The Costa Blanca as a winter destination
While Northern Europe is in the grip of the cold, wet and dark winter months mild temperatures, longer days and many hours of sunshine provide perfect conditions for walking, climbing and cycling on the Costa Blanca. So not surprisingly, the coastal towns have been attracting tourists all year round for decades.
But look beyond the package holidays, skyscrapers and bars of Benidorm, and you will find rugged mountains with far reaching views and endless trails to explore.
Whether you spend the entire winter or only a few weeks on the Costa Blanca, you will probably find plenty of trails to explore.
Here are some great routes from the Costa Blanca that won’t disappoint.
Bernia circuit
Distance: 10km
Time: 4hr
Total ascent: 660m
Difficulty: Medium
This signposted trail offers everything from ruins to fantastic views, and you even get to navigate through a short tunnel. Start from Casas de Rura, a small group of houses not too far from Altea, and shortly reach the fascinating ruins of a fort. The path then swings around the mountainside with views of rugged mountains, including the Serra del Ferrer. It then drops down to Casas de Bernia and continues on the surfaced road for about a kilometre to Font de Bernia. From the spring, a narrow, rough path rises to the entrance of the tunnel. As you emerge on the other side of the mountain range, you will be greeted with a magnificent panorama. It is a great spot for a rest before you continue on the waymarked route back to Casas de Rura. VIEW MAP
Montgó
Distance:15km
Time: 5hr
Total ascent: 1335m
Difficulty: Medium/Demanding
This amazing circular route starts near the shooting range outside of Dénia and provides some spectacular views all the way. You might need to assist with your hands from time to time during the ascent and have to leave your vertigo at home as the path swings on a rocky ledge just below the summit. Choose a clear day for the outing, and from the summit you can make out Ibiza in the distance.
From the summit, descend the steep, well-trodden path towards the cross on the nearby ridge. It then drops down towards Dénia to a sealed road that snakes for a couple of kilometres on the mountainside. It then narrows down and passes the Cova del Camel before returning to the car park. VIEW MAP
Peñon de Ifach
Distance: 5.5km
Time: 2hr 30min
Total ascent: 350m
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
In the coastal town of Calpe, the rocky outcrop draws the eye from almost anywhere. It is only a 3-4 km trail in the natural park, but don’t expect it to be a walk in a park. A sealed path climbs steadily to a tunnel, but then a rough path traverses the mountainside with some dizzying views over the sea and coastline. You can make your way to a viewpoint, and you can also scramble up to the top to be greeted with a jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama. VIEW MAP
Puig Campana
Distance: 15.5km
Time: 5hr 30min
Total ascent: 1225m
Difficulty: Medium/Demanding
Without doubt, the second highest mountain in the Alicante province dominates the views from the coast. The well- trodden, PR-CV 289 signposted trail encircles the mountain with changing views of rugged mountains and coastline. Follow this well-trodden PR-CV 289 path from the outskirts of Finestrat, and just after Coll del Pouet, take the path signposted to the summit. Be prepared to climb on rough terrain for over an hour to reach the summit. All your efforts will be generously rewarded with an incredible panorama. From the summit, you will have to retrace your steps to pick up the PR-CV289 trail that will take you to the other side of the mountain before arriving back at Finestrat. VIEW MAP
Xanchet circuit
Distance: 13km
Time: 4hr
Total ascent: 835m
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
This pleasant circuit enables you to admire the highest mountains in the area without actually climbing them. Starting from a small, somehow remote car park near Polop, you first you follow a broad track. But soon enough, you will find yourself navigating narrow paths with ever-changing views. The scenery is dominated by the nearby peaks such as Puig Campana and Monte Ponoig, but as the route turns inland, there are also views towards captivating rugged rock ridges. Before long, the narrow path drops down to a track that leads you back to the car park. VIEW MAP
Of course there are countless other options for hiking in the mountains of the Costa Blanca.
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