Marina Alta

Marina Alta Overview

Behind the bustling beaches of the Costa Blanca in south-east Spain lies a landscape of charming villages, fruitful valleys and rugged hills, as remote from the Costas as possible.

Quiet hills and villages of the Costa Blanca

The lively villages are linked by a network of marked paths, insinuating their way through the maquis shrubland and the tiny fields, through woodland, and over ridges which all promise a view of the Mediterranean in the distance.

And with a walking season from October to April, it's perfect for a spring, autumn or winter holiday.

From the remote village of Castell de Castells, a circular walk will get you warmed up with a climb to the rock arches of Els Arcs. You'll then cross two ridges to the spectacularly positioned village of Benimaurell. From here you can attempt the Barranc de L’Infern (known as 'the cathedral of hiking'), with old paved and stepped paths taking you right down into the gorge and up again three times.

Onwards, with an easy day to little Parcent (though you can opt for a scramble along a ridge if you are game), and then Jalón via the Coll de Rates. Your final day is a ramble down the Gorgos river to a tram station, taking you in ease to the pretty seaside town of Denia, which has mercifully escaped over-development and offers a fine range of eateries in its historic centre for your final evening.

Six and five night versions of this holiday are also available. See the On Foot Holidays website for details of prices and dates.