Best hiking trails in Altea Alicante

The year 2020 it turns out is the year of the Coronavirus! I am now, more or less, stuck in my apartment and in Altea. But given the mountains and National Parks around me, as well as the sunny days, I guess, there are worse places to be stuck in. So, putting all my travels on hold for now and avoiding people and crowds, I have plenty of other activities I can do. Hiking! There is no lack of hiking trails and plenty to choose from. I haven’t explored them all yet, but until then, these are some of the best hiking trails in Altea. (Part 1)…

… well, part 2 hasn’t arrived yet. The coronavirus turned the world up side down and there was no more hiking in Spain. A full on lockdown followed…

Luckily I managed to go to Lisbon, Madrid and Ronda, as well as ski in Sierra Nevada already this year. Ironically, the same months Italy shut their borders this month, I was there, exactly one year ago, March 2019!

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Sierra Gelada (Helada) National Park

Sitting between Altea Albir and Benidorm, the Sierra Gelada (or Helada) National Park is my weekly go to place. Whether it is cycling or walking the paved path to the light house, or hike up to the Sierra Gelada viewing point, I am here quite a lot. I love this spot.

Given it’s touristy location, it can get quite busy. That said, the hike to the Sierra Gelada peak, (just turn righ at the park entry and follow the yellow/white marking to the ‘Alto del Gobernador’), is an easy 1 hour hike (return), with much less people. And the views are stunning, overlooking Benidorm and the ocean, no matter the weather.

The other side of Sierra Gelada – ‘Mirador de la Cruz’

Sierra de Bernia

Sierra de Bernia is a mountain range behind Altea de Vieja. In comparison to the Sierra Gelada National Park, this trail is a little bit longer, although not really steeper.

The official route is the PR-CV 7 Bernia. You can park near the ‘Front del Garroferet’ and just follow the signage. This path will lead you to the top of Font de la Barca (approx. 5.4km and 650m peak)). It is a steep but a pleasant, easy to moderate hike.

From the top, the hiking trails split into Font del Runar and Fort de Bernia (approx 800m peak), an old fortress. The views from there are great, although when I was there, the sky turned quite dark. I haven’t explored all of the hiking trails yet, but I will soon. I want to go back and find the old natural tunnel, leading from the south to the north side of the Sierra de Bernia mountain range, (apparently an old goat route). So stay tuned!

(P.S. you can actually drive a narrow and steep road up to the base of the Fort de Bernia (Casas del Runar). Once you parked the car, from there it is only an easy, 1.3 km long and 150m steep, hike).

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Penyal d’Ifac National Park

Although there are plenty of hiking trails in Altea, the Natural Park of Penyal d’Ifac is definitely the most unique one. With only 330m in altitude, it is not a very high rock, but given how vertical it is, it seems unreachable.

I have visited this rock in Calpe and the Penyal d’Ifac National Park early December already, during my first week in Altea. But I only walked along the beach side. I wanted to hike this rock for a while now, however, Calpe is a windy spot so I waited until it was the perfect day.

Then, the day came last week. It was a Sunday! Which meant lots and lots of people. Not really ideal during the current Coronavirus state. And, after realising that I would be stuck behind others for most of the hike, I turned around. My second attempt, during the week, was much better. There was hardly anybody around. Perfect!

The Hike

The hike itself is quite challenging and great fitness levels are required. That said, it depends how high you want to go. Most of the people seem to go up to the tunnel, which is an easy paved walk, and back again. Once you pass the tunnel, the trails gets a little bit rockier. For an easy hike follow the path to the left, towards the ‘Mirador de Carabiners’ viewing point. The views over Calpe are great!

If you want to go to the top, follow the ‘Cim d’Ifac’ sign. For this trail you need a steady foot and a good usage of your hands. Especially towards the end of the trail near the peak. (Last time I had to climb up rocks like this, was Mt. Olympus almost two years ago). So, even on this hike, there are plenty of rocks to conquer and most are quite slippery (and there are plenty of chains you can hold on to). Once you are on top, the views certainly are breathtaking. Don’t be surprised if you have to share the spot with all the Seagulls. They love it up there. And so did I.

I was up and back in just over 2 hours. Going down is always a little bit slower as you really have to watch your step. So be careful!

Summary – Hiking trails in Altea

The Penyal d’Ifac rock is definitely worth the climb. It is one of the more challenging hiking trails in Altea, but also unique. There is more hiking to be done, so let’s see what I have to say after exploring more national parks and hiking trails in Altea.

Good to know! No matter what hike you do, whether it is the easy Sierra Gelada or the Sierra de Bernia National Park, make sure you wear closed-in shoes (hiking shoes recommended). And always take plenty of water. You will need it. Enjoy hiking!

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