Monday, 11 November 2013 02:21
Located on the ever-popular Costa Blanca in Spain, Alicante is a beautiful city and port that makes the perfect base for a sun-drenched holiday. If you need to watch the pennies, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s also somewhere that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
Some of the best free places to explore are its public parks. Each offers its own attractions, from 100-year-old trees and stunning city views to shaded footpaths and fun boating lakes.
Below, you can learn more about the top parks to visit. Picnic areas are a common feature of these, so pack a lunch – another great way to save a little money – and make a day of your trip.
Speaking of saving money, it is worth hiring a car at the airport (which you can through companies like Auto Europe) not only to avoid the costs of public transport, but also to make staying in wallet-friendly self-catered accommodation easier. Having your own car makes fetching groceries and getting to far-flung attractions outside the city a much simpler affair.
Canalejas Park
One of the best-loved open spaces in Alicante, Canalejas Park is a must-visit. It dates all the way back to the 1800s (making it the oldest in the city) and, on the way in you’ll notice its entrances are fringed by stone sculptures of lions and other animals.
As this park is located very close to the sea, it’s easy to combine a visit with a trip to the beach – a good idea is to come here for lunch or whenever you’re in need of shade, since its famous centenary ficus trees provide welcome shelter from the heat of the Spanish sun.
La Ereta Park
Situated on Mount Benacantil near Santa Barbara Castle, La Ereta Park offers absolutely amazing views over the city and coast. This is also a great-value place to visit, because there is such a wide of variety of things to see and do.
For instance, to enjoy the aforementioned views at their best you can follow the cliff-top path, while you can also take a walking trail from Santa Barbara Castle down through the historic part of town. Alternatively, just enjoy the park’s terraced slopes, which are full of fascinating native plants.
El Palmeral Park
Our next suggestion is particularly perfect for families, and you’ll find it perched on the outskirts of the city. This is another destination that offers lots to do, with one of the highlights being a fun boating lake which kids are virtually guaranteed to love.
There are also charming footpaths lined with colourful flowers, picnic areas and even a BMX track, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied for hours on end – all without breaking the bank.
One of the best things about coming here, though, is the scenery. Palm trees, lakes and waterfalls come together to create a beautiful environment that’s perfect for spending a relaxing, sunny day in.
Lo Morant Park
Our final suggestion is Lo Morant Park, which is the largest in the city. Located in the north, it is home to a variety of recreation grounds, which makes it a fantastic destination if you fancy an active morning in the sun.
For instance, there are wide, shady walkways that are ideal for strolling and – if you’re feeling particularly energetic – running, while there are plenty of sports facilities, as well as a lake and picnic areas for those looking for a slower-paced day.