Alicante Hiking Trails and Scenic Walks for December

Alicante’s Best Hiking Trails and Scenic Walks for December

Alicante stands out among Spain’s provinces for its outstanding natural landscapes. It is no surprise that some of the finest hiking routes are right here in this region. The autumn and spring weather is ideal for exploring these trails, which wind through forests and caves. Planning a walk for the December break? Here is a guide to the best hiking trails in Alicante.

The Benissa Ecological Walk is renowned for its striking scenery.

The coastal path begins at the Les Basettes yacht club and winds along several coves, skirting the rocks. It offers multiple entry points along the route, so visitors can segment the walk as they wish.

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This route delivers magnificent Mediterranean views. It is easy to follow, making it suitable for families with children. The total track runs about 2.5 kilometers with gentle steps, so depending on pauses and pace, it can take one to one and a half hours. The entire path is lined with information panels about local flora and fauna.

There are shaded seating areas and benches along the route, perfect for a midwalk snack or a relaxed break in a scenic spot.

The Cathedral Barranc de l’Infern walk in Marina Alta offers a chance to breathe fresh air and enjoy the region’s rugged beauty. The Barranc de L’Infern in Laguar Valley is a highlight with high geological and archaeological interest. It’s a favorite among hikers and climbers for the panoramic views and dramatic slopes that hint at the earth’s ancient depths.

The route is demanding and takes roughly four to five hours. It is a circular path that surrounds the ravine and is known as the Cathedral of Walking due to more than 6,800 stone steps of Moorish origin. Pace yourself and enjoy the views along the ascent.

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The area features a dramatic mountain pass bordered by deep wells and cliffs. At the canyon’s exit, the river has carved a vast natural vault. Are you ready to see it on the December bridge visit?

The route to Albir Lighthouse is a straightforward and spectacular option. It combines sea and mountain scenery with a leisurely stroll along the Serra Gelada cliffs toward the lighthouse. The path starts near Albir Beach and ends at the lighthouse behind the town’s tourism office in Alfaz del Pi.

The trail offers views across Altea Bay, presenting a striking clash of coast and mountains. Benches and lookout points along tunnels provide places to rest and take in the vistas.

Along the way, visitors can glimpse the Ocher Mines, a reddish clay once used by ancient civilizations. Nearby lies Cala de la Mina, a small cove worth a pause.

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A pair of routes along the way are marked, one more challenging through the mountain ranges and another along a paved road formerly used to access the lighthouse.

The road to Albir Lighthouse runs through a pine forest with a diversity of vegetation such as Aleppo pines, carob trees, and honeysuckle. From certain angles, the coast and the bay of Altea reveal themselves in full. Benches along the way invite rest and quiet contemplation as the trek continues.

Beyond the treeline, visitors can explore the Ochre Mines, an example of reddish clay used for pigments in ancient times. Cala de la Mina is a nearby cove that adds to the day’s discoveries.

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Continuing along the route, a rock formation marks the entrance to a cave accessible by a path through brush. The high-altitude view is rewarding. Inside the restored lighthouse, now a museum, visitors gain insight into its history and function. The tower, known as the Bombarda, is one of several coastal defense towers built to protect towns from raids by pirates.

Peñón de Ifach Natural Park stands as a Costa Blanca symbol. Ifach Rock is a towering calcareous mass reaching 332 meters, located in Marina Alta and covering 45 hectares within Penyal d’Ifac Natural Park. This rock is a magnet for climbers and a landmark in the region. Some routes here are demanding, but the views from the marked course reward steady effort. The two-kilometer round trip often takes about one hour and forty-five minutes, with longer times for slower speeds.

The itinerary includes rough sections and a steep climb, with about 291 meters of cumulative elevation. Some parts are easy, while the final ascent from the tunnel to the geodesic peak tests endurance. The climb is best attempted in dry conditions to avoid slick surfaces, and the spring and fall offer flowers and seabirds along the way.

Banyeres de Mariola marks another high point with its position inside the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park. This inland town hosts a rich cultural and natural heritage tied to the Vinalopó River crossing. Aromatic and medicinal plants line the routes, with fountains and old paper mills adding historical texture. The Molins route lets visitors explore three emblematic paper mills in town and connect with the local industrial past. The natural landscape invites deeper exploration through trails that reveal striking scenery and hidden corners. Among the popular start points is Molí l’Ombria, from which several trails depart, including Ruta dels Molins and Ruta dels Miradors.