Far from the bustling beaches and tourist routes, in the heart of the Marina Alta comarca, among mountains and orange groves, lies a remarkable oasis. This is a place where harmony and tranquility feel almost tangible, and every turn of the path reveals a new, carefully designed perspective. Upon entering, it feels as if you’ve traveled back several centuries, to an era when garden creation was a revered art that blended philosophy, botany, and architecture. Here, Mediterranean landscape traditions intertwine with elements of Arab and Renaissance design, forging a unique atmosphere of seclusion.
This botanical masterpiece is called L’Albarda and is located in the small municipality of Pedreguer, not far from Dénia. Spanning over fifty thousand square meters, it is one of Spain’s most outstanding examples of sustainable gardening. L’Albarda stands as living proof that extraordinary beauty can be achieved by relying solely on native flora and by treating natural resources with respect. It’s no wonder this place is listed among the world’s most beautiful park ensembles, even though it remains overshadowed by more famous attractions.
The history of this park began in the 1980s, when Enrique Montoliu, a chemical engineer with the soul of a naturalist, decided to make his long-held dream a reality. He purchased an estate with neglected lemon trees and began transforming it into something truly special. His vision was to revive the spirit of old Valencian Renaissance gardens by creating the perfect balance between formal architectural shapes and the lushness of living greenery. Over time, his private project grew into something much larger.
Today, this unique space is managed by the FUNDEM Foundation (Fundación Enrique Montoliu), an organization dedicated to environmental conservation. Thanks to this, L’Albarda is not just a collection of plants to admire. It is a full-fledged cultural and educational center. During the warmer months, classical music concerts are regularly held outdoors, and specialized courses, webinars, and workshops focused on botany and landscape design are organized. All of the foundation’s activities are aimed at helping people not only enjoy this beauty, but also learn to protect it.
Visitors are invited on a journey through several distinct worlds. There is a formal section, executed in the finest tradition of Renaissance parks, with geometric precision, symmetrical pathways, and murmuring fountains. Nearby lies a wild area, designed to mimic a true Mediterranean forest. The park’s pride is its extensive rose collection, an impressive array of palm trees, and over seven hundred species of native plants, changing their appearance with each new season and painting the landscape in fresh colors.
You can explore the grounds on your own or join a guided tour to delve deeper into the site’s history and botanical details. Doors are open to visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On concert days, only ticket holders have access to the park. Admission during weekdays is 7 euros for adults and 4 for teenagers; on weekends and holidays, it is 9 and 5 euros respectively. Children under six enter free. It is important to note that this is not a commercial fee but a donation, and all proceeds go exclusively toward the upkeep of the park and funding new conservation initiatives.
