El Arenal, Public park and gardens in central Bilbao, Spain.
El Arenal is a public park that stretches along the Nervión River, offering paved pathways, open grass areas, and mature trees throughout its grounds. The layout combines spacious zones with tree-covered sections, creating different spaces to walk and sit.
The site developed from a sandy riverbank in the 19th century as Bilbao expanded into a modern urban center. This transformation made it become a central gathering space in the growing city.
The space hosts local markets and outdoor concerts where visitors encounter traditional Basque music and regional products on display. These regular gatherings shape how the community uses the area today.
The park is easy to access with several entry points and wide, level pathways for different visitors. An adjacent covered parking garage offers spaces for those arriving by car.
This space serves as a natural bridge between the medieval Casco Viejo district and Bilbao's modern areas, connecting two very different periods of the city. This position lets visitors experience both sides of the city in one place.
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