walking routes – COSTA BLANCA SCENE

A guide to the best walking routes on the Costa Blanca. Here you can enjoy hiking in the mountains, coastal walks, trekking in the natural parks or forests, and discovering some of the most impressive floating walkways and viewpoints in Spain.

FLOATING WALKWAY, SANTA POLA

This dramatic viewpoint know as El Mirador del Faro, is located near the Santa Pola lighthouse. It consists of a bridge style walkway that runs along and out to the sea, boasting some amazing views of Tabarca Island and the bay of Alicante. This is an ideal location to enjoy a picnic, sit back relax, and hear the sound of the ocean. There are seating areas, bicycle access, a car park, and the area is suitable for wheelchairs. The viewpoint can be found at Mirador del Faro de Santa Pola, Faro del Cabo de Sta. Pola, 03130, Alicante.

PANTANO DE ELCHE

The Elche dam known as the “Pantano de Elche” was built in the 17th century on the Vinalopó River as a means of retaining its waters. It was the first dam to be built in Europe in the shape of a vault, and is even considered to be the first arch shaped dam built since Roman times. Today it has become a popular trekking route for nature lovers, as the ambience is tranquil and picturesque with waterfalls, lakes, wooden bridges and local wildlife. The walking route has sign posts to guide you along the trail and there are picnic areas, to relax, have a snack and continue enjoying the views after your walk. The best place to park your vehicle and start the walk is at Aparcamiento Pantano de Elche, 03205 Elche. MORE INFO

EL HONDO NATURAL PARK

The protected nature reserve of El Hondo is located on the border of Elche and Crevillente where the rivers Rio Vinalopó and Rio Segura channel together to form a great natural lagoon. El Hondo landscape is dominated by reeds, ponds and an abundance of wildlife such as different species of birds, ducks and flamingos. With various walkways and shaded observational spots along the route, you will comfortably get to know the reserve, appreciate some bird watching, and experience spectacular sunsets. El Hondo natural park has a picnic area and a visitors information centre with walking route suggestions, giving you the chance to discover as much of the park as you like at your own pace. MORE INFO

ORIHUELA COSTA PROMENADE

This extremely picturesque walking route follows the Mediterranean coastline of the Orihuela Costa and covers 16km of breathtaking views with cliffs, coves, beaches, crystal clear waters and golden sand, as well as two marinas located in Cabo Roig and Campoamor. The pathway is a mixture of paving stones, steps and promenades with resting viewpoints along the way, giving you the freedom to do as much walking as you like. The ideal route starts at Playa Flamenca beach, continues through La Zenia, Cala Capitan, Cabo Roig and ends at La Glea beach in Campoamor. This superb coastal walkway gives you the perfect opportunity to discover some of the best natural beauty the Costa Blanca has to offer.

ALCOY NATURAL PARK

The Natural Park of La Font Roja in Alcoy is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Valencian region. Across more than two thousand hectares of untouched natural beauty, you can enjoy a picturesque and peaceful hiking trail. The park is home to a varied and abundant plant life and wildlife, with species such as oaks, maples and pines. Autumn time brings a more authentic delight to this nature trail, with water features, vibrant colours and autumnal scents. Amongst all this, there is a large population of wild badgers and birds. It is recommended to start your walk at the Visitors Centre located in the Santuario Font Roja where you can park the car and obtain information on the different walking routes. MORE INFO

GUARDAMAR PINE FOREST

The beautiful pine forest of Guardamar, also known as the Dunes of Guardamar, is a natural park covering 800 hectares and was originally a vast collection of sand dunes. Over the years it has invited various plant species such as pines, palms, and eucalyptus, creating a landscaped environment of ecological and touristic appeal. The sound of birds, the aromas from the foliage and the fresh sea air, make it a perfect place to unwind and disconnect. This peaceful and picturesque park which links Guardamar town centre to the coast, is an ideal location for fresh morning walks, bike rides, dog walking, and enjoying a picnic. The route is mostly paved with wooden walkways leading out to the beach boasting magnificent coastal views, all completely wheelchair accessible. Parking places can be found along the main road of Parque Alfonso XIII, Partida Dunas de Guardamar, 2, 03140.

