Walking in Spain - Alicante Mountains

Our trip begins at Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 12pm. If you would like to join the complimentary airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 11.15am. We will travel together as a group to the peaceful village of Castell de Castells, surrounded by rugged limestone mountains.

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and mild sunny winters, this region is one of the best spots in Western Europe for year-round walking on quiet trails. The Alicante Mountains are at their best during the late autumn and early spring when they are covered in wildflowers and blossom.

Today we take a circular walk from our hotel into the Sierra de Serrella. We walk through olive and almond groves to the ruins of Serrella Castle. The ruins are hard to see from below, revealing themselves as we ascend on a winding mountain path to the square tower on the summit - affording spectacular views across the mountain ranges of the entire region. The castle dates back to the battles between the Christians and the Moors, it was one of the last Moorish strongholds until the Christian conquest in 1254. We continue along the slopes of the Sierra de Serrella which afford stunning views across the neighbouring peaks and mountains.

Today's 15 kilometre walk is expected to take approximately six hours with a total ascent and descent of 640 metres.

After breakfast we drive to the isolated village of Tollos, from where we descend through olive orchards to enter the Malafí Canyon. The landscape is dominated by large protruding rock faces, limestone peaks and vertically-sided quarries. This dry ravine is home to one of the best examples of late prehistoric rock art on the Iberian Peninsular. Discovered in 1980, the Sanctuary of Pla de Petracos site has eight shallow rock shelters, five of which show paintings in red of both animals and human figures. We continue along an undulating cobbled road back to the hotel.

Today's 17 kilometre walk is expected to take approximately six hours with a total ascent of 300 metres and descent of 600 metres

Our circular walk today begins from Fleix taking the ancient Vall de Laguar highway, a stepped path built in medieval times by the Moors to connect the three villages of Campell, Fleix and Benimaurell. This area was the last hideout of the remaining Moors in Spain before they got evicted from here in 1609.

There are over 6,000 steps carved into the mountainside which we descend and ascend, following in the footsteps of the Moors. We walk into the Barranc de I'Infern (Hells Canyon) and along the dry river bed of this narrow ravine. In spring time the area is carpeted in wildflowers, herbs (rosemary and thyme) and poppies.

Today's 12.5 kilometre walk is expected to take approximately six hours with a total ascent and descent of 800 metres.

Today has been left free. There is an optional half day walk available, the Alcala Circuit which is 10 kilometres with a local lunch of arroz al horno (Spanish rice dish) or alternative short walks from the hotel.

There is also the opportunity to head to the coast for a dip in the Mediterranean. Denia beach is approximately an hour's drive away where you could combine some relaxing on the sandy beach with a coastal walk.

Today we drive south to walk across the Contador pass. We take a spectacular circular trail around Carrascal peak with views across to the Puig Campana summit and the Sierra Aitana. Puig Campana (1,410m) is the second highest peak in the region with impressive rock walls. The trail descends through pine forest.

In the evenings you can enjoy local dishes and wine on offer at the hotel or in the small selection of restaurants/bars in Castell de Castells. The food of this area is influenced by the Moorish, Islamic culture including; couscous, Puchero (stews) and aromatic herbs.

Today's 12 kilometre walk is expected to take approximately four-and-a-half hours with a total ascent and descent of 570 metres .

This morning we take a short drive to Famorca and walk the spectacular Malla de Llop Ridge. Following the path past water houses we ascend to the Nevara (stone ice house) and continue to the col overlooking Pla de la Casa. Walking along the Malla de Llop ridge the views across the Guadalest valley are superb. Descending back to the hotel we walk down through the Barranco de la Canal with views over Castell de Castells.
Today's 13 kilometre walk is expected to take approximately four-and-a-half hours with a total ascent of 750 metres and descent of 900 metres. The walk itself is not difficult but along the ridge there is a short 5-10 minute section on rough ground to drop down to the top of the canal.

We leave the mountains behind this morning, driving back to Alicante Airport where the trip ends.

We will travel as a group, leaving our hotel at around 7.30am for the one-and-a-half hours' drive back to Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC). The earliest your flight can depart is 11am.