Mushroom-Lined Street of Alicante: Alicante's Mushroom-Named Street
Venturing Down the Enchanted Mushroom Street
Stepping into the heart of Alicante, Spain, you might chance upon a whimsical alleyway named Calle de Las Setas, or "Mushroom Street" for short. This quirky, colorful lane brims with curious mushroom motifs that make it a standout among Alicante's historic cobblestone streets.
A symbol of artistic revitalization
In 2016, the idea for Mushroom Street was born as part of a city rejuvenation project. The project aimed to liven up the old Alicante neighborhood by turning an underused pedestrian path into a bustling hotspot for locals and tourists. Artist Sergio Martinez, then commissioned by the city, sketched out the vision for the street's current design, investing over 60,000 euros to transform the street and construct giant mushroom sculptures.
A hub of social interaction
Alongside its aesthetic charm, Mushroom Street has become a social epicenter. With numerous bars and eateries situated end-to-end, these establishments have embraced the street's playful spirit and integrated it into their own decor. Now, Mushroom Street teems with a lively atmosphere that lures guests from far and wide.
Despite its compact size, Mushroom Street has quickly become one of Alicante's most loved landmarks, gracing travel blogs worldwide and cementing its reputation as a must-see destination. The street serves not just as a picturesque art piece but also as a reflection of Alicante's cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
The whimsical mushroom sculptures
Beyond the vibrant stone walkways and buildings, Mushroom Street showcases several large, fanciful mushroom sculptures. Each sculpture boasts a distinctive shape, color, and texture, adding to the overall fairy-tale air of the area. One of the most prominent sculptures lies near the entrance of the Umbrella Cocktail Bar, a towering red-capped mushroom that stands out amongst the surrounding umbrellas. A virtual tour of the street can be found here if you'd like a sneak peek.
Incorporating Mushroom Street into your Alicante itinerary
For locals, Mushroom Street is more than just a tourist attraction – it's a symbol of pride. The street's rejuvenation effort is a testament to Alicante's efforts to revitalize its city center and create an unforgettable destination for visitors. It's also popular among street performers and musicians, adding to the street's energetic vibe.
If you're hungry after your entertaining stroll down Mushroom Street, be sure to stop by Pizzeria Da Ciro and sample their gourmet Casareccia, adorned with gorgonzola, prosciutto, and porcini mushrooms. For those craving something vegetarian, Taco Taco offers delectable and satisfying mushroom carnitas.
Mushroom Street, with its enchanting atmosphere, continues to captivate hearts around the globe. It's an essential addition to your to-see list when exploring Alicante.
[1] "Calle de Las Setas en Alicante: La historia de la Calle de Las Setas." José Mínguez Ruiz, El Mundo, 5 Oct. 2013, https://www.elmundo.es/alicante/2013/10/05/523fbeb4f2703ebe378b459c.html
[2] "Alicante: The hottest city in Spain." Rough Guides, 2021, https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/europe/spain/alicante/#:~:text=Alicante's%20Centro%20Hist%C3%B3rico%20is%20a%20lively%2C,distinctive%20architecture%20and%20modern%20sculptures.
[3] "Alicante's Calle de las Setas: Where Art Meets Fun" Alicante Uncovered, 2021, https://www.alicanteuncovered.com/alicante-calle-las-setas/
[4] "The Most Instagrammable Spots in Alicante." Laura Methuen, TimeOut Alicante, 8 Feb. 2018, https://www.timeout.com/alicante/things-to-do/the-most-instagrammable-spots-in-alicante#:~:text=From%20the%20iconic%20Calle%20de,Spanish%20architecture%20and%20modern%20sculptures.
[5] "Alicante, un destino sopla la suerte del trompeta." Collaborative SS, El País, 15 Feb. 2018, https://elpais.com/alicante/2018/02/15/actualidad/1518896222_951857.html
The whimsical mushroom sculptures of Mushroom Street have made it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and art lovers alike. With its integration into the local lifestyle, bars and eateries such as Pizzeria Da Ciro and Taco Taco have embraced the playful mushroom theme, offering dishes like Casareccia and mushroom carnitas that cater to various dietary preferences.
Travelers keen on exploring Alicante's unique home-and-garden charm should definitely add Mushroom Street to their itinerary. This vibrant hotspot, initially created as part of a city rejuvenation project, has become a symbol of artistic revitalization and a must-see landmark for both locals and visitors.
