The best walks and hikes in Alicante

The circular route to Penyal d'Ifac from Calpe offers a dual hiking experience, starting with a gentle stroll along a paved, shaded path that leads to the Ifach Rock Tunnel. Beyond this, the terrain transforms into a challenging rocky ascent that requires scrambling and using chains, rewarding you with 360-degree panoramic views from the Peñón de Ifac summit. This is a difficult 7.1-kilometer hike with 389 meters of elevation gain, taking approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes, ideal for those seeking a challenge with significant visual rewards.

To embark on this adventure, it is essential to book a free permit in advance through the official Parques de la Comunidad Valenciana website, as access is limited to 300 people per day to protect the ecosystem. Make sure to wear hiking footwear with good grip, as the limestone rock can be slippery, especially after rain. The first part is suitable for everyone, but the upper section is not recommended for small children or individuals with limited experience on steep terrain.

Penyal d'Ifac is not only an impressive geological landmark but also a natural park that hosts exceptional biodiversity, with over 300 plant species and around 80 bird species. From the Carabineros Viewpoint and the summit, you can admire the city of Calpe, the Mediterranean, and the Salinas, offering a unique perspective of the Costa Blanca. This location is an olistolith, a mass of rock pushed up by tectonic plates, making it a singular natural phenomenon.

Immerse yourself in a dramatic and history-rich landscape with The Cathedral of Hiking (PR-CV 147), a circular trail that plunges you into the heart of Barranc de l'Infern. The experience is defined by its more than 6,000 stone steps, a feat of Moorish engineering that winds between imposing limestone rock faces, offering constant views of the canyon. It's a demanding hike, but one that rewards you with the wild beauty of nature and the echoes of times past.

To plan your visit to this 13.7-kilometer trail, with an elevation gain of 694 meters and an estimated duration of 5 hours and 33 minutes, be aware that it is a difficult route. Avoid the summer months due to extreme heat; the best time of year to hike The Cathedral of Hiking PR-CV 147 is late winter or early spring. Be sure to carry plenty of water, at least four or five liters per person, and trekking poles will be a great help on the more challenging sections.

Known as "The Cathedral of Hiking" for its thousands of steps, this route is a living testament to the cultural and geological heritage of the area. The dry stone steps, built by the Moors, have been recognized by UNESCO, adding a layer of historical significance to your adventure. In addition to its cultural value, Barranc de l'Infern is notable for its geological and botanical richness, making this trail a unique gem in the province of Alicante.

Hike a moderate 2.6-mile loop to the unique Cova Tallada sea cave from Les Rotes, Denia, with stunning coastal views.

Step into the Barranc Salat and the coves of Mascarat, a hiking route that plunges you into an astonishing geological landscape, where canyon walls rise majestically and the Mediterranean peeks through the rocks. The trail guides you through varied terrain, from riparian vegetation to unique rock formations, offering an immersive experience in the nature of the Comunidad Valenciana. It's a 4.1-kilometer walk that, despite its moderate difficulty, rewards you with spectacular views and the feeling of exploring a secret corner.

To fully enjoy this adventure, it's crucial to check the weather forecast, as the canyon can flood quickly with heavy rains. The trail, with an elevation gain of 93 meters, can be completed in approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes, making it ideal for a half-day excursion. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for the rocky terrain and potential scrambling sections, and consider visiting in spring or autumn to avoid intense heat and summer rains.

This trail is a true geological treasure, known as the Cañón del Mascarat, carved by the salty waters of the Barranc Salat, hence its name "salty gorge." In addition to its natural beauty, the route allows you to pass under impressive historic bridges, including a stone one from 1885, and offers the opportunity to admire the coves of Mascarat, where the mountains meet the sea. The legend of masked bandits who frequented this pass adds a touch of mystery to your journey.

The Fort de Bèrnia (PR-CV 7) circular route plunges you into a landscape of contrasts, where rocky formations and panoramic Mediterranean views intertwine with history. The 18.4-kilometer trail will challenge you with 929 meters of elevation gain, leading you through rocky and uneven terrain, with sections that demand attention and good balance. A highlight is passing through the Forat de Bèrnia, a natural tunnel that transports you from an arid slope to a greener one, offering a unique and memorable experience.

For this demanding hike, which takes approximately 7 hours and 14 minutes, good planning is essential. The route commonly starts near Casas de Bèrnia, where parking options are usually available. Given the difficulty and duration, it's advisable to start early in the morning and carry plenty of water, especially during the summer months. Don't forget sturdy hiking footwear with good grip to tackle the varied terrain.

The Fort de Bèrnia, a 16th-century Renaissance fortress, is the historical heart of this route, offering not only fascinating ruins but also spectacular views of the coast and inland. The Sierra de Bèrnia is a Protected Landscape, underscoring its natural and cultural value, with flora micro-reserves and impressive geology. This route is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a combination of physical challenge, natural beauty, and a journey into the past.

The "Ascent and return to Puig Campana (PR-CV 289)" route immerses you in a diverse landscape, ranging from lush pine forests to exposed rocky areas, offering an unforgettable hiking experience. As you ascend, the terrain becomes more technical and stony, especially on the approach to Puig Campana Summit, where panoramic views of the Costa Blanca and the surrounding mountain ranges reward your effort. This is a challenging 15.8-kilometer hike with an elevation gain of 986 meters, which will take approximately 6 hours and 9 minutes to complete.

To plan your visit, note that the starting point is Font del Molí, with parking available. It is crucial to carry enough water, as there are no resupply points at the top of the route, and it is advisable to start early to avoid the heat, especially in summer. The best times for this demanding ascent are spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder.

Puig Campana is an iconic landmark in the province of Alicante, known as "La Montaña Mágica de Finestrat" (The Magic Mountain of Finestrat), and its summit offers stunning 360-degree views. The mountain is also famous for "El Portillo" or the "Brecha de Roldán" (Roldán's Gap), a distinctive geological feature that has given rise to numerous local legends. This route is ideal for physically fit hikers seeking a challenge and a deep connection with the nature and history of the region.