Reprinted
Walking on the Costa Blanca
50 mountain walks and scrambles
Walking on the Costa Blanca
50 mountain walks and scrambles
50 circular walks and scrambles that explore the Costa Blanca mountains, around the resorts of Alicante, Benidorm and Calp, a popular European winter sun adventure destination. From 1500m peaks and knife edge ridges to deep gorges, the walks range from gentle strolls to demanding days with steep climbs, and from 3 to 20km in distance.Behind Spain's most popular holiday coast lies a dramatic landscape of limestone peaks, knife-edge ridges, and deep gorges that most visitors never see. The Costa Blanca mountains around Alicante, Benidorm, and Calp are one of Europe's finest winter sun walking destinations, with 1500m summits, wildflowers, and T-shirt conditions under blue skies from late autumn through to early spring.
This Cicerone guidebook by author Terry Fletcher, who has walked and climbed in the Costa Blanca mountains for more than 30 years, describes 50 circular walks and scrambles ranging from 3 to 20km (2 to 12 miles) and taking 2 to 7 hours. It combines detailed route descriptions with practical planning information to help walkers of all abilities explore these remarkable mountains with confidence.
- The 50 routes are graded and organised across five areas, from the north around Montgo and Serra Segaria to inland from Calp, inland from Benidorm, the Serrella, and Alcoi and the west, giving comprehensive coverage of the Costa Blanca mountains
- Scrambles are mainly Grade 1 but may be exposed and require a head for heights, whilst walking routes range from gentle strolls through mountain villages to demanding full-day summit ascents to suit all abilities
- Every walk is illustrated with 1:50,000 maps and supported by detailed information on planning, access, and parking, making it straightforward to reach each trailhead from the coastal resorts of Calp, Altea, and Benidorm
- Background information covers the geology, wildlife, plants, flowers, and history of the region, adding context to the limestone peaks, deep ravines, and plunging sea cliffs you encounter on the trail
- The Costa Blanca mountains are at their best from late autumn through winter and into early spring, making this the ideal guidebook for walkers seeking an escape from the British winter to blue skies and wildflowers
From the high summits of Aitana and Puig Campana to the jagged crests of the Serra Bernia, Cavall Verd, and the plunging sea cliffs of the Serra Gelada, this guidebook covers the full dramatic breadth of walking on the Costa Blanca. Explore Spain's most popular winter sun walking destination with confidence.
Walking on the Costa Blanca – Quick Facts
Region: Costa Blanca mountains, Alicante province, Spain
Location: Inland from the coastal resorts of Alicante, Benidorm, and Calp
Walk format: 50 circular walks and scrambles
Walk distances: 3 to 20km (2 to 12 miles) per walk
Walk duration: 2 to 7 hours per walk
Scramble grade: Mainly Grade 1; some exposed sections requiring a head for heights
Areas covered: The north (Montgo, Serra Segaria), inland from Calp (Serra Bernia, Serra Ferrer, Penon de Ifach, 10,000 Steps), inland from Benidorm (Aitana, Puig Campana, Serra Gelada), the Serrella, Alcoi and the west (Montcabrer)
Main centres: Calp, Altea, Benidorm, Xalo, Parcent, Pego, Sella, Finestrat, Castell de Castells, Guadalest
Key highlights: Aitana, Puig Campana, Serra Bernia, Cavall Verd, Montgo, Serra Gelada, Penon de Ifach, 10,000 Steps, Barranc de Malafi, Barranc del Cint, Montcabrer
Difficulty: Something for most abilities; some hillcraft and agility useful on rougher trails
Best season: Late autumn, winter, and early spring for wildflowers, clear skies, and cool walking conditions
Getting there: Fly to Alicante; good road connections to all walking areas
Maps: 1:50,000 maps included for every walk
Author Highlight
“It’s true that this was one of the first areas discovered by tourists during the package holiday boom of the 1960s and 70s, helping to make Benidorm Europe’s biggest holiday resort, but in recent years those who came in search of sun and sangria have been joined by a new kind of visitor not content to pack the bars and clubs into the small hours and sleep it off on the beach next day. First it was climbers who discovered the ‘sun rock’ potential of the inland crags and coast, but in recent years they have been joined by growing numbers of walkers and cyclists so that today rucksacks and bike bags increasingly jostle with the matching Samsonite and fake Louis Vuitton on the baggage carousels of Alicante.”
- Terry Fletcher, author of Walking on the Costa Blanca
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
ISBN
9781852847517
Availability
Published
Reprinted
17 Apr 2023
Published
4 Nov 2015
Edition
First
Pages
224
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.30cm
Weight
260g
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device. To access your eBook, you will need an eReader app. For more details, visit the eBook FAQs.
