Alicante hiking trails - Best hikes in Valencian Community Spain - Costa Blanca Hikes

Written by: Sini Hietaharju, Master of Tourism Research & Slow Traveller

best-hikes-in-costa-blanca-spain

The best thing about Costa Blanca in my opinion is its versatile nature ad opportunities. You have the beach, cities, iddylic towns, but also many mountains and forests. And there are als multiple waterfalls!


Here I'll list all awesome hikes in Costa Blanca in one place. Discover these stunning views and beautiful nature in Valencian Community.

Top hikes in Costa Blanca

To choose your level, or simply the mood for this weekend' hike, the trails are sorted by difficulty.


Let's start with easy walks, continuing to moderate hikes and at the end the most rewarding, difficult ones.

Easy hikes in Costa Blanca

You might think:


'I'm not much of a mountaineer, but more of a sunday walker, but some great views would be nice.'


I've got you covered, let's start with the easy hikes in Valencian community. They are more like walks, rather than hikes but they also offer nice views and time spent outdoors.

Albir Lighthouse Trail

albir-lighthouse-hike

Distance & Duration: ~5 km (round trip), 1.5–2 hours


Difficulty: Easy


Highlights

The Albir Lighthouse trail is a relaxing coastal walk in the Sierra Helada Natural Park, perfect for all levels.


This paved path winds through stunning Mediterranean scenery, offering sweeping views of the sea and rugged cliffs.


Along the way, you’ll find informative signs about local flora, fauna, and geology, making it an enriching experience for nature lovers.


The trail culminates at the historic Albir Lighthouse, where you can soak in panoramic views and learn about its maritime history at the small visitor center nearby.


How to Get There


By Car: Drive to the entrance of Sierra Helada Natural Park in Albir. Parking is available near the trailhead, though spaces can fill quickly.


By Public Transport: From nearby towns like Benidorm, buses to Albir are available. From Albir center, it’s a short walk to the park entrance.


Tips

  • Start early or late in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.


  • Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the spectacular views.


  • Wear comfortable walking shoes (easy to walk though as it's a paved street)


Location on map

Far de l'Albir

Sender del Penya Trail

Distance & Duration: ~3 km (round trip), 1–1.5 hours


Difficulty: Easy


Highlights:


The Sender del Penya trail is a short yet scenic route near Benidorm, making it ideal for families and casual hikers.


This trail offers a delightful mix of coastal views from above and lush greenery as it winds gently through the natural landscape.


Along the way, you’ll encounter unique rock formations and Mediterranean vegetation, making it a great spot for nature photography. The route leads to a charming viewpoint where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the coastline and the sparkling sea below.


How to Get There


By Car: Drive to the designated parking area near the trailhead in the town of Albir, which is just a short distance from Benidorm. Follow signs to the start of the trail.


By Public Transport: From Benidorm, take a bus to Albir, and from there, a short walk or taxi ride will get you to the trailhead.


Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, even though the hike is short.


  • Mornings or evenings are the best times for cooler weather and fewer people.


  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially birds that frequent this area.


Location on map:

Sender dels penya-segats de la Serra Gelada

Moderate level hikes in Valencian Community

These are for you if you want a little bit challenge, and as a reward, a bit more exciting views.

Peñón de Ifach in Calpe

Distance & Duration: ~5 km, 2-3 hours


Difficulty: Moderate (but manageable for beginners with a sense of adventure)



Highlights:
The iconic Peñón de Ifach offers an accessible introduction to Costa Blanca’s dramatic landscapes.


Starting with a paved path, it transitions into a slightly more rugged trail leading to the summit.


The views from the top—spanning the coastline and beyond—are simply unmatched.



Tips:Wear sturdy footwear, as the final stretch involves light scrambling.


Perfect for sunrise or sunset hikes when the light paints the landscape in golden hues.


How to Get There:


By Car: Peñón de Ifach Natural Park is easily accessible from Calpe town. Parking is available near the entrance.


By Public Transport: From Alicante or Valencia, take a train or bus to Calpe. The park is a short taxi or local bus ride from the station.


Location on Map:

Penyon de Ifach

Challenging hikes in Valencian Community

These are for you if you want to actually feel your heartrate rise and feel like you've done some sports after the camino.

Puig Campana Trail

Distance & Duration: ~16 km, 5-6 hours


Difficulty: Challenging


Highlights:
If you’re up for a test of endurance, Puig Campana is the trail for you.

This towering peak, one of the highest in Costa Blanca, demands effort but rewards you with spectacular panoramic views of the region. The beginning is easy to walk, towarss the end there are steep inclines towards the top. I mean you can see how small even Benidorm skyscapers looks from the top.


How to Get There:


By Car: Head to the town of Finestrat, located around 12 km from Benidorm. Parking is available at the Font del Molí, a popular starting point for the trail.


By Public Transport:

From Alicante or Benidorm, take a bus to Finestrat. From there, a short taxi ride/walk will get you to the trailhead.

Tips:Start early to avoid the midday sun.
Carry plenty of water and energy-boosting snacks.
Sturdy boots and hiking poles are highly recommended.


Location on Map:

Puig Campana

Why Costa Blanca is Perfect for Hiking

  • Perfect Weather Year-Round: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Costa Blanca offers mild winters and sunny spring days, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. You’ll rarely have to cancel a hike because of rain here!
  • Diverse Landscapes: From dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking turquoise waters to pine-covered mountains and picturesque valleys, Costa Blanca’s trails fit every kind of explorer. It’s not uncommon to start your day hiking in the hills and finish it with a dip in the sea.
  • Rich History & Culture: Hiking here isn’t just about nature. Along the way, you’ll stumble upon ancient ruins, centuries-old dry-stone walls, and quaint villages where time seems to stand still. It’s like stepping into a storybook.
  • Accessibility: Whether you’re flying into Alicante or Valencia, Costa Blanca’s trails are just a short drive away. Many of them are well-marked and maintained, so you can explore confidently, even if you’re new to the area.

WRITTEN BY

Hey there, I'm the Author

I'm Sini, an enthusiast in slow traveling, yoga retreats, travel as self growth journey and rubbing dogs.

This is your go-to slow travel corner of the internet.

I'm here to share my best travel tips, digital nomad thoughts and photographs from the journeys.

I happen to be kind of a professional in this as well, as I have my Master's degree within Tourism Research and both my master's and bachelor's thesis are about yoga travel. I'm also RYT-500 certified Yoga Teacher.

I want to share the best knowledge of hidden gem retreat and mindful destinations, as well as some deeper, honest thoughts what digital nomad lifestyle actually is.

You can read more about me here.

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