10 Streets You Need to Know in Alicante, Spain

In Alicante, the weather is wonderful all year round, so you’ll be spending a lot of time outside. Alicante’s also a very walkable city, so you’ll also be spending a lot of time exploring the streets…here are the top 10 streets that you should get to know in order to have the complete study abroad in Alicante experience.

1. Explanada: One of the city’s oldest streets, La Explanada de España is shaded by palm trees and paved with 6.5 million marble tiles. This dramatic street has brightened up Alicante since the mid-1800s, when it was constructed on the former site of a medieval wall that protected Alicante from marauding pirates. Today, La Explanada is pirate-free and lined with coffee shops, ice cream parlors, eateries, and craft stalls; it’s the perfect place to study, take in a free concert, or relax with a café con leche.

La Explanada de España

2. Rambla: Rambla de Méndez Núñez is the best, most important street in Alicante (at least to CEA staff, because that’s where the CEA office is!) Seriously, though, this major street connects to the beach and is known for its shops, restaurants, banks, hotels, and tourist office. More importantly, it also leads to the beach.

Rambla de Méndez Núñez

3. Alfonso X El Sabo: Named after the Castilian King Alfonso X who conquered the city in 1246, this avenue connects with Rambla and leads you to the Mercardo Central, Alicant’s traditional central marketplace. Here, you can buy fruits, veggies, fresh seafood, and flowers along with the locals.

Alfonso X El Sabo

4. Street of Barrio de Santa Cruz: Barrio de Santa Cruz, the oldest part of the city, nestles at the foot of Benacantil Hill. Step back in time as you climb this neighborhood’s narrow streets to Santa Barbarba Castle at the top of Banacantil. At night, the atmosphere grows lively as locals head to the Barrio’s many tavernas for tapas and drinks.

Barrio de Santa Cruz

5. Maisonnave: This large avenue is like a big shopping center. From clothing to pharmacies, supermarkets to cafés, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Av. Maisonnave. Many CEA student apartments are on this vibrant street, making it easy to immerse into life in ALC.

Maisonnave

6. Muelle Levante: Take a long, ocean-front stroll along the Port of Alicante, where locals keep their boats. As you walk along between the port and the beach, you’ll see the new casino and its surrounding pubs and discotheques.

Port of Alicante

7. Paseo de Gomiz.Paseo de Gomez follows Playa de Postiguet, Alicante’s most popular beach. Postiguet is adjacent to the city center and offers a great place to work out; running, biking, and rollerblading are popular past times along this scenic avenue. Not up for feeling burn? Just take a leisurely walk along the beach and stop for drinks and ice-cream.

Paseo de Gomez & Playa de Postiguet

8. Dr. Ramón y Cajal: Port-side Canalejas Park is the oldest green space in the city and is famous for its massive, centuries-old trees. It’s also known as a romantic place to take a stroll with that special someone. Enjoy the shade, ocean views, and comfy benches where you can sit and people watch. You’ll find Parque de Canalejas on Av. Dr. Ramón y Cajal, just across from the Port of Alicante. Similar parks around town include Plaza Portal de Elche, Gabriel Miró, or CalvoSotelo.

Port-side Canalejas Park

9. Castaños: On the weekends, locals flock to Carrer Castaños. This pedestrian-only street is full of establishments for food and drinks (tapas & cañas). It’s the perfect place to uphold the venerated Alicante custom of “tardeo,” or meeting with friends in the evening to enjoy snacks before dinner. You’ll also find pubs and clothing shops on Castaños Street.

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