Alicante province? Absolute goldmine for trail running.
If it’s your first time, you probably know it as Costa Blanca. Sun, sand, sangria—the tourist brochure version.
But don’t let the beaches fool you.
This place has 43 peaks over 1,000m. Mountains. Real ones. Sierra Aitana? Freezing temperatures 120 days a year. Snow-capped, even while people are sunbathing below.
That contrast—mountains towering over the Mediterranean—means you can hit brutal trails, then cool off in the sea. Even in October.
At SpainMountains.com, people always ask: where’s the best trail running in Alicante?
Expats, digital nomads, winter fitness junkies—they all want to know. And here’s the thing:
Alicante has 244km of coastline. But the real trail running gems? North of Alicante city. That’s where you get elevation. If you’re down in Orihuela or Torrevieja, sure, there are trails. Beautiful coastal ones. But mountains? Not really.
Alright. Now that’s clear—let’s talk trails.
1. Mirador de la Cruz, Benidorm
Benidorm’s postcard view. But first, a climb.
Start at Cala Tío Ximo, a quiet little cove. From there, the trail winds up to Mirador de la Cruz. Coastal paths. Rocky terrain. Steep enough to feel it.
At the top? A view made famous by that Benidorm sitcom. Skyline. Mediterranean stretching forever. If you’re in Benidorm, do it.
2. Montgó, Jávea/Denia
Montgó dominates the landscape. A 753m beast between Jávea and Dénia.
The natural park spills out in every direction. Eagles, wild lavender, rosemary, thyme—it smells incredible. The trails? Tough. Limestone paths, big ascents, even bigger views.
Three ways up:
- Quickest: From the shooting range (Camp de Tiro) to the summit. 1h 30m round trip.
- Middle ground: From Jesús Pobre. 2-3 hours.
- Full experience: From Denia, loop around, summit, and back. Just under 3 hours.
On a clear day? You can see all the way to the Balearic Islands.
3. Alto de Escobella, Alicante
Near Alicante city. Easy escape into the wild.
Loads of trails through Serra de Guendo, but Pico Escobella is the highlight. Pine forests. Rocky stretches. Some climbs. Nothing extreme, but enough to keep things interesting.
The view? Alicante city with the sea behind it. Plus, you get glimpses of the Embalse de Tibi reservoir.
4. Sierra de Bernia, Altea
Sierra de Bernia is a playground for runners who like their trails rugged.
Along the way? Natural springs. The ruins of a 16th-century fortress. And the Forat de Bernia—a tunnel slicing straight through the mountain.
Come out the other side? That view over Benidorm and Altea? Unreal. Worth a selfie.
5. Puig Campana, Finestrat
Big one. 1,406m. The second-highest peak in Alicante.
If Mirador de la Cruz felt too easy, welcome to the next level. Steep. Unforgiving. Loose rock everywhere. But hit the summit and you’re looking down at the coast from a whole different world.
6. Penyal d’Ifac, Calpe
A giant rock shooting out of the sea. 332m of limestone, right in Calpe.
It’s not the highest. Or the hardest. But the trails are steep. And the views? The Mediterranean in full widescreen.
7. Serra Gelada, Benidorm/Alfaz del Pi
Coastal cliffs. Ridges. The kind of trail where the sea breeze hits you hard.
The loop runs between Benidorm and Alfaz del Pi, hugging the cliff edges. One of the most exhilarating routes in the region.
8. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Alicante
Not just a run—this one’s a history lesson.
Alicante’s iconic castle, perched on Mount Benacantil. Trails wind through pine forests, up rocky paths, straight to a Moorish-era fortress. Moderate climb, insane cityscape views.
9. Serra de Segària, Ondara
Off the beaten path.
Dry Mediterranean scrubland, technical rocky sections, and wide-open views. Not many people come here. Perfect for a quiet, solo run.
10. Castellet de Orba, Orba
Ruins of an ancient castle. Almond groves. Rolling trails through the valley.
Not the toughest, but the views over Marina Alta are worth every step. If you’re based in Orba, Alcalali, Jalon, or anywhere nearby, it’s a must.
Alicante isn’t just beaches. It’s wild. It’s rugged. It’s a trail runner’s dream. So lace up—plenty of ground to cover.