The Best Hikes Near Altea: Walks With Jaw-Dropping Views on the Costa Blanca

If you think Altea is just about its cobbled old town and pebbly beaches, you haven't pulled on your walking boots yet. The hills rising behind this beautiful coastal town are threaded with some of the finest hiking trails on the Costa Blanca — and in late May, when the wildflowers are still clinging on and the heat hasn't yet turned savage, they're absolutely spectacular.

I've been walking these paths for the best part of a decade, and every time I come back to them I notice something new: a ruined farmhouse half-swallowed by rosemary bushes, a viewpoint that makes you stop and just stare at the Mediterranean stretching out to the horizon. Here's my honest, practical guide to the best hikes near Altea — from gentle coastal strolls to proper mountain challenges.

The Sierra de Bernia Ridge Walk: Altea's Bucket-List Trail

If you do one walk from Altea, make it the Sierra de Bernia. This dramatic limestone ridge sits just inland from the coast, and on a clear May morning you can see all the way from Dénia to Benidorm from the top. The classic route starts at the Font de Bernia picnic area (easy to find on Google Maps, there's parking for about 20 cars) and loops around the ridge, passing through the famous forat — a tunnel cut through the rock that you actually have to scramble through on all fours. Kids find it hilarious; adults with a touch of claustrophobia less so.

Distance: approximately 10km loop. Elevation gain: around 500m. Allow 4–5 hours. Difficulty: moderate to challenging. Take plenty of water — there's no shade on the upper sections and May temperatures can already hit 25°C by midday.

The views down to Altea's white dome and the pebble coast below are worth every step of the ascent. I've done this walk at sunrise and it genuinely made me emotional — the light turning the limestone pink while the fishing boats head out below is one of those Costa Blanca moments you don't forget.

Altea to Mascarat: The Coastal Clifftop Path

For something completely different, the PR-CV 371 coastal path connecting Altea to the Mascarat gorge is a relatively easy 5km one-way walk that hugs the cliff edge above the sea. This is the one I recommend to guests who haven't hiked much — it's mostly flat, clearly waymarked, and the scenery is continuously stunning.

Start at Altea's northern harbour area and follow the path northward. You'll pass through fragrant pine and mastic scrubland, with the blue water far below. The gorge itself at Mascarat is dramatic — a deep limestone cut where the old road clings to the rock face. You can arrange a taxi back or simply retrace your steps.

Best time to walk this one: early morning in May, before the sun gets onto the south-facing sections. You'll likely have the path almost entirely to yourself.

The Oltà Mountain, Calpe: A Half-Day Trip Worth Every Blister

Just 15 minutes by car from Altea, the Oltà mountain above Calpe is a proper rocky adventure. The trail winds up through old almond terraces to a ridge that gives you a completely different perspective on the famous Peñón de Ifach — you're looking down on it, which never gets old.

The main trailhead is at the urbanisation of the same name on the northern edge of Calpe. Parking is free and easy. The ascent takes about 90 minutes at a steady pace. Bring good footwear — it gets rocky and loose towards the summit. The 360-degree views from the top take in the whole northern Costa Blanca, and on an exceptionally clear day you can pick out Ibiza on the horizon.

Puig Campana: For Serious Walkers Only

Visible from virtually anywhere in the region — that distinctive peak with the chunk bitten out of the top — Puig Campana (1,408m) is the Costa Blanca's most iconic mountain. The standard route starts from Finestrat village, about 20 minutes from Altea, and it is a serious undertaking: 8km return, 900m of elevation gain, and sections of exposed scrambling near the top.

Don't attempt this one in the middle of the day in summer. In late May it's feasible if you start before 8am. The limestone karst at the summit is extraordinary and the views are simply unmatched. But this is a mountain that demands respect — proper boots, sun protection, two litres of water minimum, and a downloaded offline map on your phone.

Practical Tips for Hiking Near Altea

Getting there: Most trailheads are accessible by car. Altea town itself has limited parking, so I recommend using the large free car park on the northern edge of town and cycling or walking to coastal trailheads.

Best time of year: Late April through early June is genuinely the sweet spot — cool enough to walk hard, warm enough to enjoy, and the landscape is at its most colourful. July and August are possible for early morning coastal walks only.

Apps and maps: Wikiloc has excellent GPS tracks for all the routes mentioned here. Download the offline map before you head out — mobile coverage in the hills is patchy.

What to wear: Even in May, the mountain trails require proper hiking boots — trainers are not suitable for Bernia or Puig Campana. Sun hat and factor 50 are non-negotiable from late April onwards.

After your walk: Head straight to Altea's old town for a cold Estrella Damm and a plate of boquerones en vinagre at one of the terraces overlooking the bay. You've earned it.

Stay in Altea and Explore on Your Own Schedule

The best way to enjoy Altea's hiking country is to base yourself here for at least a week. That way you can pick walks according to the weather and your energy levels, and you don't need to cram everything into a rushed day trip.

Browse holiday rentals in Altea — from hillside apartments with mountain views to sea-view villas within walking distance of the coastal paths. Booking direct with JV Properties saves you up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com, and you get direct contact with the local team from day one.

Search all available properties in Altea and filter by dates. May and early June still have excellent availability — but the school holidays are coming, so don't leave it too long.

Altea has been my home for ten years and its walking country still surprises me. Come and find your own favourite viewpoint.