Before climbing the mountain of Alicante, let us assume that the mere pronunciation of the word “Alicante” transports us to sweet walks through the sand of beaches and coves lapped by the calm and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
To pleasant winter days in which we can bathe in those coastal paradises, when almost all the rest of the country takes refuge next to the fire of the chimneys. To hot and exciting summers.
And it is true, the province relies mainly on its beaches and its exceptional climate to underpin its privileged position as powerful tourist destination.
However, although more unknown to the general traveling public, the mountain of Alicante also worth exploring.
To do this, we have at our disposal routes for all physical and technical levels, which go into magnificent forests and Mediterranean landscapes, both near the coast and inland.
Routes that take us to spectacular viewpoints that offer a different view of the province. Here are some of the best of those routes.
Barranco del Infierno in Vall de Laguar, province of Alicante.
THE VALL DE LAGUAR, THE CATHEDRAL OF HIKING
The Alicante Valley of Laguar it is a historical place , as this valley served as the last refuge for the Moors who resisted being expelled from the Valencian Community after the order decreed by Philip III in 1609.
On its steep slopes they built their houses and planted their crops, creating paths that can still be glimpsed today, among the bushes and trees typical of the Mediterranean landscape. Finally, they would be sadly defeated in a bloody battle and They would leave those lands forever.
Some lands in which three beautiful and quiet mountain villages are settled today: Benimaurell, Fleix and Campell. The route that runs through this valley is quite demanding and for this reason the place is also given the name of "Ravine of Hell". It is a circular route of about 15 km that has several descents and ascents with a certain slope, being a suffering for the twins.
To help with homework 6,700 steps have been carved into the rock, reason for which it is given the name of "The Cathedral of Hiking" from Alicante.
Pine trees, aromatic bushes, the stony bed of the Girona river, ideal walls for climbing and impressive views over those cliffs They are part of the loot when making this great physical effort.
Ifach Rock.
THE PEÑÓN DE IFACH, THE CALCAREOUS POSEIDON OF CALPE
The Rock of Ifach is a giant 332 meters high , which rises above the sea like a calcareous Poseidon who has been stripped of his trident. This natural park is one of the most visited in the province, since Calp It is a very touristic place and the ascent to the top of the rock is a beautiful route. which is within the reach of almost any hiker.
The trail goes through a tunnel, through a pine forest, past ancient ruins and through viewpoints that offer fascinating views of the coves hidden in the foothills of the rock, the city of Calpe and its salt flats, the inland mountains and the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
On days of absolute clarity, you can even see the silhouette of the island of Ibiza. Along the way you will be accompanied by the squawks of the hundreds of seagulls that, along with dozens of other species of seabirds, inhabit the rock.
Bernie Fort.
THE CIRCULAR ROUTE OF THE SIERRA DE BERNIA, ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN ALICANTE
The simple circular route of the Sierra de Bernia – about 8.5 km long – surrounds one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the interior. During part of the way, the landscape we find is more similar to that of the Pyrenean mountains than the typical Mediterranean orography , thus being one of the favorite places for local hikers.
On the road –very simple from a technical point of view– we will find ancient archaeological sites from the time of Arab domination, traces of cave paintings, the spectacular cave known as the "Forat de Bèrnia" and promontories from which contemplate wonderful panoramic views of Altea, the coast and the mountains of the interior.
Aspe water route.
ASPE WATER ROUTE, A WALK THROUGH THE HISTORY AND NATURE OF THE PROVINCE
The Aspe Water Route It is a circular route, about 15 km long, that runs through the fields and mountains that surround this Alicante town near Elche. It is a simple path – with little incline and that runs along wide, well-signposted paths – whose visual reward is inversely proportional to its degree of difficulty.
Thus, we can enjoy old bridges –such as the Four Eyes– and aqueducts built two hundred years ago; old mills to generate electricity from the waters of the Vinalopó River; abandoned manor houses; ravines that present slopes of multicolored rocks; Y the Elche swamp, today completely covered by reeds. A beautiful ideal route to do with the family.
Cala Racó del Conill.
ROUTE OF THE TORRE DEL AGUILÓ, SIMPLE AND PANORAMIC
It is also easy the route that takes us to the old defensive fortress of the Torre del Aguiló, located between the Alicante towns of Villajoyosa and Benidorm.
This is a coastal tour –a little over an hour and a quarter each way– that peeks out coves with crystal clear waters, ideal for diving. Some are difficult to access, but the Racó del Conill It does not figure among these and is the most beautiful of all. If it is done on a hot day, it is essential to wear a swimsuit and diving goggles.
At the end of the route, and after a somewhat steep ascent, you will find the Torre del Aguiló, built in the 16th century to protect the coast from attacks by Berber pirates. From it you get unbeatable views of the bay of Benidorm and there are tables where you can eat something before heading back.
Puig Campana, Finestrat.
ASCENSION TO PUIG CAMPANA, ONE OF THE ROOFS OF THE PROVINCE
The top of Puig Campana has the honor of being, with its 1,410 meters above sea level, the second highest in the province of Alicante. It is also the second highest Spanish peak so close to the sea (it is only 10 km from the waters of the Mediterranean).
The route starts practically from the town of Finestrat and begins to ascend from its beginning. It is a somewhat tough and demanding challenge, but one that rewards the hiker with a walk through fresh wooded patches and great views. It is also a good place for lovers of climbing, with more than 40 open routes in the rock.
Once at the top you can see up close the famous indentation of the Puig Campana, known by the name of "The Portell”. According to legend, it was caused by a terrible swing of the sword of the Christian hero Roldán, while he was fighting on high against a Moorish captain.
Cala del Moraig: the paradisiacal Alicante beach.
ROUTE OF THE CLIFFS OF BENITATXELL, BEAUTY BY THE SEA
This is one of the best panoramic routes that can be done in the mountains of Alicante. A pleasant walk, about 5 km (round trip), along a path that explores the walls of the coastal cliffs that separate the coves of Llebeig and Moraig, located in the Marina Alta region.
In this short distance we will meet strange vegetation –denser than expected on a sea cliff–, old stone huts built by fishermen, smugglers and farmers at the beginning of the 20th century, and the Cova dels Arcs, located next to the Cala del Moraig and which is constituted as a magnificent example of drainage of a karstic system. This cave is ideal to enjoy a sunrise and to dive.
Many hikers decide to extend –almost double– this route crossing the bottom of the steep ravine of La Viuda until reaching the town of Moraira.
Maigmo Route.
ASCENT TO THE MAIGMÓ, BALCONY TO THE MEDITERRANEAN
One of the funniest ascents that can be done in Alicante is the one that crowns the peak of Maigmó on its north face, which reaches 1,300 meters above sea level and is part of a set of mountains that constitute the Natural Area of the Macizo del Maigmó.
Here it is one of the main wooded areas of the Valencian Community, being the pines and the holm oaks the most emblematic protagonists. You can start the route from the point known as "El Balcón de Alicante", from which you can enjoy magnificent views of the Alicante coast.
Once the ascent begins, the viewpoints turn towards the mountains and farm fields of the interior, making the route very varied from the landscape point of view. Near the top, there are areas where they have put ropes to help and it is necessary to climb a bit. Nothing really complicated, but it is not suitable for everyone.
Upon reaching the peak, the reward is worth it: a panoramic view of the mountains and beaches that sums up what Alicante is so well.