Serra d'Olta

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

Details

780608
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.66 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,575 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,572 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,726 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 817 ft
  • ⚐ Country: Spain
  • ⚐ City: Calp 
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 38.658114° / E 0.025914°
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Drive to the Ermita Vella "Zona Acampada" car park (signposted in pink from Calp).

The entire route is signposted in white and yellow, and is known locally as PR®-CV 340.

(S/E) Leaving the camping area, join an orientation map, then climb the wide path.

(1) At the fork in the road, turn left along a wide path to Emita Vella, where tables and public toilets await you (bring your own toilet paper, otherwise...).

(2) Continue uphill on the right for 300m. At the right-hand bend, turn left onto a small path that climbs steeply up a steep valley. This is the most difficult part of the route, with an ascent of 150m. As you progress along the path, which becomes easier, you reach the trail junction on the plateau.

(3) From here, you have multiple choices. My preference is to head left to the south, towards La Mola, where the peripheral view is the most interesting.

(4) On the way back from this point, you have to go back to the previous crossroads.

(3) Head North/North-West towards Serra d'Olta, (the more inquisitive can go as far east as Pointe Pinet and return). Arrive at a ruined sheep pen and a well, (at this intersection, those who wish can reach the Serra d'Olta and necessarily return to this point).

(5) To continue the loop, follow the path down to the left (Pou de Mola/Parc Acampada 5200m).
After a long descent in the shelter of the undergrowth, you reach the wide peripheral path.

(6) The loop continues to the right. Follow this wide path for about 2km, leaving two starts on the left.

(7) Follow the left-hand path, then left again at the next junction, until you reach another fork in the road.

(8) Turn right towards Pas de Canal, along a path that climbs up to the Serra d'Olta overlooking the valley.

(9) At Pas de Canal (402m), the path descends rapidly at first. Follow the path, then join a wider alley.

(10) At a bend to the left, follow the signposts which continue straight on along a narrow path.

(1) Eventually reach the fork near the start, keep left and eventually return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 817 ft - Parking Zona Acampada
  2. 1 : mi 0.14 - alt. 909 ft - Loop connection
  3. 2 : mi 0.92 - alt. 1,056 ft - To the right
  4. 3 : mi 1.45 - alt. 1,634 ft - Crossroads of the trails
  5. 4 : mi 1.84 - alt. 1,578 ft - La Mola
  6. 5 : mi 2.51 - alt. 1,726 ft - Sheepfold wells/ruins
  7. 6 : mi 3.15 - alt. 1,083 ft - To the right on the wide road
  8. 7 : mi 4.14 - alt. 1,165 ft - To the left
  9. 8 : mi 4.66 - alt. 1,237 ft - Junction towards Pas de Canal
  10. 9 : mi 4.83 - alt. 1,322 ft - No Canal
  11. 10 : mi 5.24 - alt. 1,017 ft - All rights
  12. S/E : mi 5.66 - alt. 820 ft - Parking Zona Acampada

Notes

Please note that there is no shade on the plateau, as the sun can be very strong, and that it's in the "full wind" - depending on the situation.

Variant :
(6) To shorten the route, you can turn left to reach the Ermita Vella, which makes it quicker and easier to get back to the starting point.

Worth a visit

On the plateau, watch out for endemic vegetation.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
Farré Karine
Farré Karine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike through the heath and rocky trails that smell of rosemary.
We are experienced hikers and are used to difficult trails. This hike has quite a few challenging sections with significant elevation gains. But we are keen to return because it is truly beautiful and enjoyable. We were lucky enough to encounter a few goats, which added to the beauty of this hike.

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Mamin54500
Mamin54500

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you a thousand times Godefroy, this hike is magnificent and I thank you for publishing it, as I don't take the time to publish my own hikes...
Done with my sister, radiant sunshine 25 degrees and a refreshing wind...
Well-equipped for the hike, with good shoes, poles, picnic and plenty to drink...

2) climb ok under the watchful eye of a dozen "mountain goats?
3) La Mola, on the cattle track...picnic at the top ....
4) I'm sorry I didn't go to the top of Olta...
6 and 7) ... great sunny path
9) No canal, great descent, just the way I like it...

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Tchoutchk
Tchoutchk

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb 4-hour hike
The only difficulty on the route is a nice climb that requires you to get your hands dirty from time to time. But it only takes 200-300m.
The panorama is absolutely magnificent. I highly recommend it!
A real pleasure, provided you're reasonable and reserve this hike for temperatures below 25°C.

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RD64
RD64

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 16, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A very pretty walk, but you'll need good shoes as the area is mountainous.

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