areas that were added when the grounds were redeveloped in the 1990s.

What's the story behind this place?

The park takes its name from an old palm grove that had occupied the land for centuries; its origins are traced back to Arab-era cultivation, in the same tradition as the well-known palm plantations of nearby Elche and Orihuela. In the 19th century the estate belonged to Mariano Roca de Togores, Marquis of Molins, who built a small manor house on the grounds. At its peak, the plantation held more than seven thousand palms grown both for dates and for the bleached fronds used in religious ceremonies.

From the late 19th century onward, after the railway line to Murcia opened, the site began to lose ground — part of the land was taken over by industrial premises, and the number of trees steadily fell. Alicante's city council bought the estate in 1944, but it sat neglected for decades afterward. Only in the 1990s did work begin to turn it into a recreational park, with new paths, access roads and modern facilities; the renovated park had its official opening toward the end of that decade.

It's also worth noting that this very palm landscape was captured on canvas by painter Joaquín Sorolla in a work titled "El Palmeral," commissioned by the Hispanic Society of New York — a lesser-known detail that art lovers visiting Alicante might appreciate.

What will you find inside the park?

Around two thousand palms of varying shapes and heights now grow here, arranged along a network of paths and small bridges. A defining feature is the network of artificial waterways resembling miniature rivers, along with cascades and a lake that's pleasant to stroll around. The park also has a recreational side — a skate park, play areas for children, and spots for outdoor activity — making it a solid choice for a full day out with the family.

When is the best time to visit?

Thanks to its seaside location and the shade the palms provide, the park works well as a retreat from the midday summer heat and as a destination for an unhurried walk outside the busy season. Entry is free, and opening hours shift depending on the time of year, so it's worth checking the current schedule before heading over, especially if you're planning an evening visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, Parque El Palmeral is free to enter and open to all visitors.

How many palm trees grow there today? Around two thousand palms grow in the park today, though historically the site held far more — as many as seven thousand at its peak.

Is it a good spot for a family visit? Yes, the park includes playgrounds, a skate park and other recreational areas, which makes it a popular choice for family outings.

How far is the park from central Alicante? The park sits on the southern edge of the city, along Avenida de Elche — usually about a ten-to-fifteen-minute trip from downtown by bus or car.