Alicante Hiking Trails: Coastal Walks, Barranc de l’Infern, and More

Alicante stands out as a province in Spain with striking natural settings, making it a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The region offers an array of hiking routes that appeal to walkers of all levels, and even January conditions can feel inviting for a weekend excursion. Below are several exceptional trails in Alicante that showcase the coastline, mountains, and charming towns, inviting travelers to lace up and explore the local scenery.

The Benissa Ecological Walk is a route of great scenic beauty.

1.- Ecological tour of Benissa, a route between cliffs and magnificent bays

This coastal path begins at the Les Bassetes yacht club and meanders along coves, weaving among rocky outcrops. It offers multiple access points along the way, so hikers can tailor the loop to their energy and time. The terrain stays manageable, and segments can be added or skipped to suit the day.

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This route rewards with expansive views of the Mediterranean from a gentle path that is easy to traverse, suitable for families. The total distance runs about 2.5 kilometers, allowing most pace profiles to complete the stroll in one to one and a half hours depending on breaks. Informational panels along the route share insights into regional flora and fauna, enriching the experience with natural history.

Shaded areas, benches, and tables are positioned at various points for rest stops and picnics, making the walk comfortable for a mid-journey pause.

The walking route through the Cathedral Barranc de l’Infern

Marina Alta hosts several natural sites ideal for fresh air, mountain activities of various intensities, or simply admiring the dramatic landscapes. Barranc de l’Infern, nestled in the Laguar Valley, is one standout location famed for its panoramic views and dramatic slopes. It is a natural wonder carved by the Girona river, drawing hikers and climbers who cherish its striking geology and archaeological features. The area has become a renowned destination for those who seek a profound connection with the land while marveling at the sheer scale of the ravine.

The route is known for its challenging stretches, including over 6,800 stone steps of Moorish origin, which merit a steady pace and careful footing. The scenery includes a monumental natural vault formed where erosion reveals the depth of the ravine, inviting visitors to pause and take in the vast surroundings after crossing the canyon.

2.- Walking route through the Cathedral Barranc de l’Infern

The difficulty of this circular route can vary by season and weather, but it remains a favorite for those who want a substantial day hike. The journey typically requires several hours to complete; segments are interspersed with easier portions to help balance fatigue and reward—scenic horizons punctuate the ascent and descent, offering breathtaking viewpoints at key overlooks.

The most emblematic place in the region features a high mountain pass between deep wells, rocks, and cliffs. At the canyon’s exit, erosion has carved a vast natural vault that looms over the landscape. Adventurers who make it to the bridge during this period are treated to an unforgettable panorama.

The route known as the “Cathedral of Walking” attracts many hikers and climbers who seek a blend of nature, challenge, and awe, with the opportunity to rest and reflect along the way.

3.- The Road to Albir Lighthouse

This is among the province’s most spectacular and approachable routes, combining sea views with mountain scenery on a relaxed walk from the Serra Gelada cliffs to the Albir Lighthouse. The trail begins near Albir Beach, just beyond the Paseo de las Estrellas where plaques honor local actors and directors recognized at the town’s festival. The path continues behind the municipal tourism office toward the lighthouse, offering a balanced experience of coast and geology.

Along the way, visitors can observe the coast’s dramatic blend of sea spray and cliff faces, then descend toward the lighthouse area to complete the loop, with several resting points to savor the view and the breeze.

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On the ascent, hikers may encounter a cabin where two routes diverge: one is a more demanding ascent across rugged mountain ranges, while the other follows a paved path previously used as an approach to the lighthouse. The choice depends on preferred pace and scenery—both offer memorable alpine and coastal vistas reinforced by a winding route through pine forests and scenic overlooks.

In the Serra Gelada Nature Park, the road to Albir Lighthouse threads through a pine-dominated landscape, with plant species such as Aleppo pine and carob trees framing views of Altea’s coastline. A tunnel marks the midway point, after which benches invite rest and contemplation of the horizon. Further on, the journey uncovers Ochre Mines, a reddish clay site once used for pigments by ancient civilizations, with Cala de la Mina nearby for a scenic stop.

Continuing along the path reveals a rocky entrance to a cave reached via a brushy trail known as Boca de la Balena. Near the destination, high elevations offer sweeping vistas. The lighthouse itself, restored and transformed into a museum, explains its historical function. The tower, historically called Bombarda, is one of several coastal defensive towers built to deter looting by Barbary pirates.

This route is a remarkable excursion that embodies the essence of the Costa Blanca and its limestone cliffs, balanced by lush pine forests and sea views that never disappoint.

This is Peñón de Ifach Natural Park, a symbol of the Costa Blanca.

4. The route through Peñón de Ifach

Peñón de Ifach stands as one of the province’s most recognizable rock formations. The 332-meter calcareous mass rises in Marina Alta, occupying 45 hectares within Penyal d’Ifac Natural Park. The ascent offers a challenging yet attainable experience for climbers and hikers alike, with a marked course that guides visitors through rock and coastal terrain.

The route spans approximately 2 kilometers round-trip, with an estimated duration of about 1 hour and 45 minutes. For those who hike at a steady pace, the climb could extend to around two and a half hours. The terrain is uneven, featuring sections of higher difficulty, especially past the tunnel and near the geodesic summit, where a steeper incline tests stamina.

The path layers through a diverse landscape, from difficult rocky sections to easier stretches, rewarding climbers with panoramic sea and mountain views. Rainy or foggy days should be avoided for safety, but spring and autumn bring flowers and seabirds in bloom along the route.

Nearby, Banyeres de Mariola Castle anchors the cultural heritage of the region, a reminder of the area’s long history and industrial roots that shaped local communities.

5.- Banyeres mills route

Banyeres de Mariola sits high in the interior, within the Sierra Mariola Natural Park, and is part of the l’Alcoià region. The area preserves a rich cultural and natural heritage tied to the Vinalopó River crossing, where aromatic and medicinal plants thrive amid fountains and old paper mills. The Molins route offers a window into Banyeres’ industrial past, guiding visitors through the town’s emblematic paper mills and the surrounding landscapes.

The cultural landscape fuses industrial history with natural beauty, inviting walkers to explore various paths and discover the striking scenery that continues to surprise visitors. The Molins route makes it possible to encounter Molí l’Ombria, where several trails originate, including the Ruta dels Molins and the Ruta dels Miradors.

These natural and historical settings provide ample opportunities to connect with nature, taking time to follow different tracks and witness landscapes that feel timeless. The countryside invites contemplation, ideal for those who want to combine hiking with cultural discovery and the calm of rural life.