Map key
Overview map
Introduction
Geology
Wildlife
Plants and flowers
History
Getting there
Gettomg around
When to go
Where to stay
What to take
Water
Safety and insurance
Paths
Waymarking
Maps and language
Using this guide
The north
Walk 1 Traverse of Montgo
Walk 2 Tossal Grau
Walk 3 Serra Segaria
Walk 4 Fonts de Pedreguer
Walk 5 Castell d’Aixa
Walk 6 Tossal del Moro and the Serrillas
Walk 7 Castell de Granadella
Inland from Calp
Walk 8 Penon de Ifach
Walk 9 Serra de Olta
Walk 10 Circuit of the Serra Bernia
Walk 11 Bernia East Summit
Walk 12 Bernia West Summit
Walk 13 Serra Ferrer South Ridge
Walk 14 Serra Ferrer North Ridge
Walk 15 Cau Ridge
Walk 16 Alt de L'Ample
Walk 17 Carrascal de Parcent
Walk 18 Penya Talai (Rates)
Walk 19 Penyo Roig
Walk 20 Cavall Verd Ridge
Walk 21 Collado de Garga
Walk 22 10,000 Steps
Walk 23 Barranc de Racons or 5000 Steps
Walk 24 Almadic Ledge Circuit
Walk 25 Barranc de Malafi
Walk 26 Serra Forada
Inland from Benidorm
Walk 27 Serra Gelada
Walk 28 Head of the Algar Valley
Walk 29 Bolulla Castle
Walk 30 Bolulla Circuit/Raco Roig
Walk 31 Cim de Aixorta
Walk 32 Els Arcs
Walk 33 Embassament de Guadalest
Walk 34 Aitana
Walk 35 Penya Mulero
Walk 36 Alt de la Penya de Sella
Walk 37 Barranc de l’Arc and Barranc del Xarquer
Walk 38 Tour of Xanchet
Walk 39 Monte Ponoig
Puig Campana
Walk 40 Volta del Puig Campana
Walk 41 Coll del Pouet
Walk 42 Puig Campana Summit from the Coll del Pouet
The Serrella
Walk 43 Penya del Castellet
Walk 44 Mallada del Llop
Walk 45 Pla de la Casa
Walk 46 El Recingle Alt (Pic de Serrella)
Alcoi and the west
Walk 47 Cabeco d'Or
Walk 48 Penya Migjorn
Walk 49 Barranc del Cint
Walk 50 Montcabrer
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Valenciano–Spanish–English glossary
<span style="font-size:8.5pt;Times New Roman" ;"="">Appendix C Useful contacts
Seasons
The perfect escape from British snow and rain. The Costa Blanca Mountains are at their best during the late autumn, winter and early spring when they are covered in wildflowers and blossom and walkers enjoy T-shirt days under blue skies.
Centres
From the the bustling coastal resorts of Calp, Altea and Benidorm to charming mountain towns and village like Xalo (Jalon), Alcalali, Parcent, Pego, Sella, Finestrat, Castell de Castells and Guadalest.
Difficulty
There is something to suit most abilities except, perhaps absolute beginners. Waymarking sometimes leaves a little to be desired - though it is getting better - so a bit of hillcraft and a modicum of agility on the rougher trails will always come in handy.
Must See
Covers the limestone peaks and jagged ridges that stretch inland from Spain's most popular holiday coast. From the high summits of Aitana, the Puig Campana, Xanchet and Montgo to the spiky crests of the Serra Bernia, Ferrer and Caval Verd, and the deep ravines of the Barranc de Malafi and the Barranc del Cint as well as the plunging seacliffs of the Serra Gelada.
January 2026
Walk 15 Cau Ridge
Work has started on a major housing development close to the former school and walkers are being prevented by workmen from accessing the start of the ridge, making it very difficult to do the walk as a convenient circular walk.
January 2025
WALK 18 Penya Talai (Rates)
The upper section of the outward leg between the two farmhouses below the Col de Rates has been badly affected by wildfire, which has cleared much of the vegetation and some trees. This has left the path feeling more exposed and a little less stable. As a result some people may prefer to use the described return leg for both ascent and descent.
The same section of track is also used on Walk 14 Serra Ferrer North.
April 2024
Route 15 Cau Ridge
The path above the old Lady Elizabeth School was closed off with serious road building works in progress. Significant route maintenance is needed
The path above the old Lady Elizabeth School was closed off with serious road building works in progress. Significant route maintenance is needed
December 2023
Walk 8 Penon de Ifach
To control numbers visiting the summit the park authority has introduced a permit system, with threats of fines of up to €6000 for not having one. Permits, which are free, can be obtained on site from the information office using a smartphone, but require an ID document number (passport, driving licence etc). To avoid disappointment at busy periods permits can be downloaded in advance from http://parquesnaturales.gva.es
March 2022
Walk 23 Barrac de Racons (or 5000 Steps)
The path, never as popular as the neighbouring 10,000 Steps (Walk 22), has fallen into disuse and become harder to follow and more precarious.
