Hiking on the Costa Blanca: trails a step from your home

The Costa Blanca is not just beach. Less than 30 minutes from the coast there are 1 000-1 500 metre mountains, sierras with cliffs plunging into the sea, gorges with Mediterranean vegetation and viewpoints where the Mediterranean opens from horizon to horizon. For anyone moving here, hiking is one of the most accessible, cheapest and most rewarding activities — and it can be practised almost year-round thanks to the climate.

When to walk

The ideal season is October to May. Temperatures are pleasant (10-22 °C), vegetation is green and trails are not crowded. In summer (June-September), low-altitude routes become dangerously hot at midday — if you hike in summer, start at dawn (6:30-7:00) and finish before 12:00.

The essential trails

1. Montgo (Dénia-Jávea) — The iconic mountain

• Altitude: 753 m | Difficulty: medium-high | Duration: 4-5 hours (return) | Elevation gain: ~650 m

The mountain defining the northern coast landscape. The main trail starts from Camí de la Colònia car park (Dénia side), ascending through pine, scrub and Mediterranean maquis. The summit offers a 360° view from Ibiza to the Peñón de Ifach. It is a Natural Park — access is regulated and may require advance booking in peak season.

2. Peñón de Ifach (Calpe) — The most spectacular ascent

• Altitude: 332 m | Difficulty: medium (light scrambling with chains) | Duration: 2-3 hours (return) | Elevation gain: ~300 m

The Costa Blanca icon. The trail passes through a rock-hewn tunnel and ascends an increasingly vertical path to the summit with vertiginous views: sea in three directions, Calpe at your feet. The final section uses chains — not technically difficult but not suitable for those with vertigo or very young children. Advance online booking required (free, limited places).

3. Serra Gelada (Benidorm-Alfaz del Pi) — Cliffs above the sea

• Altitude: 438 m | Difficulty: low-medium | Duration: 3-4 hours (circular) | Elevation gain: ~350 m

The sierra separating Benidorm from Alfaz del Pi, with 300 m cliffs dropping straight to the sea. The Albir lighthouse path (accessible, paved, pushchair-friendly) reaches the lighthouse at the sierra's tip. For the adventurous, the ridge route offers spectacular views over both Benidorm bays. Natural Park with free access.

4. Sierra de Bernia (Callosa d'en Sarrià) — The forat and the ridge

• Altitude: 1 128 m | Difficulty: medium-high | Duration: 4-6 hours (circular) | Elevation gain: ~500 m

The most spectacular inland sierra. The circular route includes the famous 'forat' (hole) — a natural rock passage connecting both sides of the sierra. Views from the ridge: sea to the north, mountains to the south, almond and olive groves below.

5. Cliff trail (Benitatxell-Moraira) — Hidden coves

• Difficulty: medium | Duration: 3 hours (linear) | Elevation: moderate (constant ups and downs)

A coastal trail connecting the north's most beautiful coves: Cala del Moraig, Cala Llebeig (accessible only on foot or by kayak) and Les Puntes de Moraira cliffs. Bring swimwear — cove stops are mandatory.

6. Maigmó (Tibi) — The inland mountain

• Altitude: 1 296 m | Difficulty: medium | Duration: 4-5 hours (circular) | Elevation gain: ~600 m

35 km from Alicante city. The comarca's highest peak and locals' favourite. Rarely visited by tourists, busy with locals at weekends.

7. Vía Verde del Maigmó (Agost-Tibi) — The easy route

• Difficulty: low (family, bike, pushchair friendly) | Duration: 2-3 hours (return) | Elevation: minimal (old railway track)

The province's most accessible route. Follows an old mining railway with tunnels and bridges. Flat, wide and safe.

More trails by zone

Northern coast

• Cala Granadella (Jávea): descent to the sea through pine forest. 1-2 hours return.
• Puig Campana (Finestrat): the province's second-highest peak (1 406 m). Demanding. 6-7 hours. For experienced hikers.
• Fonts de l'Algar (Callosa): waterfalls and natural pools. Easy, 1-2 hours. Entry: €5 adults.

Central coast

• Cabeçó d'Or (Busot): 1 209 m. Views over the entire Alicante bay. 4-5 hours return.
• Serra Grossa (Alicante): the urban mountain. 30 minutes to the top, views over city and port. Perfect after-work walk.

Southern coast and inland

• Sierra de Crevillente: 834 m. Views over Torrevieja salt lakes and Segura huerta.
• Guadalest reservoir: walk around turquoise waters. 2-3 hours, low difficulty.

Practical information

Equipment

• Footwear: hiking boots with non-slip soles for rocky routes (Montgo, Ifach, Bernia). Trail shoes for greenways and easy paths.
• Water: always carry more than you think you need. Minimum 1.5 litres per person for 3+ hour routes. In summer, 2-3 litres.
• Sun protection: cap, SPF 50 cream, sunglasses. The Mediterranean sun burns even in December.
• Map/GPS: download routes on Wikiloc, AllTrails or Komoot before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to walk alone?

On popular, well-signposted routes (Serra Gelada, Vía Verde, Albir lighthouse), yes. On more demanding mountain routes (Bernia, Puig Campana, Maigmó), it is advisable to go with company or at least inform someone of your route and estimated return time.

Are there snakes?

Yes, there are harmless grass snakes and, rarely, vipers (whose bite is painful but not fatal for a healthy adult). They are shy and flee from noise. Wear closed boots, do not put hands under rocks and watch where you step. Most hikers never see one.

Do I need to book for Peñón de Ifach?

Yes. Access requires free advance online booking via the Valencian Community Natural Parks website. Places fill quickly in peak season (April-October). Book days in advance.

Are there trails suitable for children?

Yes: Vía Verde del Maigmó (flat, wide), Albir lighthouse path (paved, pushchair-friendly), Fonts de l'Algar (waterfalls, easy 1 hour) and Guadalest reservoir walk are all excellent for families.

Can I bring my dog?

In natural parks (Montgo, Ifach, Serra Gelada), dogs must be leashed and are banned in some zones (bird-nesting areas). Outside natural parks, dogs are welcome on most trails. Bring water for the dog and pick up after them.

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