Take the Costa Blanca you think you know and turn it 90 degrees. The trails here run up, not along the shore, through terrain that most visitors to this coast never see. Sea cliffs soaring above Benidorm. A limestone mountain with a tunnel straight through it. Snow wells built by the Moors at altitude. Wild karst looking down over the Guadalest valley. A traditional Valencian tea garden to close the week. Transfers, comfortable hotels in Altea and Elche, and daily breakfasts included. Winter hiking has never looked this good.
After arriving at Alicante Airport, we transfer directly to Benitatxell to kick off the tour. Our opening hike follows a scenic path along the cliffs of Marina Alta, passing stone shelters once used by traditional cliff-fishermen, with constant views of deep blue water and hidden coves below. By evening, we transfer to our base in Altea.
Accommodation: Hotel Tossal d’Altea, Altea
Hiking: 5.0 mi (8 km)
Elevation: +820 ft (+250 m)
We transfer to Benidorm and tackle the demanding ridge line of Serra Gelada Natural Park. The trail climbs steadily across steep steps along some of the highest sea cliffs on the Iberian Peninsula, rewarding every upward step with an open Mediterranean horizon and a bird’s-eye view of the coastal cities stretching below.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Tossal d’Altea, Altea
Hiking: 8.7 mi (14 km)
Elevation: +2,296 ft (+700 m)
A short transfer to Casas de Bernia opens one of the most distinctive loops in the region. We climb the northern slopes of the Bernia massif to the Forat, a natural limestone tunnel cutting straight through the mountain. A brief crawl brings us out onto a sunny southern balcony with sweeping views over the bay, before the return path winds past the ruins of a 16th-century royal fortress.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Tossal d’Altea, Altea
Hiking: 6.2 mi (10 km)
Elevation: +1,312 ft (+400 m)
Leaving Benimantell, we climb into the Sierra de Aitana, the highest mountain range in the province. The landscape is shaped by striking geology, including the Simas de Partagat, deep natural fractures splitting the limestone cliffs. We pass traditional snow wells and high-altitude flora, with panoramic inland views stretching far beyond the coast.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Tossal d’Altea, Altea
Hiking: 6.8 mi (11 km)
Elevation: +1,805 ft (+550 m)
Starting from the remote village of Famorca, we climb the steep slopes of Mallada de Llop through wild karst terrain until the path opens onto a spectacular rocky amphitheater with views over the Guadalest valley. After descending, we transfer south to the historic city of Elche to check in to our next hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Huerto del Cura, Elche
Hiking: 7.8 mi (12.5 km)
Elevation: +2,460 ft (+750 m)
Our final hiking day brings a well-earned change of pace. Starting near Villajoyosa, we follow a relaxed coastal path past quiet beaches, native Mediterranean pine groves, and ancient coastal watchtowers. In the evening, we visit the gardens of the Carmen del Campillo tea house, a tranquil Valencian retreat of traditional courtyards and fountains.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Huerto del Cura, Elche
Hiking: 6.2 mi (10 km)
Elevation: +820 ft (+250 m)
It’s time for departure. We enjoy breakfast at our hotel in Elche before a final transfer back to Alicante or the airport for the journey back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
This Costa Blanca hiking tour is designed for regular hikers with good fitness. The days vary considerably in difficulty: the easier coastal walks cover around 8–10 km (5.0–6.2 mi) with minimal elevation, while the most demanding days in the Serra Gelada and Mallada de Llop push up to 14 km (8.7 mi) and 750 m (2,460 ft) of elevation gain.
If you hike regularly and are comfortable spending a full day on the trail, you’re well-prepared. The mild winter conditions make the terrain far more forgiving than it would be in summer.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more walking and hiking holidays in Spain here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing
A Costa Blanca hiking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Costa Blanca hiking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of your Costa Blanca hiking tour is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC).
A direct transfer from the airport to Benitatxell on Day 1 is included. On the final day, a transfer back to the airport is included.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.