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The region offers plenty of spectacular hiking trails, from dramatic coastal walks to challenging mountain climbs that reward you with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
I’ve put together this guide to the best Costa Blanca hikes, covering everything from family-friendly coastal paths to serious mountain adventures. Whether you’re staying in Benidorm, Calpe, or anywhere along this beautiful coastline, these trails will show you a completely different side of the region that most tourists never see.
Serra Gelada Natural Park
The Serra Gelada Natural Park, stretching between Benidorm and Altea, offers some of the most spectacular coastal hiking on the Costa Blanca. The park protects dramatic limestone cliffs that plunge straight into the Mediterranean, creating absolutely stunning scenery.
Serra Gelada summit hike
- Distance: 8km return
- Duration: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Elevation gain: 400 metres
For those wanting a more challenging adventure, the hike to the highest point of Serra Gelada offers some of the best panoramic views on the entire Costa Blanca.
The trail starts from the same point as the lighthouse walk but branches off inland, climbing steadily through scrubland and rocky terrain. The final section involves some scrambling over rocks, so proper hiking boots are essential. From the summit, you’ll have 360-degree views taking in Benidorm’s skyline, the entire coastline, and the mountains inland. It’s particularly spectacular at sunrise or sunset, though you’ll need to plan your timing carefully to avoid hiking in the dark.
Benidorm to Albir lighthouse walk
This is one of my favourite coastal hikes in the area – it’s accessible for most fitness levels but rewards you with incredible views throughout the entire route.
- Key Details:
- Distance: 5.5km one way
- Duration: 2-3 hours return
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat
Starting from the end of Benidorm’s Levante Beach, the well-marked trail takes you along the clifftops with constant sea views. You’ll pass through pine forests and Mediterranean scrubland, with plenty of spots to stop and take photos of the dramatic coastline below.
The lighthouse at Albir marks the end of the walk, where you can enjoy a well-deserved break before either walking back or catching the bus from Albir back to Benidorm. The views from the lighthouse are absolutely spectacular – on clear days you can see all the way to Ibiza! Just remember to bring plenty of water, especially in summer, as there’s very little shade along parts of the route.
Peñón de Ifach, Calpe
- Distance: 2.5km return
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Opening hours: 8am-6pm (winter), 8am-8pm (summer)
- Cost: Free, but you need to register online to hike (which is free)
The iconic Peñón de Ifach is probably the most famous hike on the Costa Blanca, and for good reason. This massive limestone rock formation rises 332 metres straight out of the sea and has become the symbol of the Costa Blanca. To hike Calpe rock, you must register online to hike.
The hike starts at the visitor centre in Calpe, where you’ll need to sign in and get a brief safety talk. The first section is relatively easy, following a well-maintained path through Mediterranean vegetation with information boards explaining the local flora and fauna.
About halfway up, you’ll reach a tunnel blasted through the rock – this is where things get more interesting! Beyond the tunnel, the path becomes much more challenging, with some sections requiring you to use your hands to scramble over rocks.
The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking – there’s a reason its one of the famous Calpe viewpoints. You’ll see the entire coastline stretching from Valencia to Alicante, with the salt lakes of Calpe shimmering below and the Mediterranean stretching to the horizon. I’d strongly recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
The path can get very busy, especially in summer, and there are restrictions on the number of people allowed on the upper sections at any one time.
Montgó Natural Park
- Distance: 8km return
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Elevation gain: 750 metres
The Montgó mountain dominates the landscape between Denia and Javea, and hiking to its summit is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have on the Costa Blanca. You can hike to the top of the mountain, to the cross of Xabia, or even the Montgo ‘eye’.
There are many trails you can take – all which shouldn’t be underestimated, but the views from the top are absolutely incredible. There’s a choice of starting trails – one starting near Jesús Pobre, in Denia, in Javea Old Town, or even further up at a parking lot marking the start of the PR-CV 355 trail.
Cross of Xábia
The route runs along the PR-CV 355 trail, reaching near the top where you’ll see the cross of Xabia. The trail is easy to follow as its marked throughout.
Its rockier towards the top, where it is necessary to scramble some rocks to proceed. Its only recommended to go along this route when the weather is good so the rocks remain dry – do not go if there’s any chance of rain or high winds.
