7 walking trails & hiking routes on the wilder side of the Costa Blanca

Niké Werstroh

With its beautiful beaches and endless sunshine, the Costa Blanca has attracted tourists for decades. But leave the bustling beaches, Benidorm's vibrant nightlife, and Altea's steep, narrow streets behind, and you'll find remarkable hiking trails.

The mild winters and warm spring and autumn months are perfect for walking. From short, easy strolls to demanding full-day scrambles, you'll find plenty of varied trails to choose from.

The selected trails lie between Benidorm and Dénia and are easy to reach from the coastal towns. You can start a walk from a seafront promenade in Calpe or climb the rocky Puig Campana in under 30 minutes from the coast.

So, next time you head to soak up some sunshine in Spain^* on the Costa Blanca^*, don't forget to pack your hiking boots and make the most of what the area has to offer.

Getting there: browse current offers on holidays to the Costa Blanca with TUI^*, with something for every taste and budget year-round.

Faro de l'Albir

Distance: 5 km
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy

This short and easy there-and-back route on a surfaced path takes you from the outskirts of Albir to the working lighthouse, Faro de l'Albir. The lighthouse is built on a windy outcrop, a perfect vantage point for admiring the craggy coastline.

With some luck, you might spot dolphins, and you can certainly see many different bird species during this pleasant walk. Choose early evening, not long before sunset, when the landscape is painted in warm colours.

Benidorm to Albir

Distance: 10 km
Time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: medium

The clifftop trail rollercoasting between Benidorm and Albir offers some of the finest views of the rugged coastline. You can tackle this trail in either direction, but be prepared for some steep climbs and descents.

There is very little shade on this walk, so bring plenty of water and sun protection year-round. The trail is linear, but you can take a bus back to where you started.

Gaudalest Reservoir

Distance: 10 km
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: easy

This pleasant route takes you around the mountain-hugged reservoir known for its insanely turquoise water. Start at the dam built in the 1960s at the foot of the hilltop village of Gaudalest, then follow the winding, surfaced lane along the shore with fine views toward the castle perched on rocks. End your day by visiting the castle in Gaudalest, then recharge your batteries at one of the village restaurants.

Penyal d'Ifac

Distance: 5 km
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: easy-medium

Rising straight from the sea, the impressive limestone outcrop splits Calpe's beach in two. A broad, sealed path zigzags up to a tunnel, then continues on a narrow, rough path with dizzying views.

The trail might be short but be prepared to use your hands to assist you on rocks on the final stretch to the top (332 metres). Your efforts will be rewarded with a stunning 360° panorama. Owing to the trail's popularity, it is mandatory to register before you visit this small natural park; however, in the winter months your registration might remain unchecked.

Bèrnia Circuit

Distance: 10 km
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: medium

The waymarked route winds around the dramatic Serra de Bèrnia, offering views of mountains. Not long after you start from Casas de Runar, the narrow path passes the ruins of the 16th-century Bèrnia Castle.

It then swings around the mountainside with fine views and drops down to Casas de Bèrnia. An easy kilometre on a surfaced road to the spring, Font de Bèrnia, leads to a steep climb to the tunnel entrance.

You will have to crouch down to make your way through the tunnel, but it gradually widens, and as you emerge on the other side of the mountain, you are greeted with a stunning panorama of the coastline.

Puig Campana

Distance: 15 km
Time: 5.5 hours
Difficulty: hard

From the coast, the inland views are dominated by the second highest mountain in the Alicante Province, the dramatic Puig Campana (1,408 metres).

For a fantastic full day out, follow the well-trodden, waymarked route that encircles the mountain with some fine views along the way. Starting from the outskirts of Finestrat, follow the narrow path with views of the nearby mountains to Coll de Poullet.

From the col it takes about an hour to climb the rough, rocky path to the peak where your reward is a complete panoramic view. From the summit, descend back to Coll de Poullet, then continue on the waymarked route on the other side of the mountain, with excellent views towards the coastline.

Montgó

Distance: 15 km
Time: 5.5 hours
Difficulty: hard

This waymarked route on exposed paths and jagged rocks leads you to the summit of Montgó (753 metres), the isolated mountain towering between the coastal towns of Dénia and Xabia.

From the peak there are uninterrupted views to Dénia and the coastline, and on a clear day you can make out the island of Ibiza in the distance.

The circular route heads inland from the peak, then drops to a sealed track that snakes for a couple of kilometres along the mountainside just above some impressive villas on the edge of Dénia. You shouldn't miss the small but impressive Cova de Gamell before you return to the starting point.