The city is dotted with a variety of leafy, green areas. Among them we find the Panteón de Quijano, Portal de Elche, Plaza de Gabriel Miró and Plaza de Calvo Sotelo, as well as the recently opened La Ereta Park, on the slopes of Mount Benacantil, offering spectacular views of the city and the sea.
Canalejas Park
The most remarkable feature of this park located by the sea, a continuation of the Explanada de España, is its collection of gigantic, centenary rubber plants. The entrances to the park are flanked by stone sculptures of lions and dogs, and within you will find a number of small fountains, a surface representation in stone of a map of Spain and a monument to the Alicante writer Carlos Arniches.
The Explanada de España
Is a promenade with four rows of palms set down in gardens that run almost half a kilometre. It is paved with an enormous mosaic of tri-coloured marble composed of 6,600,000 tiles, and with geometric shapes identical to those in the modern harbour square, which is recognisable by its Corinthian capital columns. There is an auditorium at the midpoint of the Explanada for Municipal Band concerts.
Ereta Park
Situated on the slopes of the Benacantil hill, the park is divided into different areas giving the possibility of making a route on foot from Santa Bárbara Castle, on the top of the hill, to the old town enjoying at the same time the wonderful sights of the city and the city walls.
The Panteón de Quijano
Is an enclosed garden dating from the middle of the 19th century. It contains a mausoleum and obelisk dedicated to the memory of the Civil Governor of the city, Trino González de Quijano, who died in heroic circumstances.
El Palmeral
This forest of palm trees overlooking the sea, is located at the southern extremity of the city. In addition to its wide selection of native plant species, waterfalls and lakes, the gardens include some children's play areas.
