Explanada de España, the Boulevard of Alicante
All about the Costa Blanca’s most famous promenade
The beating heart and most recognizable place of Alicante is without a doubt the Explanada de España. This promenade, also known as the Paseo de la Explanada, is famous for its characteristic mosaic floor and the stately palm trees that provide shade to thousands of visitors each day.
It is the place where locals and tourists gather to walk, relax and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
In this article you will find all the practical information you need for a visit, from its extraordinary history to the best tips for a hike.
Explanada de España with palm trees on both sides
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ToggleThe story behind the boulevard of Alicante
The Explanada ‘s history is as colorful as its mosaic floor. Construction began around 1830 on the site of the old city embankment. The promenade’s first name was Paseo de Olalde, named after the governor who initiated the project.
After the 1868 revolution, it was given a politically charged name: Paseo de los Mártires de la Libertad (Promenade of the Martyrs of Liberty), in tribute to executed activists.
The current design with its famous wavy mosaic floor is by Alicante architect José Guardiola Picó. After the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the boulevard was given its current name: Explanada de España.
The many names of the Explanada
In addition to its official Spanish name, Explanada de España, the boulevard is also known as Paseo de la Explanada. Since the boulevard is located in the Valencia region, there is also an official Valencian name: L’Esplanada d’Espanya.
In Spanish vernacular, the name is often abbreviated to simply La Explanada. In Dutch, we usually use the Spanish name, or describe it as the boulevard of Alicante.
So what makes the boulevard so special?
- The mosaic: the floor is the most striking feature. It consists of about 6.6 million small marble stones(teselas) in three colors: Alicante red, cream and black. Together they form an undulating pattern that symbolizes the waves of the Mediterranean Sea, which lies right next to it;
- The palm trees: the boulevard is flanked by four rows of palm trees. These are so inseparable from the Explanada‘s image that the municipality invests a lot in their maintenance. The roots sometimes cause problems by pushing up the mosaic tiles, after which the floor has to be carefully repaired;
- The sculptures: during your walk you will come across several sculptures. Note, for example, the monument in honor of the Emilio Varela (a painter from Alicante), or the sculpture group donated by the Casa de Francia, which symbolizes the warm welcome of the city.
Architectural highlights
At the edge of the Explanada are beautiful buildings. The most impressive is undoubtedly the Casa Carbonell. This modernist building from the 1920s, designed by architect Juan Vidal Ramos, was commissioned by textile entrepreneur Enrique Carbonell, who made his fortune during the First World War.
A special detail: shortly after its opening, a small plane crashed into one of the balconies, killing the two crew members. Right next door is the Casa Lamaignere, whose facade is also a jewel of Valencian modernism.
Monumento a Canalejas
Monumento a Canalejas is an impressive tribute to reformist Spanish politician José Canalejas. Surrounded by the promenade’s distinctive palm trees and mosaic tiles, this detailed statue invites visitors to reflect on his historic contributions.
Located in the heart of the city, the monument provides a perfect start to an exploration of Alicante’s culture, history, and nearby beaches. As such, a visit to this monument is an essential part of any trip to this sunny Spanish coast.
Parc de Canalejas
Right behind Monumento a Canalejas (see the photo above) and parallel to Alicante’s marina is Parc de Canalejas. This park offers peace and shade in the center of Alicante, thanks to its many large and old ficus trees. It is an ideal place for a relaxing walk or a rest. You will also find fitness equipment for a morning workout.
With its central location, close to the marina, and its many benches, Parc de Canalejas is a must-see for anyone in Alicante, for when you want to relax, enjoy nature or just take beautiful pictures.
The market stalls on the promenade
For decades, the boulevard was also home to the well-known market stalls, often called the“hippie market,” where local artisans sold souvenirs and jewelry. Recently, however, a significant change has taken place regarding this market.
The eventual relocation of the well-known market stalls was preceded by considerable discussion. Indeed, the market traders rejected the municipality’s original proposal for a site in the harbor, mainly because of safety and a lack of space; only 40 centimeters of passage would remain between the stalls, according to a report.
Finally, a workable solution was found, and since April 2025, you will no longer find the 15 stalls on the Explanada itself, but on the port’s promenade, on the stretch between the Fish Market and the Parque de Canalejas.
– Instagrammable cottages
The market has undergone a complete transformation: the traditional stalls have been replaced by colorful inspired houses with cheerful colors and motivational texts. The aim of this revamp is to revitalize the market and make it a photogenic, “Instagrammable” attraction.
A sustainable bonus is that some stalls use rooftop solar panels for their lighting. So the “hippies of the Explanada” have become the “hippies of the port.
Question & Answer
- Is the Explanada suitable for children?
Yes, the promenade is a wide, car-free area where children can walk around safely. The many ice cream parlors and proximity to the harbor make it extra fun for a family outing.
- When is the best time to visit the Explanada?
Every time of day has its charm. The morning is quieter and ideal for checking out the market stalls. In the late afternoon and evening, the boulevard really comes alive with the traditional Spanish paseo.
- Is the Explanada accessible to wheelchair users?
Yes, the promenade is completely flat and very accessible for wheelchair users and people with strollers.
- What are the mosaic tiles made of?
The more than 6.5 million pebbles are made of marble in three different colors.
Sources:
- AlicanteTurismo.com
- Barcelo.com(A walk among the palm trees of the Explanada de España, Alicante)
More tips for your visit to Alicante
Publication date:
23 June 2025
Publication date: 23 June 2025
Updated on:
5 January 2026
Updated on: 5 January 2026
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