Alacant / Alicante walks

A loop on the Serra d'Olta, offering magnificent 360° panoramic views of the region.

This is a hike that is an absolute must, offering a chance to see a natural wonder: two enormous natural arches carved out of soft rock by erosion, which are now part of a protected area. What’s more, it’s an easy hike that’s suitable for the whole family.

This is an almost entirely flat, easy hike that allows you to discover the wild surroundings of Santa Pola, but it is always in full sun. You will discover traces of human activity from the early 20th century, such as a mill and water management systems for agriculture, as well as the beautiful landscape of the Barranc de Salt.

The footbridge is a wooden walkway attached to the wall of the canyon formed by the Amadoria River and known as Estret del Pantà (the strait of the dam). Below, there is a drop of between 20 m and 60 m, depending on the location. There are also two glass overhangs for the more daring. The walkway, which is a round trip, was installed in 2022. It is a vertiginous walkway above the ravine and is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.

La Torre de Les Caletes, also known as Torre Punta de Cavall, is a classic and easy hike, as the route to reach it involves following tarmac roads – which, after a while, are closed to traffic – and thus takes you through unspoilt countryside along the coast, with the added bonus of discovering numerous stunning coves. As for the return journey, which can of course be done via the same route as the outward leg (which is what everyone does, in fact), the walk offers a lovely little path along the mountainside. This path runs along the cliffs overlooking the sea (which may be daunting for some) and includes a few rocky sections which, whilst not exactly rock climbing, do require you to use your hands to climb. So, before setting off on this return route, consider your abilities and do not take any unnecessary risks.

A hike to the highest peak in the Baneyres de Mariola area, a village in the Province of Alicante. Most of the route follows wide paths surrounded by meadows or trees. However, the majority of the elevation gain occurs over a short distance. The route suggested here is known locally as the PR®-CV 313 (short for Pequeno Recorrido de la Comunidad Valenciana) and is signposted in white and yellow. It is easy to follow if you pay a little attention, as there are numerous signposts in addition to the coloured markings.

A ride of just over 50km around the Pedrera reservoir. No particular difficulties. Electric bike. A ride of just over 50 km around the Pedrera reservoir. No particular difficulties. Electric bike.

The Maigmó, at an altitude of 1,295 metres, is one of the region’s best-known peaks. However, this walk does not take you to the summit itself, but instead offers an extraordinary circuit around it. After a steep climb to the Balcon d’Alicante, where the view is fantastic, the walk takes you via the famous Col de la Xau, offering magnificent views of the peaks. You follow a barranco (a stream bed), passing through the superb spot known as ‘El Estret’. In short, everything is beautiful and practically in perfect solitude.

Here, we suggest exploring the old mills of Tibi, which once produced flour or paper. There were once as many as 11 mills in the area. You can see the main gate of the Groc mill at the crossroads at the entrance to Tibi. For your information, the rating established by the French Hiking Federation (FFR) gives an IBP of 22, which classifies this walk as ‘easy’. It is an easy walk that generally follows the river known as the ‘Riu de Montnègre’ or ‘Rio Verde’.

This walk takes you to two peaks over 1,000 metres in altitude amidst fantastic scenery near Penya Mitjorn. It is a fairly short walk but has an elevation gain of almost 600 metres, which means the climb is quite steep right from the start and continues steadily.

This is a very classic walk between two springs that were of great importance in people’s lives. The suggested route comprises two shared sections (there and back) near the two springs and a circular section. The walk follows wide paths with no particular difficulty, set in exceptional scenery at the foot of the Sierra d’Aitana, which includes the highest peak in the province of Alicante.

In the Sierra de Fontcalent, the mountain range closest to Alicante, there are numerous caves, but some are difficult to access. This walk takes you to explore a cave that is easily accessible. It is a short walk with little elevation gain that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The Mill Trail offers an insight into part of the industrial history of the town of Banyeres de Mariola. This walk allows you to discover three flour and paper mills. There used to be many more. It follows the River Vinalopo through very pretty countryside. It is an easy walk suitable for the whole family.

This is a hilly hike that takes you to the Tibi Dam, one of the oldest dams in Europe (1580) still in operation, via a circular route through the surrounding hills. The route offers beautiful views of the coast at the start and finish, but overall, it is more typical of the "Sierra Alicantina" landscape. The route goes up and down quite a bit, but the slopes are not very steep or very long. It is therefore a relatively accessible hike for people with a minimum level of fitness.

A circular loop that branches off onto the last (and most beautiful) section of the PR®-CV 282, a marked trail that follows the route of the old "Cañada Real", a network of transhumance routes dating back to the time of King Alfonso X el Sabio. You will set off from the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Carmen to cross small inhabited areas with modest country houses before starting a circular route through the mountains where you can enjoy beautiful views of the coast. Half of the walk is on small, quiet asphalt roads and the other half on a very accessible path with gentle slopes. You won't even notice the 275 m elevation gain. It is also possible to bypass two crossing points, which shortens the walk to 10 km.

A little way from the historic centre and tourist routes, this short walk will show you the town of Jijona from a different angle through the eyes of the Ermita de Santa Barbara, a small 15th-century chapel, forgotten by all, perched on a hill of the same name. From its summit, you will not only have an unusual view of Jijona and its castle, but also of Alicante and the entire surrounding valley. Although there is a slight incline, this walk is relatively easy and accessible to all.

