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Northwood u3a – Costa Blanca

Walking in the Costa Blanca Mountains
From £1279/ per person

Inland from the resorts of the Costa Blanca lies some of the best walking country in Spain. The sparsely populated mountains rise up to 3000ft and are a haven for wildlife, including wild cats and genets, badgers and weasels and even golden eagles. Well maintained tracks along the rocky peaks and through lush valleys link traditional villages where the old Valencian lifestyle still prevails. Your holiday base in Calpe has a bit of everything – beautiful beaches, a lively and picturesque old town, stunning scenery in the shape of the immense Rock of Ifach and varied wildlife, both on the Rock and on the saltpans.

 

Costa Blanca Walking Holiday Highlights
  • Seven nights half board in the 4 star Spa Hotel the Diamante Beach in Calpe
  • Three guided walks amid the mountainous hinterland
  • Local knowledgeable walking guides
  • Optional excursion to the Albir Lighthouse, Altea and Guadalest
  • Flights included from your local airport
  • Transfers included

HOLIDAY ITINERARY

Day One Arrival Day

Fly to Alicante, transfer to your hotel for seven night’s half board accommodation. Transfer time approximately one hour.

Day Two Guadalest Reservoir Walk & Village Visit

Meet your walking guide in reception for the 40-minute transfer to the start of your walk. From the village, set out on a circular walk around the stunning Guadalest Reservoir. The trail follows the perimeter of the emerald-green waters, offering ever-changing views of the surrounding mountains. Pass the dam and continue along tranquil paths that trace the shoreline, before reaching the Embalse de Guadalest viewpoint, where breathtaking panoramas stretch across the reservoir and beyond. All walkers complete the full reservoir circuit, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, scenic viewpoints, and natural beauty along the way. At the end of the loop, Level A walkers continue the final descent into Guadalest village, where there is time to explore its historic streets, charming squares, and local shops before concluding the walk. Level B walkers complete a slightly shorter 10 km route of the reservoir circuit before taking the coach to Guadalest.

Level A – Full Reservoir Circuit & Walk into Town
Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 350 m
A rewarding route that completes the full circuit of the reservoir, including the dam and panoramic viewpoints, with the final stretch descending into Guadalest village.

Level B – Reservoir Circuit (Shorter Option)
Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 150 m
A rewarding route that completes the full circuit of the reservoir, including the dam and panoramic viewpoints. Coach transfer to Guadalest.

Day Three Coll de Rates Scenic Walk

Meet your walking guide in reception. Set out from the charming village of Jalón on a scenic journey to the renowned Coll de Rates, a viewpoint cherished by both walkers and cyclists. The trail meanders through vineyards and mountain tracks, gradually opening up to sweeping vistas across the valley and out to the sparkling Mediterranean coast. This walk offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm.
Level A – Jalón to Coll de Rates
Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 450 m
A full route taking in the stunning Coll de Rates viewpoint, with varied terrain and panoramic views of the surrounding valley and coastline. Ideal for walkers seeking a rewarding challenge.
Level B – Jalón to Parcent
Distance: 8 km | Ascent: 200 m
A gentler option following part of the scenic trail, passing through vineyards and rolling landscapes, offering beautiful vistas without the full ascent to Coll de Rates.

Day Four Albir and Altea

Today’s walk is to the Albir Lighthouse and Altea. Starting at the entrance of the Serra Gelada Natural Park, located near Albir, a coastal town in the Alicante province of Spain. The lighthouse stands prominently at the end of the trail, overlooking the cliffs and the sea. The Albir Lighthouse (Faro de l’Albir) is a historic structure, originally built to guide ships along the rugged coastline. After the walk you will visit Altea, nicknamed the Santorini of Spain.  Today’s walk is 5 miles.

Day Five Free day

Free day at leisure.

Day Six Sierra de Oltá Circular Hike

Meet your walking guide in reception. Set off on a spectacular circular hike beginning near Calpe, where shaded pine forests and winding rocky trails lead towards the Sierra de Oltá. This beautiful mountain offers two rewarding routes to suit different levels:

Level A – Summit Route
Distance: 5 km | Ascent: 540 m
For those seeking a little extra adventure, this route climbs all the way to the summit of Oltá. From the top, soak up panoramic views over Calpe, the iconic Peñón de Ifach, and the sparkling Mediterranean coast.

Level B – Lower Route
Distance: 5 km | Ascent: 250 m
A gentler option without the summit climb, this path still captures the mountain’s beauty, offering sweeping coastal vistas and the tranquility of its forested slopes.

Day Seven Sierra de Bernia Ridge Walk

Meet your walking guide in reception. Embark on an unforgettable hike along the dramatic Sierra de Bernia, one of the Costa Blanca’s most striking ridges. The trail offers ever-changing views of the sparkling sea, lush valleys, and distant mountain ranges. Along the way, you may pass through the famous Forat de Bernia tunnel, a unique rock passage framing stunning coastal vistas. This route promises a truly memorable mountain experience for walkers of all levels.

Level A – Full Ridge Route
Distance: 9 km | Ascent: 475 m
The complete Bernia ridge experience, featuring panoramic viewpoints and the famous Forat de Bernia tunnel. A more challenging route that rewards with exceptional scenery at every turn.

Level B – Shorter Ridge Route
Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 272 m
A gentler option that still captures the highlights of the Bernia range, including sweeping coastal views and a taste of the ridge’s dramatic landscape, without the full ascent.

Day Eight Depature Day

You have free time until your transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Accommodation

  • Diamante Beach Hotel

    Location: Calpe
    Air conditioning Terrace Private bathroom Safety deposit box Free Wi-fi Minibar Hairdryer Three outdoor pools Piano bar Spa with large heater swimming pool hydromassage Turkish bath Ice fountain Thermal bath Jacuzzi Sauna and 5 different types of shower

    Availability: 30 Single Room | 30 Twin/Double

  • Peoples
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms

The hotel Diamante Beach is set in a privileged location in the beautiful town of Calpe, where you will find a wonderful mixture of real Spanish charm perfectly combined with modern tourist facilities. Located just a few metres from the Levante Beach promenade, the hotel’s modern style is characterised by its spectacular glass façade. There is a cafeteria, piano bar, and Mediterranean cuisine buffet restaurant with “Show Cooking”.

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