{"id":2576,"date":"2026-07-23T15:24:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T15:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apartamentosfinestrat.com\/blog\/?p=2576"},"modified":"2026-07-23T15:24:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T15:24:47","slug":"hiking-routes-alicante","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apartamentosfinestrat.com\/blog\/en\/hiking-routes-alicante\/","title":{"rendered":"The best hiking routes in the province of Alicante"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Beyond its beaches and its Mediterranean sunshine, the province of Alicante hides a maze of trails that few travellers dare to explore. And those who do rarely regret it. From mountain ridges that cut across the horizon to paths that drop down to turquoise coves, hiking in Alicante<\/strong> offers a completely different side to this corner of eastern Spain, one that can surprise even the most experienced walker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning a getaway in the area and want to combine rest, nature and physical activity, you have come to the right place. Below you will find the most outstanding routes, organised by area and level of difficulty, so you can choose the one that best suits how you feel and your fitness level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why hiking in Alicante is a unique experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The geography of the province is, in short, a blessing for anyone who loves walking routes<\/strong>. In just a few kilometres you can go from a mountain range almost two thousand metres high to a cove sheltered by sheer rock cliffs. That contrast is precisely what makes hiking routes in Alicante<\/strong> different from anything you will find in other Mediterranean provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The climate also works in the hiker’s favour. Winters are mild and summers, although warm, are offset by the altitude on mountain routes. This means that at practically any time of year you can lace up your boots and head out without major risks. Spring, with the countryside in bloom and temperatures still moderate, is perhaps the most magical time to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cultural diversity of the province also enriches every walk. Many routes pass beside medieval castles, archaeological sites, hermitages or whitewashed villages that seem frozen in time. Walking here is not just exercise: it is also a history lesson and an immersion in the most authentic Mediterranean identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also expand your planning with this guide to the 9 best natural parks in Alicante<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking in the Sierra Aitana, the roof of Alicante<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When talking about hiking in the Sierra Aitana<\/strong>, it has to be done with the respect that the highest peak in the province<\/strong> deserves. At 1,558 metres, Aitana dominates the inland landscape and offers views that, on clear days, reach as far as Ibiza. The most popular ascent route starts from Solana de Beniard\u00e0 and runs for around 10 kilometres one way, with an elevation gain of about 700 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail is not especially technical, but it does require reasonable fitness and proper footwear. As you climb, the landscape changes noticeably: Mediterranean pines give way to high mountain vegetation and silence gradually takes over. At the summit, the remains of an old military installation and the telecommunications antennas contrast with the immensity of the natural landscape opening up beneath the walker’s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A highly rated variation is the circular route that skirts the range and lets you discover different faces of the mountain. This option makes the walk longer but multiplies the variety of the scenery. Whichever route you choose within the massif, hiking in the Sierra Aitana is an experience worth planning in detail, and it turns any getaway to the Marina Baixa region into something truly memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best hiking routes in Alicante organised by level<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So you can choose the route that best fits your fitness and your preferences, here is a selection of representative walks classified by difficulty:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Route<\/th>Area<\/th>Approx. distance<\/th>Difficulty<\/th>Elevation gain<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Climb to Puig Campana<\/td>Serra de B\u00e8rnia \/ Finestrat<\/td>12 km (return)<\/td>High<\/td>+1,000 m<\/td><\/tr>
Sierra Aitana trail<\/td>Sierra Aitana<\/td>10 km (one way)<\/td>Medium-High<\/td>+700 m<\/td><\/tr>
Barranco del Infierno route<\/td>Marina Alta<\/td>8 km (return)<\/td>Medium<\/td>+400 m<\/td><\/tr>
Cala de Finestrat path<\/td>Finestrat \/ Benidorm<\/td>5 km (circular)<\/td>Low<\/td>+150 m<\/td><\/tr>
Cap de Sant Antoni route<\/td>X\u00e0bia<\/td>6 km (circular)<\/td>Low-Medium<\/td>+200 m<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This table is only a starting point. Each of these routes has its own particularities and deserves to be looked at carefully before you lace up your boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Puig Campana route, a classic of hiking in Alicante<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"hiker<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Puig Campana is probably the most photographed mountain in the province. Its distinctive silhouette, with an enormous notch in the summit that legend attributes to Roland, is unmistakable from the coast and from the inland villages. Conquering its peak has become one of the most sought-after goals for fans of hiking routes in Alicante.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common route starts from Finestrat, the town that sits at its foot, and climbs a well-marked path that nevertheless demands concentration and a head for heights on the final stretches. The scenery during the ascent alternates between pine forest, rocky sections and natural viewpoints overlooking both the Benidorm coastline and the mountainous interior. Reaching the summit, at 1,406 metres, brings a satisfaction that is hard to describe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes this area especially interesting is how close it is to the coast. From the summit of Puig Campana you can see Cala de Finestrat<\/strong> almost directly below, which gives a unique perspective on the relationship between mountain and sea that defines this part of the province. If you stay in Finestrat or around Benidorm, you have one of the best routes in the province literally minutes from your accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Barranco del Infierno and the magic of the Marina Alta<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the far north of the province, the Marina Alta is home to one of the most spectacular trails in all of hiking in Alicante: the Barranco del Infierno, in Vall de Laguar. The name may sound intimidating, but the route is actually accessible to most walkers with some experience. The path runs alongside a watercourse that carries water in winter and spring, turning the walk into a display of sounds and colours that is hard to forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The route ends at a waterfall around 40 metres high that acts as the perfect reward for the effort invested. The vegetation along this stretch is lush, with ferns, reeds and trees that create an almost jungle-like atmosphere, surprising for anyone expecting a purely dry Mediterranean landscape. It is one of those routes that changes how you see Alicante as a destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical tip:<\/strong> if you are planning to walk the Barranco del Infierno in summer, set off very early in the morning. The canyon offers some shade, but temperatures can rise sharply from midday onwards. Always carry more water than you think you will need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coastal routes to discover the shoreline on foot<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Not all hiking in Alicante points inland. The coast also offers walks of great scenic value that combine physical effort with the immediate pleasure of Mediterranean views. The Cap de Sant Antoni trail, in X\u00e0bia, is one of the most representative: a circular route that skirts one of the most beautiful capes in the province and where, in season, you can spot dolphins and seabirds from the cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Marina Baixa area, the paths that follow the coastline between Benidorm and Altea offer completely different perspectives of the sea from those you get at the beach. These trails, less busy than the mountain routes, let you discover hidden corners of the coast that are almost inaccessible by any other means. The combination of cliffs, pine woods and small coves gives every stretch its own personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very close to Cala de Finestrat, the low mountain paths around the town are perfect for anyone who wants to stretch their legs without committing to a demanding climb. The gentle terrain in this area allows for routes that are accessible to families and to people with less hiking experience, without giving up the spectacular views over the bay of Benidorm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To round off your getaway, take a look at what to see in Cala de Finestrat<\/a> before or after your walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical tips for hiking in Alicante<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before setting off on any of these routes, it is worth bearing in mind a few things that make the difference between an enjoyable outing and a complicated one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic recommended gear<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Trekking boots with good grip and ankle support, especially on mountain routes.<\/li>
  2. A light backpack with at least 1.5-2 litres of water per person.<\/li>
  3. Layered clothing, even in summer, as summits can be cool and the wind changes quickly.<\/li>
  4. Sunscreen, a cap and sunglasses, essential along the Mediterranean coast.<\/li>
  5. An offline map or a GPS track loaded onto your phone before setting off.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Before you head out, remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n