THE RELLEU FOOTBRIDGE

The spectacular views from the footbridge of the Relleu Dam allows you to experience the magnificent rock formations and takes you on an unforgettable journey over the bed of the ravine. The 40 meter high wooden plank walkway known as the Pasarela del Pantano, has a route of 212 meters, with a daring glass floor viewpoint at the end. Relleu and its 17th century reservoir, is one of the best kept treasures of the Costa Blanca. It is situated about a 45 minute dive inland from Benidorm, in the Marina Baixa region. A typical Spanish town nestled in the hills, Relleu is surrounded by nature in an environment of great beauty and value. The route begins at the Town Hall where you will find ample free parking and information to guide you through the walk. MORE INFO

SANTA POLA NATURAL PARK

The Natural Park of Santa Pola, located in the province of Alicante, is a picturesque, protected nature reserve with marshland, salt mines, freshwater pools, bird watching observation points, sand dunes and a beach. The park is well known for its native flamingos and 16th-century landmark watchtower. The best place to start your venture round the park is at the Salt Museum where you can pick up information on the various walking routes to take. The Salt Museum is located in the facilities of an old salt factory within the Natural Park. Here you will discover the process of extracting salt and its history, gain useful information about the park, and enjoy a special observation point to view the pink flamingos in the salt lakes. MORE INFO

BENISSA COASTAL WALKWAY

Known as the Benissa Ecological Route, this has to be one of the most beautiful and tranquil coastal walks in the Alicante province. As you pass between coves and cliffs, you will experience spectacular sea views with crystal clear waters and golden sandy beaches, and even be able to spot the emblematic Peñón de Ifach in Calpe. The 4km long track runs along gravel pathways with some asphalt sections, and contains wooden railings, information panels, benches, viewing points and picnic areas. Despite being a simple route, suitable for children, it has several climbs and descents with steps, making it unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. The starting point can be found at C/ El Gavilá, 17 Benissa 03720 where there is parking.

ELS ARCS DE CASTELL DE CASTELLS

In the province of Alicante, nestled in a picturesque natural environment, there is a spectacular natural formation that is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. Known as Els Arcs de Castell de Castells, they are two giant natural stone arches of limestone rock that have been the product of erosion for thousands of years. It all started more than 30 million years ago, when the region was then covered by the sea. At that time, carbonate sediments were deposited which later transformed into large rocks. Later, it was the action of water and wind, together with the impact of suspended particles that eroded the limestone rock into two large cavities whose walls connect to each other forming a natural arch in one. This breathtaking circular route takes about two hours and includes some gravel pathways and steep climbs. The starting point can be found at KM7 of the CV-752 between Tárbena and Castell de Castells, where there are parking places. MORE INFO

CALPE ROCK

The Peñón de Ifach of Calpe, a popular landmark of the Costa Blanca, is a tall limestone rock that rises 332m above the sea. Connected to the mainland by a narrow strip, it is the result of a landslide of the nearby Sierra de Oltà, and is one of the most unique and beautiful formations on the Mediterranean coast. The first stretch reaches a 30m tunnel excavated into the rock, and runs along a path where you will find lovely views of the Poniente. After going through the tunnel, on the Levante side, the path narrows and a more intrepid stretch begins on the slope that leads up to the peak. It’s a hike well worth the effort to experience the spectacular panoramic views from the top, which on clear days can reach as far as the island of Ibiza. PLEASE NOTE: As only a maximum of 300 visitors are allowed each day, it is mandatory to make an appointment to visit the Peñón de Ifach through this link: MORE INFO

BARRANC DEL CINT ALCOY

Take a picturesque and peaceful trek through vertical mountain walls, natural forests, and experience some of the most spectacular views that the Alicante Province has to offer. The Barranc del Cint is a circular route which takes about an hour and includes some rocky pathways and stone steps. Once you reach the little chapel at the top, you can admire the urban art that adorns its interior, and then take a moment to enjoy the breath taking panoramic scenery outside. The best place to park and start your walk is at Residencia Asistida de la 3ª Edad Mariola, Partida Horta Major, 11, 03819 Alcoi, Alicante.

ALBATERA SALT WATER TRAIL

It may look like snow on the Costa Blanca, but this is actually the spectacular Salt Water Trail of Albatera. Located in the Vega Baja Region, and known to locals as the Ruta Rambla Salada, this trek consists of impressive geological rock formations, natural salt springs, clear water pools, and a series of old aqueducts. The salt that you see along the way arises from contact between the permeable materials like limestone and sandstone, with the impermeable materials like clays and gypsum. The filtration of rainwater between the rocks pushes water with very high salt levels outwards, forming this beautiful landscape. This route is of medium to high difficulty with a duration of up to four hours, and includes some steep rocky pathways. MORE INFO