Moraira hiking trails are some of the most rewarding — and most underrated — on the entire Costa Blanca. After ten years living here, I still find myself lacing up my boots on a June morning, heading out before 9am when the sea mist is still burning off and the paths smell of wild rosemary and thyme. If you've booked a holiday rental in Moraira and you're wondering what to do beyond the beach, this guide is for you.
The terrain around Moraira is genuinely dramatic. You've got the Sierra del Montgó to the north, the rugged Cap d'Or headland to the south, pine-covered hills behind Benissa, and kilometre after kilometre of coastal path with views that'll make you put your phone away (briefly). Whether you're a serious hiker looking for elevation or a casual walker wanting a gentle coastal stroll, there's a route here with your name on it.
The Coastal Path from Moraira to El Portet (Easy, 2km round trip)
Let's start simple. The path that runs south from the town beach along the rocky coastline toward El Portet is short, beautiful, and suitable for almost everyone. You'll pass hidden coves, ruined watchtowers, and get one of the best views of Moraira Castle you'll find anywhere. The path is well-marked and largely flat, though there are a few rocky sections where sandals aren't ideal. I do this walk at least once a week — often with a coffee from Bar La Pirámide to go.
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Find rentals →At El Portet, reward yourself with a swim. The beach there is calmer and shallower than the main town beach, perfect after a short hike. Then walk back the same way, or loop through the old town.
Cap d'Or Headland Trail (Moderate, 6km loop)
This is my favourite walk in the entire Moraira area and it's criminally undervisited. The Cap d'Or headland sits at the southern tip of the bay and rewards you with 360-degree views — Moraira below, the islands of Portitxol and Cap Prim ahead, and on clear days you can see Ibiza shimmering on the horizon.
Park near the castle or at the south end of the town beach. Follow the coastal path south past El Portet and continue around the headland. There's one section with loose rock where you want proper footwear, but nothing technical. The total loop brings you back through the residential hills above Moraira — not the most scenic stretch, but short. Plan 2–2.5 hours at a relaxed pace.
June tip: start before 9am or after 5:30pm. Mid-morning in June can get genuinely hot out there with little shade.
Moraira to Calpe via the Costera del Moro (Moderate–Hard, 14km one way)
This is the big one. The Costera del Moro is an ancient mule track that connects Moraira and Calpe and it passes through some of the wildest landscape on the Costa Blanca. You're walking through pine forest, past abandoned terraces of almond and carob, with the Peñón de Ifach growing larger on the horizon the whole time.
One way is 14km with around 400m of ascent. Most people organise a taxi back from Calpe or leave a second car there. The path starts near Benissa — head inland from Moraira along the CV-746 road and look for the signposted trailhead on the left about 3km out. The trail is waymarked with yellow and white stripes.
Carry at least 2 litres of water. There's nowhere to refill between Moraira and Calpe on this route. It's worth every step, though — arriving in Calpe and rewarding yourself with a cold Estrella Damm on the harbour is one of the great pleasures of a Costa Blanca walking holiday.
The Peñyal d'Ifac (Calpe) Day Trip — Worth the Drive
Strictly speaking this isn't a Moraira trail, but it's only 20 minutes by car and I'd be doing you a disservice not to mention it. The Peñón de Ifach is a UNESCO-protected limestone monolith rising 332 metres straight out of the sea and hiking to the summit is a genuine bucket-list experience. The trail goes through a tunnel cut into the rock — kids love this part — and the views from the top are extraordinary.
Be warned: you need to register at the park office before you start (it's free, just sign in), they limit daily visitors, and in June it fills up fast. Aim to be at the car park by 8am.
Montgó Natural Park (Near Javea, 25 minutes from Moraira)
For serious hikers staying in Moraira, the Montgó Natural Park is an unmissable half-day trip. The main summit trail to the top of Montgó (753m) is demanding — about 10km round trip with 600m of ascent — but the views cover the entire northern Costa Blanca. You can see all the way from the Cap de la Nau to Benidorm on a clear day.
The trailhead is in Jesús Pobre, well-signposted from Javea. Take plenty of water, sun protection, and start early. There's also a shorter loop around the lower slopes if you want the landscape without the full ascent.
Practical Tips for Hiking Near Moraira in June
Start early. I cannot stress this enough. Temperatures in June can hit 30°C by midday. The trails are a completely different experience at 7:30am — cool, quiet, and beautiful.
Footwear. Trail shoes are fine for everything except the Montgó summit, where hiking boots with ankle support are advisable. Flip-flops are a bad idea on anything except the Moraira–El Portet coastal path.
Water. Always carry more than you think you need. Fountains on these trails are rare.
Apps. I use Wikiloc for all my walks here — there are dozens of locally-uploaded routes for the Moraira area, and the GPS tracking is a lifesaver if you stray off-path.
Post-hike. The chiringuito at El Portet beach does a terrific fresh fish lunch. Arrive sweaty and salty from the trail and order the dorada a la sal — nobody judges you.
Where to Stay for a Walking Holiday in Moraira
The best holiday rentals in Moraira for hikers are those with private parking (so you can head out early without worrying about finding a space), a washing machine for muddy gear, and ideally a private pool for cooling off after a long trail day.
We have a great selection of apartments and villas in Moraira — many sleeping 2–8 guests — that tick all those boxes. Browse our available properties and book direct with us to save up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com. That saving pays for a very good post-hike lunch, just saying.
Any questions about routes, difficulty, or what to pack? Drop us a message — we know these trails personally and we're happy to help you plan the perfect walking holiday on the Costa Blanca.
