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Whether you’re looking for panoramic sea views, beautiful canyons or historic routes, here is a selection of 6+5 must-visit trails on Costa Blanca. Get ready to explore the natural beauty 👟

ALBIR LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL

Length: 5km round-trip
Difficulty: easy
Starting point: main entrance to the Sierra Helada Natural Park

The Albir Lighthouse trail is a scenic route in the Sierra Helada Natural Park. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains ⛰️ As you follow the paved path, you’ll see the Bombarda Watchtower, a historical defense structure from the 18th century used against pirate attacks. The trail ends at the Albir Lighthouse, which now serves as an interpretation centre, where visitors can explore exhibits about the history of the lighthouse. Make sure to check the opening hours of the visitor centre beforehand.

Fun fact: The 18m tall lighthouse was built in 1863 to help guide ships along the rugged Costa Blanca coast. It stands 18m tall and its light can be seen up to 24 nautical miles (about 44 km) out to Sea 💡

CAÑÓN DEL MASCARAT (ALSO KNOWN AS BARRANCO DEL MASCARAT)

Length: <500m
Difficulty: easy
Starting point: Click here

Located between Calpe and Altea, this super short trail takes you through a stunning canyon. You’ll walk under the 3 bridges + a BIG rock, making it a beautiful little trail. A popular spot for climbing and bungee jumping.

Keep walking to the very end and you might find small waterfalls and pools forming inside the canyon. Prepare yourself for a magical scene – especially after heavy rains 🌧️

Fun fact: Legend has it that El Mascarat was a bandit who lurked in the Mascarat Pass, ambushing and stealing from the rich to give to the poor, true Robin Hood style 🏹

THE SIERRA DE OLTÁ TRAIL IN CALPE

Length: 10km (circular route)
Difficulty: moderate
Starting point: Área Recreativa de Oltà

Prepare yourself for panoramic view points + magical forests + mountain goats 🐐 + much more on this scenic circular route located near Calpe. 

Early on you’ll find the iconic bench #AsómateACalpe. Located at a scenic spot with beautiful views to Calpe and Peñón de Ifach.

This trail takes you through changing landscapes with 360º views, forests, rock formations, ruins and an old hermitage (Ermita Vella de Oltà), just to name a few of the things you’ll pass. 

There’s nothing better than a walk between all kinds of different trees – Aleppo pines, wild Olive trees and strawberry trees are just some of the beautiful trees you’ll find along this trail 💚

Wild mountain goats and sheep are often spotted along this trail. As someone who is fascinated by these creatures, I was very happy to encounter BOTH along this trail 😍

Fun fact: The Ermita Vella de Oltà was historically used as a resting place for pilgrims and shepherds.

THE PUNTA DEL CAVALL TRAIL IN BENIDORM

Length: 3,4km round-trip
Difficulty: easy
Starting point: the eastern end of Levante Beach in Benidorm

The Punta del Cavall Route is a scenic trail in Benidorm that leads to the Bombarda Watchtower. On this trail, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline, with a unique perspective of Benidorm’s skyline 🏙️ and coastline from the iconic bench with its #BenidormTeEspera.

The rectangular stones along the route are part of a series of historical markers, originally placed to guide travellers and indicate distances. Today, these stones add rustic charm to the path and are often photographed for their unique and picturesque appearance 📸

Fun fact: The hashtag #BenidormTeEspera (“Benidorm Awaits You”) was launched during COVID-19 lockdown to promote the city’s attractions and inspire optimism for future tourism. As part of the initiative, several benches were placed in scenic spots throughout the city inviting everyone to capture memorable photographs.

CAP D’EL ORO

Length: 800m
Difficulty: moderate
Starting point: Calle Puerto de Alcudia, Moraira

This is a nice 30min trail. It starts as a small stony path, with very slippery stones. The rest of the path is narrow, stony and sometimes tricky to see for all the plants growing around it 🌿

The top of the mountain = a tower built in Renaissance style + a stunning 360º view of the coastline 😍

Fun facts: The tower was built as a defense tower in the 16th century. It’s 11m tall and built on the highest point on the Cape of Gold (Cap d’oro). Along the Costa Blanca coastline you will find a total of 30 towers, which were built to guard the coast against pirates 🏴‍☠️

Looking for more visuals and details on this trail? Read about how I accidentally reached the top of Cap d’el Oro in this blog post.

SENDERO ECOLÓGICO CALALGA

Length: 1km
Difficulty: easy
Starting point: Click here

The Sendero Ecológico Calalga is a scenic coastal trail in Calpe, connecting Cala Calalga to Les Bassetes Marina. This route offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the iconic Peñón de Ifach, along with diverse flora and fauna. Explore picturesque coves with crystal-clear water like Cala del Mallorquí which is perfect for snorkeling 🤿

Fun fact: Along the trail, you’ll see beaches like Cala Les Bassetes, which have been awarded the Blue Flag status = the beach meets high environmental, safety and quality standards 💙

ALTEA’S 5 TRAILS THROUGH THE RURAL LANDSCAPE

The Town Hall of Altea has created 5 trails, taking you through Altea’s rural landscape 👟 You’ll explore the natural beauty and cultural landmarks in this charming Mediterranean town. Explore volcanic outcrops and bunkers from the Spanish Civil War through route 1, enjoy a walk next to the Algar River on routes 2 and 3. Discover the oldest flour mill in Altea on route 3 and visit Hermitages and remains of a Roman aqueduct through routes 4 and 5.

• Route 1: Green (2,7km)
• Route 2: Red (8,3km)
• Route 3: Blue (8,5km)
• Route 4: Orange (8,5km)
• Route 5: Pink (6,7km)

There are MANY more trails apart from these 6+5 must-visit trails on Costa Blanca. Please share any trails you recommend 👟