Montgo Eye (Cueva del Montgó)
This trail is only recommended for experienced hikers as it is very steep, and requires scrambling. This is a linear route begins at the parking lot of the PR-CV 355 trail. The path starts along a wooded path and then without shade to the eye of the Montgó.
Cova Tallada coastal walk
- Distance: 3km each way
- Duration: 2-3 hours return
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This coastal walk in Javea takes you to one of the most spectacular sea caves on the Costa Blanca.
Starting from the car park near Cabo de San Antonio, this relatively easy walk follows the coastline to the famous Cova Tallada, a massive sea cave that’s been carved out by centuries of wave action.
The cave itself is absolutely stunning – you can walk right inside and see the incredible rock formations created by the sea. It’s also a popular spot for swimming if you fancy a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Be aware that access is restricted during the summer months (June-September) to protect the environment, so you’ll need to book a permit in advance through the local council website.
Sierra de Bernia ridge walk
- Distance: 12km linear walk
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Sierra de Bernia offers one of the most incredible bridge walks on the Costa Blanca, with dramatic views in all directions and the famous Bernia tunnel as a highlight. Its one of my favourite hikes on the list!
There are many routes to take, including the route taking you to the Font del Runar to see the Runar Houses, as well as the tunnels opening up to an incredible viewpoint. If you want to walk the entire ridge, it will take around 8 hours and will be a challenging hike.
There are guided group hikes available, taking you across the ridge, seeing the forts, the amazing viewpoints, and the famous Forat de Bernia tunnel.
One of the routes below will take you across the entire length of the Bernia ridge starting at the Cases del Runar parking lot and continues towards the summit of Bernia, returning through the Pla del Fort and the Font del Runar.
A highlight of the hike is definitely the tunnel, a 30-metre tunnel carved through the rock in the 16th century to provide access between the two sides of the mountain, opening up to the most beautiful views of Altea and Benidorm in the distance.
The path can be quite exposed in places, so it’s not recommended in strong winds or bad weather. Proper hiking boots are essential as some sections involve walking on loose rock.
Cap d’Or, Moraira
- Distance: 6km circular
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Cap d’Or peninsula near Moraira offers some lovely coastal walking with spectacular sea views and the chance to explore hidden coves. This circular walk takes you around the entire Cap d’Or peninsula, combining coastal paths with some inland sections through pine forests.
Starting from the small car park near the lighthouse, the path initially follows the clifftops with stunning views across to the Calpe Rock in the distance.
The inland section takes you through beautiful pine forests with glimpses of traditional Spanish fincas and terraced hillsides. The contrast between the dramatic coastline and the peaceful inland countryside makes this a really varied and interesting walk.
There are several spots along the route where you can stop for a picnic, and the tower at the end makes for a perfect place to rest and enjoy the views before heading back.
Practical tips for Costa Blanca hiking
Best time to hike
The Costa Blanca enjoys fantastic hiking weather for most of the year, but timing is important:
- Spring (March-May): Perfect temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, less crowded trails
- Autumn (September-November): Warm but not too hot, clear skies, ideal conditions
- Winter (December-February): Mild temperatures, perfect for longer hikes, occasional rain
- Summer (June-August): Very hot, start early (6-7am) or go in the late afternoon when its cooler
Essential equipment
For most Costa Blanca hikes, you’ll need:
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need!)
- Sun hat and high-factor sun cream
- Light layers for changing conditions
- Mobile phone with offline maps downloaded
- First aid kit for longer hikes
Safety considerations
- Always tell someone your planned route and expected return time
- Check weather conditions before setting out – I recommend only going when the weather is good
- Many trails have limited mobile phone coverage
- Some paths can be slippery after rain which will make it far more dangerous
Navigation and maps
Most of the popular trails are well-marked, but I’d recommend downloading offline maps to your phone before setting out. The Alltrails or Wikiloc apps are particularly good for finding detailed route descriptions and GPS tracks for Costa Blanca hikes.
The Costa Blanca’s hiking trails offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Spain, from dramatic coastal cliffs to peaceful mountain summits. Just remember to respect the environment, stay on marked paths, and always prioritise safety over summit photos!