This hike takes you around the Santa Pola salt flats. As the site is in operation, it is not possible to cross it. You will therefore need to skirt around it by following the GR®232. It is a long walk, but easy as there are no hills. There are long straight stretches, sometimes several kilometres long, but the landscape will quickly make you forget the monotony. In places, the paths may be damp or even slightly flooded, depending on the season. Important note: at (17), you will need to take off your shoes to cross the Río Vinolopo for a few metres. So if you don't like water or are afraid of it, it is best to avoid this hike as you will have no other choice. But don't let that put you off: the salt flats are part of a wild nature reserve that is home to extraordinary flora and fauna.

This hike takes you around the Serra de Fontcalent, allowing you to see it from all angles, but from below! It's an easy alternative to climbing to the summit, which is 700 metres high. Ideal for hikers who don't want to or can't climb. Admittedly, the view will not be the same. But this circular still offers some beautiful views: between the industrial and agricultural areas, you will see the major roads and railways. In short, life around Fontcalent.

This circular will take you along the coast, below the mountains. The return journey is higher up (144 metres above sea level), passing by the Torre de las Escaletes and the Santa Pola lighthouse, which offer spectacular views of Santa Pola and Alicante. The route is easy and relatively flat. The only slight difficulty is the climb to the Torre de las Escaletes. However, this is equipped with ramps and stairs. And once you reach the top, you won't regret it! The Sierra de Santa Pola is a fossil reef and a protected site, which also houses remains from the Civil War that you will come across along the way.

A walk accessible to all, between the city and the palm grove. Ideal for discovering Elche and its horticultural heritage (listed by UNESCO). This route follows the PR®-CV 439, the official path of the Valencian Community, but with a different starting point for accessibility and easier parking.

In the Alicante region, snow wells are called "pou" or "pou de neu" in the Valencian dialect. They are round wells dug into the ground with stone walls and a dome. There are usually two doors, one for putting snow in and the other for taking ice out. They are, of course, located at high altitude. The snow industry, which can be traced back to 1630, was very prosperous until the advent of refrigerators in the 1960s. Here we suggest a short, easy hike to discover one of the most beautiful snow wells in the region.

This hike takes you up two little-known peaks over 1,000 metres high near Castalla. Most of the time, you will be walking on wide paths lined mainly with almond trees in deserted areas.Prohibited during hunting season

This is an easy hike, mostly on wide paths, to climb a peak at an altitude of 1,229 metres. The ascent is fairly gradual. You will pass by a superb snow well. Optionally, you can also visit a fountain.

The Sierra de Aitana has the highest peaks in the province of Alicante. This route explores an extreme part of the sierra, on the Benimantell side, with a climb to a peak over 1,300 m. This hike is rated difficult due to the long climbs and constant exposure to the sun.

In the Sierra de Aitana, the highest point is called Aitana and, at 1,559 metres above sea level, it is also the highest point in the entire province of Alicante. Just behind it, Moleta d'Aitana, at an altitude of 1,499 metres, is the second highest peak and easier to access by following this route. See Practical Information for details of the difficulties encountered.

The word "pou" is Valencian and means snow well. This was a very important trade involving the manufacture of ice from snow, which was more abundant at that time. This activity, which began in the 16th or 17th century, came to an end in the mid-20th century with the advent of the refrigerator.This trail offers a chance to see the remains of the snow well known as del Canonge, but most of the route is off-trail and requires some mountain experience and good navigation skills. This hike is therefore only suitable for experienced hikers. Please note: Due to the difficulty of navigating this route, it is strongly recommended that you use the app (or a hiking GPS)

A hike in an almost desert environment to climb two peaks: La Mosca and L'Escobella. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, as the entire route is on paths exposed to the sun.

In the Font Roja Natural Park, there is an easy hike to stretch your legs or enjoy with the family (but wear hiking boots), following wide trails through the forest.

This hike takes you up to one of the peaks in the province of Alicante, which is over 1,000 metres high. While the climb to the summit is not particularly difficult, the start of the hike involves exploring some well-hidden caves. This means passing through areas where there is virtually no path and having a good sense of direction. This hike is therefore not suitable for everyone.

This is a beautiful hike starting from the stunning Santuario de Santa Maria Magdanela (a must-see). You then set off in search of the source of a small river and finish with a dip in the thermal baths.

A superb hike with exceptional views of Lake Tibi and impressive peaks to climb. However, it is a difficult hike with some very steep climbs and a path that is quite difficult to follow. A GPS track is essential to avoid getting lost.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores is situated in an area near Elda, at the crossroads between Monovar and Elda, in an area known as Partida de las Cañadas. Consequently, the Ermita is commonly referred to as the Ermita de las Cañadas. It is located in a former agricultural area, irrigated by rainwater. Even today, it remains an almost desert-like area, and the path leading there, which is not particularly difficult, passes through desert-like terrain, offering a complete change of scenery.

Proposed by Aspe town council and approved by the FEMECV (Valencian Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports), this is an easy route, ideal for getting to know part of the Algezares municipal nature reserve.

This is a two-part hike. First, you’ll walk along the spectacular ridges of Les Moreres. Then, you’ll climb to the summit of El Frare, a superb rocky peak overlooking the valley. This hike is best done in fine weather, as you’ll often be on rocky terrain and must take care not to slip.

Hike to one of the closest peaks to Alicante, crossing desert areas and ultimately rewarded with a 360° view of Alicante and all the peaks surrounding the city.