March 2022
Author updates
Walk 28
Head of the Algar Valley
A fence has appeared on the final section of the walk where the route passes between the ruins of farm buildings onto terraces. Fortunately, it can be avoided by turning right for a few steps to access the terraces. Gates at the far end can also be avoided by turning uphill and scrambling down a banking.
Walk 36
Alt de la Penya de Sella
Fences and gates which appeared at the start of this walk now seem to be permanently locked. So from the parking area walk along the now unsurfaced road for about 500m to where it turns sharply uphill.
On a left hand bend look out of a small cairn with red, white and gold waymarkers. Turn onto the narrow path along a short terrace. At its end follow the narrow path through trees to reach the corner of a new fence, which is followed steeply uphill.
At the top follow the fenceline horizontally to a gate near the far end. Here turn left uphill on a narrow path to a higher terrace. You are now back on the original route making for the col above.
September 2021
Route 30
It is possible to drive to the col where the walk starts but if you do so please park considerately off the road.
February 2020
Walk 10 Serra de Bernia
The approach road has now been repaired and resurfaced.
February 2020
Walk 15 Cau Ridge
The Lady Elizabeth School has moved and is no longer signed from the Xalo road though a small 'Colegio Internacional' sign remains. Parking arrangements are unchanged.
February 2019
Route Updates and corrections
Walk 17 page 89: Carrascal de Parcent
A new path, marked with green and white flashes, has been opened on the descent from the ridge to the Coll de Rates. This avoids the long concrete road and is a blessing for tired knees.
Jan 2019
Walk 30: Bolulla Circuit
The rough dirt road from the suggested parking area has recently been concreted and it is now possible to drive all the way to the col where there is space for a a handful of cars. This creates a pure circular walk and knocks about 30 mins off the total time.
Walk 7: Castell de Granadella
The damage caused by the major fire has largely healed and in fact the loss of the scrub trees has opened up the views along the coast.
February 2017
Walk 10 Circuit of the Serra Bernia.
Distance quoted 14 kms
Actual distance 9.5 kms
This is a 'tricky' route and so the time of 4/5 hours should be considered sensible, although shorter times can be achieved.
January 2017
Walk 7 Castell de Granadella
In September 2016 arsonists set fire to the nature reserve, destroying more than 800ha (2000 acres) as well as some villas, leaving a hideous wasteland. Sadly this once-beautiful walk is now best avoided.
October 2016
Walk 8 Penon de Ifach
The gate that had been put up across the path above the tunnel, while repairs and improvements to the path were carried out, has now been removed and the path to the summit is now open.
December 2015
Walk 2 Tossal Grau
The upper slopes above the refuge have been affected by a fire and some of the signposts are now charred stumps. It is not clear when they will be replaced.
Walk 3 Serra Segaria
Descent from the picnic area. The steep path is becoming very overgrown (perhaps through lack of use because of the steepness) and many walkers currently prefer to follow the road down to the house with the large concrete water tank.
Walk 8 Penon de Ifach
The park authorities. have placed a gate across the path above the tunnel because of fears the paths were becoming dangerously polished. The gate is easily (and frequently) avoided but signposts on the upper section have been removed to further deter visits to the summit. If you do go beyond the gate take extra care on the paths (though nowhere on the upper path is as polished as the section through the tunnel immediately below the new gate).
Walk 16 Alt de l'Ample
The pole and power lines where the path leaves the PRV to Cases de Bernia have gone. All that remains is a sawn-off pole.
Walk 23 Baranc de Racons or 5000 Steps
Some readers have suggested this merits a grade of Moderate/Strenuous rather than merely Moderate.
Walk 30 Bolulla Circuit/Raco Roig
The red arrow marking the spot where the path leaves the initial approach road has been repalced with a new dark blue one.
Walk 44 Mallada del Llop
The clearest – and best – path from the 'flatter area' at the top of the cultivated terraces above Famorca now attacks the slope more directly. It climbs the slopes and then contours round the heads of barrancs to reach the main ridge by the cairn which makes the start of the descent into the Barranc de la Canal. This is now the recommended route.
Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.
Learn moreDiscover the Cicerone App
The Cicerone App brings decades of expertise straight to your phone, making it easier than ever to plan and enjoy your adventures wherever you are. For use with In-App guides — not compatible with eBooks.
Popular related guides
