Discover the best hiking trails in the province of Alicante.
Imposing mountains, routes along the coast, enigmatic forests, deep ravines and mysterious caves are some of the surprises that await you along the way.
In this article we are going to discover a careful selection of some of the best hiking trails in the province of Alicante. Because, contrary to what many people think, ours is one of the most mountainous regions in Spain , and with it a fantastic natural setting where you can practice this hobby that combines nature, culture and sport.
I am convinced that some of the routes will surprise you, and you will not be able to avoid exclaiming “It doesn’t look like Alicante!” . After all, I have spent 20 years traveling with passion and respect the countless landscapes of the Alicante geography and… I continue to marvel at them!
Let’s start!
Index of contents
Alicante, province of contrasts
Alicante is one of the most mountainous provinces in Spain, with more than 50 peaks that exceed a thousand meters in height despite its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Without a doubt, a paradise for lovers of hiking and mountains .
Countless routes, a great variety of landscapes and ecosystems . From wetlands rich in birdlife to majestic mountains, passing through impressive ravines, superb cliffs, coastal dunes and Mediterranean forests…
Given so many options, making a selection of only 10 routes may be somewhat daring… Therefore, keep in mind that this selection is personal. A selection, yes, based on my 20 years of experience exploring and making excursions in this land that I love and respect in equal parts.
One of the hallmarks of our region is its excellent weather . And it is that both spring and autumn, and even the mild winters of the province of Alicante are ideal for enjoying nature and its multiple benefits for the body.
It does not matter if you are a native of Alicante, or you come from abroad: this list of hiking trails is for you. You will find simple routes , suitable for children. Also some more physically demanding proposals, but just as essential due to the beauty of its route and its panoramic views.
Do you dare with the challenge? Keep reading!
Practice Hiking Safely
Going out into the mountains, even for simple routes, involves a series of risks that we must be aware of in order to try to minimize them as much as possible.
RECOMMENDATIONS
✓ Equip yourself properly : mountain shoes, warm clothes, first aid kit, enough water and food, etc.
✓ Find out about the route to take: difficulty, unevenness , type of terrain, time needed, etc. Always have a paper map, a track on your smartphone or some way to guide you along the route.
✓ Consider becoming a federation or having sports insurance that covers you in case of an accident.
✓ More recommendations here .
10 Essential Hiking Routes in the province of Alicante
1. Route of the Lighthouse of l'Albir
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Distance: 5km
- Suitable for bicycle, pushchair and wheelchair
The Faro de l’Albir route is an ideal excursion to start hiking. It consists of a simple walk with magnificent views of the Bay of Altea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Bèrnia. Located within the Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada, this accessible route can be traveled with a baby stroller, wheelchair and bicycle .
A round trip (5 kilometers in total) along a paved road that leads us to the end of Punta Bombarda, where the Lighthouse of l’Albir is located, which is also the Interpretation Center of the Natural Park. See all the details of this route below:
2. The Relleu Reservoir and its walkway
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 9km
- Advance reservation for access to the catwalk
Officially inaugurated in February 2022, the Relleu Reservoir Footbridge has aroused great expectation among residents and visitors. This vertiginous path suspended over the abyss is the high point of a simple hiking route that begins in the quiet inland town of Marina Baixa. We tell you how to get there, how to book your pass and all the details of the route in our article:
3. Benitatxell Cliffs Route
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 5km
Located in the north of the province, El Poble Nou de Benitatxell has one of the most beautiful coastlines in Alicante. A coast where the impressive cliffs give rise to magical coves that remain in a practically unchanged state. This simple route will take us from Cala del Moraig to Cala Llebeig in just over an hour, enjoying magnificent views and surrounded by crystal clear waters . An ideal route to do with children (we recommend +7 years).
4. Circular of the Serra de Bèrnia
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: 8.5km
This is a more mountainous excursion, more difficult than the previous ones. Of course, we are facing one of the most complete and most beautiful hiking trails in the province of Alicante. On the circular route we will discover a multitude of contrasts, from the shady north face to the luminous south face, open to the Mediterranean. You will cross the magical Forat , a natural tunnel and you will see the ruins of the Fort of Bernia (please, do not climb on them). Without a doubt, an excursion that we can describe as essential in Alicante.
Discover all the details below:
5. The source of the Vinalopó River
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 7km
- Partially suitable for off-road pushchairs
We return to the interior of the province. Near Banyeres de Mariola, although in Bocairent, we find the area of Font de la Coveta , considered the source of the River Vinalopó. A natural environment of great beauty in which we will enjoy walking the first meters of the river, following the course of the water through multiple pools and backwaters. Highly recommended to do with children , as it is a gentle walk.
6. Font Roja Natural Park
- Difficulty: depending on the route, from Easy to Medium
- Partially suitable for off-road pushchairs
The Carrascar de la Font Roja Natural Park , in Alcoi, is one of the favorite destinations for hiking enthusiasts. Once at the visitor reception center, next to the sanctuary, we can choose to take one of the many hiking trails in the area. There are different difficulties, some suitable for children . I especially recommend the Senda de las Carboneras . And if the forces accompany, climb to the top of the Menejador, to enjoy its impressive views.
Discover our selection of routes in the Font Roja below:
7. The Rock of Ifach
- Difficulty: Easy / High (according to route)
- Distance: 5km +300m. unevenness
- Requires Appointment
Again we return to the coast. We are going to visit one of the most iconic places on the Costa Blanca: the Penyal d’Ifac Natural Park , the oldest protected area in the province of Alicante, declared as such in 1987. This enormous calcareous mass of 332 meters high rises defiantly off the coast of Calpe (Calp), in the north of the province of Alicante. To ascend to its summit it is necessary to make a prior reservation , since access is limited to 300 people a day.
8. The Barranc de l'Infern, the "Cathedral of Hiking"
- Difficulty: Medium
- Physical demand: High
- Circular route, 14 km and +800m.
Known as the “Route of 6,000 Steps”. A classic among classics. Surely most of you have heard of this excursion, but I could not fail to include it in this selection of essentials. It is a physically demanding route, about 14 kilometers and 800 meters of elevation gain. You need to be used to walking in the mountains to be able to enjoy it. In spring you will find the Vall de Laguar especially beautiful, do not forget to visit it and admire its invaluable cultural legacy , protected by UNESCO: dry stone architecture.
9. The Serpis River Greenway
- Difficulty: depending on the distance we do
- Distance: 1 to 26km
- Suitable for all-terrain pushchairs
To the north of the province of Alicante, bordering on that of Valencia, we find the Vía Verde del Río Serpis. An old railway route enters the gorge sculpted by the river, at the foot of the Sierra de la Safor, giving rise to landscapes of great beauty , steeped in history. To lovers of two wheels, comment that you have the El Comtat BTT Center right there. It is also suitable for family use.
10. The Route of the 8 Villages of the Vall de Gallinera
- Difficulty: depending on the distance we do
- Distance: 1 to 30km
In the heart of the Alicante mountain we find the Vall de Gallinera . One of those magical places where, fortunately, time has not passed. If we talk about excursions, again we have a multitude of options: The Route of the 8 villages, the climb to the Penya Foradà, the Castell d’Alcalà… In addition, in spring, the valley experiences a unique and worthy event: the flowering of the cherry trees .
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