As the sun returns and warm days invite outdoor plans, Alicante reveals a treasure of green spaces near the coast. From Alcoy to Elche and beyond, these gardens and parks offer inviting escapes that are easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. This guide highlights some of the province’s most attractive spots that deserve a visit.
La Glorieta Park (Alcoy)
Situated in the city’s historic core, La Glorieta Park sits on a site once occupied by the San Francisco convent. After more than a century and a half of religious ownership, the park opened to the public, marking a new chapter for Alcoy in 1836.
Even as its layout has evolved over time, the park is best known for its 1899 redesign by architect Vicente Pascual Pastor. The Art Nouveau influence lends a magical atmosphere, with elegant paths and plantings that invite leisurely strolls and quiet moments.
Today the space remains a cornerstone of Alcoy’s cultural life, a place to unwind under shade trees and enjoy the city’s historic ambiance. [Citation: Alcoy cultural heritage archive]
Huerto del Cura National Art Garden (Elche)
The Priest’s Garden, a crown jewel within Elche’s historic palm grove, was designated a National Art Garden in 1943. It is a must-see for anyone exploring the region’s Mediterranean climate and tropical plant collections. The garden showcases palm trees and cacti from around the world, arranged in a serene, walkable map of paths.
Located in the town center, visitors can amble along shaded routes, pause beside tranquil ponds, and observe a variety of birds and fish coexisting in harmony. The true stars are the palm groves, whose towering silhouettes define the space. Typical Mediterranean crops such as lemon, orange, pomegranate, carob, and jujube trees add local flavor to the scene.
Klein-Schreuder Sculpture Garden (L’Alfàs del Pi)
A hidden gem in L’Alfàs del Pi, this garden fuses sculpture with native flora along an 800-meter gravel path. Trees and shrubs adapted to the climate frame the artworks, creating a contemplative trail that blends art and nature.
Founded in 2003 by Johannes and Johanna Klein-Schreuder, the site opened to the public in 2004 under the Klein-Schreuder Foundation. The theme remains constant: humanity and nature intertwined, with a focus on human and animal relationships within the landscape.
The garden welcomes visitors on weekends from 10:00 to 14:00, with an admission fee of five euros per person. Appointments can be arranged by email or phone if needed.
Fairytale Castles in the Province of Alicante
Beyond traditional gardens, the region presents castles and palatial estates that feel almost enchanted. These destinations offer a different kind of landscape, where history and imagination blend with the natural beauty of the countryside.
Dream Botanical Garden (Ondara)
The Dream Botanical Garden in Ondara spans more than a hectare and a half of diverse plant life. It’s an ideal outing for couples and families, featuring a remarkable orchard, cactus collection, fruit trees, and a range of fauna. Succulent lovers will find much to marvel at in this verdant landscape.
Reservations are recommended, and visits are typically available through the garden’s website. Peak visiting hours run daily until late afternoon, with seasonal adjustments from spring through autumn.
Torretes Botanical Garden (Ibi)
The Torretes Foundation operates a research and biodiversity center known as Torretes Font-Roja Biological Station. Opened in 2003 after an agreement between the town hall of Ibi and the University of Alicante, the site forms a crucial ecological corridor in northern Alicante.
With about 53 hectares, the garden hosts broad botanical diversity and research collections. The general collection highlights medicinal, edible, and industrial plants, while the monographic collection emphasizes Salvia species, among others, and includes more than one hundred species from multiple continents. The space also features landscaped areas and seasonal flora displays.
Educational programs and tours are common, helping to share scientific knowledge with visitors. Hours vary; guided tours and group visits can be arranged, with access often free of charge during certain times.
Dream Corners in the Province of Alicante
Among the province’s most beloved settings are charming gardens that feel like secret corners discovered on a slow, sunny day. These places invite quiet contemplation and a touch of whimsy as part of a broader experience of the region.
Garden of the Marquess of Fontalba (Jacarilla)
The Garden of the Marqués de Fontalba sits within Jacarilla and is celebrated as one of the province’s most beautiful spaces. Constructed between 1916 and 1922 under Francisco Cubas y Erice, the garden covers more than 20,000 square meters.
Originally intended as a retirement and resting place for the marquis and his wife, the estate later changed hands and grew into a public treasure. The grand entrance, known as the Puerta de los Leones, opens onto a long avenue lined with palms and water features, with several wings and fountains throughout the grounds.
The garden is open around the clock, and entry is free, though some attachments or buildings may have access limitations. Visitors can wander through statues, gardens, and shaded pathways, soaking in the stately atmosphere while enjoying a peaceful escape from the bustle of town.
Tapena House Maze (Onil)
In the inland pockets of the province lies the Tapena House Maze near Onil. This attraction blends nature, fun, and a serene setting, including a labyrinth of cypress trees and a well-equipped resting area—perfect for families seeking a playful yet tranquil outing.
The 1,800 square meter space showcases four distinct environmental zones, including an agricultural area with fruit trees and a collection of native Mediterranean species. There is also a wetland area and a pine forest containing Aleppo pines, creating a varied landscape to explore.
Admission is free for general access, with extra charges for specific activities. Summer hours are typically 9:00 to 14:00 on weekdays and 9:00 to 20:00 on weekends and holidays, offering ample daylight to explore the site.
L’Albarda Garden (Pedreguer)
Found in Pedreguer, L’Albarda Garden is a neo-classical oasis developed by Fundem, which aims to protect Mediterranean flora and educate visitors about the region’s natural heritage. The garden began as a lemon terrace and evolved into a lush landscape that spans roughly 50,000 square meters.
The Renaissance-inspired ambiance carries through the grounds, where orange blossoms and jasmine scent the air. A grand historic villa anchors the site, inviting visitors to wander through a tapestry of gardens that feel both timeless and intimate.
The site welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 to 14:00. Free entry is possible, though there is a suggested donation of six euros per person to support maintenance. Children under seven enter without charge.
Notes on visiting: Each garden showcases a distinct character, from grand palaces to quiet enclaves, and many offer limited hours or special tours. Always check current hours and booking needs when planning a trip, especially during peak tourist seasons. [Citation: Regional tourism boards]