la Vila Joiosa / Villajoyosa walks

This walk is known as the ‘Sender de la Costa’ and is maintained by the Generalidad Valenciana, the provincial government. It is therefore a wide path lined with benches and tables, making it suitable for the whole family. Along the way, you can enjoy superb views of various coves and, out to sea, you can make out a large fish farm.

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.

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.

The Sierra de la Grana is surrounded by much higher mountain ranges; as a result, it is somewhat overlooked and far less visited. But this makes it an excellent vantage point for all the region’s iconic peaks, such as Cabeço d’Or, Peña Migjorn, Menajador, Els Plans, Aitana, Puig Campana, etc. What’s more, the route is very pleasant and combines forest tracks, footpaths and lightly marked sections with no technical difficulties.

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.

From the 17th century right up until almost the middle of the 20th century, harvesting snow and turning it into ice was a very important livelihood for the mountain dwellers. However, with the invention of the fridge, this source of income dried up. The walk described here is both easy and short, and offers the chance to admire a superb snow well.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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

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.

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’.

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.

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.

A fabulous walk in a magical place that gave rise to the legend of the Encantada, the guardian of a treasure. According to tradition, she only appears once every 100 years, and the treasure will belong to whoever meets her.

A hike involving the ascent of two peaks. Whilst access to the first is relatively easy, the same cannot be said for the second. Indeed, the route to the second peak is off-track and involves a steep gradient, both on the ascent and the descent. You must therefore be accustomed to this type of terrain, which means this hike is only suitable for experienced hillwalkers. Following the marked trail is strongly recommended.

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.

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.

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.

A superb, secluded road through the countryside, offering the chance to visit snow pits and a huge cave that was once inhabited, as well as the opportunity to climb a few peaks along the way to enjoy a 360° view of the Sierra de Mariola.

Explore a protected nature reserve by following a circular path, suitable for the whole family and almost entirely flat. As well as numerous species of birds, you’ll discover two sites that bear witness to our history: one, more recent, with bunkers, and the other, older, with a Roman barn.

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.