Spring, autumn, and even the mild winters of the Costa Blanca are ideal seasons to enjoy nature and its many benefits in the body. Whether you are from Alicante or coming from abroad, this list of routes is for you. Most are simple routes, suitable for children and families. There are also some more complicated or more physically demanding, but equally essential for its beauty and landscapes.
Let’s discover the Best Hiking Trails in Alicante Costa Blanca!!
10 Best Hiking Trails in Alicante - Costa Blanca
1. Albir Lighthouse route
Difficulty: very easy. Suitable for bicycles, baby strollers and wheelchairs
It is a suitable route to carry out with children and / or by bicycle: 2,5km of old asphalted road that lead us to the northernmost tip of the Sierra Helada mountain range, where the Albir Lighthouse is located. Throughout the route we enjoy excellent views of the Bay of Altea, with the Sierra de Bèrnia mountain in the background.
2. Benitatxell Cliffs Route
Difficulty: easy. Distance: 5 km
Let’s discover more hikes next to the coast! The little town called Poble Nou de Benitatxell has one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Alicante province. The impressive cliffs hide magical coves with crystal clear waters. This tour will take us from the Moraig Beach to Cala Llebeig, in just one hour. Suitable to do with children, provided they are not too small.
Read more about this stunning hike next (automated translation):
3. Barranc de l'Encantada (Encantada canyon)
Difficulty: easy/moderate. Distance: 12 km
We leave the coast and go to the interior of the province. In the lovely town of Planes we find one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the province: El Barranc de l’Encantà (it is a canyon named Encantà, in Valencian language). We can choose to make the “classic” loop route of about 10 kilometers. Or we can go by car to the Gorg del Salt (which we see in the photo), and then walk the canyon to the Molí de l’Encantà (old water mill that receives its name from the canyon). We will also be very close to Vall de Gallinera (see route 10), and we can enjoy the cherry blossom show in spring (around march).
Read more about this hike (automated translation):
4. Bernia Ridge loop trail
Difficulty: moderate. Distance: 9 km
This is a more mountainous route, more difficult than the previous ones, but simple for people accustomed to hiking. We are facing one of the most complete and beautiful hiking trails in the province of Alicante. In this circular route we will discover a multitude of contrasts, from the shadow of the north face to the bright south face, open to the Mediterranean. Passing through the magical Forat, a natural tunnel that crosses the mountain. And we will visit the ruins of the Fort of Bernia. A hiking trail in Alicante that you can not miss.
5. Puig Campana
Difficulty: Hard. Distance: 15 km (loop + summit)
Puig Campana, the second highest peak on the Costa Blanca, is also one of the most challenging mountains in the province of Alicante. Its 1408 meters high are located a very short distance from the Mediterranean Sea and the tourist city of Benidorm, which gives this mountain an imposing and very vertical appearance.
The hiking route to conquer its summit requires a good physical shape because you have to overcome an ascent difference of more than a thousand meters. We also find rocky terrain and a bit dangerous in some places, so it is essential to be well equipped to face this challenge.
Read more about this hike:
6. Carrascar de la Font Roja Natural Park
Difficulty: depends on the chosen hike.
The Natural Park of Carrascar de la Font Roja, in Alcoi, is one of the favorite destinations for hiking enthusiasts in Alicante. Once in the visitor center, next to the sanctuary, we can choose to take one of the multiple hiking trails in the park. There are different difficulties, some suitable for children. I recommend especially the Senda de las Carboneras (narrow path through the forest). And if you feel strong enough to do so, climb up to the top of the Menejador (name of the mountain), to enjoy its breathtaking views.
7. La Cova Tallada
Difficulty: moderate. Distance: 4 km.
We are going to visit one of the most impressive places in the whole province of Alicante: La Cova Tallada (the translation would be something like “The Carved Cave”). The access is made from the area of Les Rotes, in Dénia, north of the province of Alicante. We will enjoy the coastal route that leads us to the cave. Once in it … the surprise is guaranteed. This is one of those places where you realize the greatness of nature.
8. El Barranc de l'Infern, PR-CV 147 trail
Difficulty: high. Distance: 14 km.
A classic among classics. Surely many already know the route of the 6,800 stone steps, known by the nickname of “The Hiking Cathedral”, but I could not stop including it in this list. It is a demanding route, about 14 kilometers and 800 meters of altitude gain: it requires being accustomed to walking on the mountain to enjoy it. In spring you will find the Vall de Laguar (Laguar Valley) especially beautiful, do not miss it!
9. The Serpis River Greenway
Difficulty: easy. Distance: up to 26 km.
Between the towns of L’Orxa and Villalonga, north of the province of Alicante and south of Valencia, we find the Greenway of the Serpis River. It is an old railway line, rehabilitated for your enjoyment as a hiking and / or bicycle route. To the lovers of the two wheels, comment that there you have the MTB Center El Comtat. It is also suitable for family.
Read more about this hike in LinkAlicante (automated translation):
10. Route of the 8 towns, La Vall de Gallinera
Difficulty: easy. Distance: up to 30 km.
In the heart of the mountain of Alicante we find Vall de Gallinera (Gallinera Valley). One of those magical places for which, fortunately, time has not passed. Again we have many options: The Route of the 8 villages, the ascent to the Penya Foradà, the Alcalà Castle … In addition, in spring, the valley lives a magical event: the flowering of the cherry trees.
This article is an adaptation for English language made by Fernando Prieto, author of the original article published in LinkAlicante.
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