Walk from village to village in the beautiful Alicante countryside during this self-guided walking holiday.
Las Marinas has a unique and unparalleled countryside to explore and savour. Whitewashed villages dot a landscape of cultivated valleys framed by pine clad limestone sierras and blue skies, wildflowers colour the mountainsides and verges while in February the scent of almond blossom fills the air.
The Moors were the architects of this landscape, converting steep mountainsides into terraces, springs, footpaths and cobbled mule trails. You will also make ascents of two imposing Sierras, Aitana and Serrella, for panoramic views of both the Marina Alta and the Marina Baja.
This walking tour is a great way to experience the Mediterranean way-of-life, get a first hand insight into the countryside, sample the outstanding local cuisine and enjoy the real peace and quiet of the Alicante mountains.
Accommodation in Las Marinas
Your accommodation has been selected to fit the character of the walking holiday, hostels and small family run casas rurales where excellent local cuisine and warm Spanish hospitality are the standard.
Breakfast and supper are included so you only need to buy your picnic lunches, which can be ordered from the hotels, and wine with your supper.
Walking in Alicante & Las Marinas
Your Inn-to-Inn trek takes you on a 100 kilometre circular route with stays in six Mediterranean villages which, up until 400 years ago, were home to a thriving Moorish community. Your host has chosen routes using tracks and footpaths and mule trails that include some of the most interesting and characteristic features of the area. Road walking is limited to short stretches near to towns and villages.
Navigating is made easy with our Garmin hand-held GPS to ensure you get to your destination on time, or download the routes onto your Smartphone or your own GPS if you prefer. Maps and explanatory notes to accompany the trek are also provided to so you know about the countryside you will be walking through.
Your bags are transferred from hotel to hotel so you only need carry what you need for the day. From December to February you may encounter snow on the upper reaches of the Sierra de Aitana. You are unlikely to meet many other walkers as the area is still largely undiscovered.
Moorish Villages trek walking holiday itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Callosa d’en Sarrià where you can spend any free time exploring the old town.
Day 2 – Callosa to Benifato. 5 hours; 14.6 km; 537m ascents; 130m descents. You ascend the Guadalest Valley through the orange, lemon loquat orchards around Callosa and up into the olive, almond and pine groves of the surrounding hillsides, with the option to visit Guadalest castle, a medieval fortified village.
Day 3 – Benifato to Confrides. 5½ hours; 16 km; 909m ascents; 787m descents. You explore Aitana, the highest mountain in Alicante Province and its numerous natural springs with an option to ascend to the summit and panoramic views of the Province, and to visit a Moorish Castle perched on a rocky peak.
Day 4 – Confrides to Facheca. 4½ hours: 12.2 km; 802m ascents; 791m descents. Today you leave the Guadalest Valley and ascend the Sierra de Serrella to cross over into the adjacent Seta Valley. Features rugged Alpine scenery and an optional visit to the summit of Serrella to see the remains of an ice house and outstanding views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 5 – Facheca to Castells de Castells. 13 km; 4¼ hours ; 358m ascents; 601m descents. An easy day that includes visits to a cave dwelling, natural springs, a gypsum mill and veteran trees thought to be 500 or 600 years old. Optional longer 6¼ hour and 18.2 km route that ascends Serrella and also includes visits to the main features.
Day 6 – Castells de Castells to Tàrbena. 6 hours; 21 km; 680m ascents; 696m descents. Today your trek takes you through a variety of quiet countryside and remote valleys with excursions to the rock arches and view of the Tàrbena Valley. You will see the impressive Pas Tancat gorge and may even get a glimpse of the resident Golden Eagles.
Day 7 – Tàrbena to Callosa. 6½ hours; 19.4 km; 515m ascents; 811m descents. This route takes you through the olive, almond and pine groves of the Tàrbena Valley, an excursion to the Paso de los Bandoleros and then into the semi-tropical Algar where you can visit the impressive Algar Falls, a series of natural pools and waterfalls, before finishing your circuit in Callosa.
Day 8 – Transfers or bus to Alicante or Valencia airport for your return journey home.
Dates and Availability
You can start and finish your holiday any day of the week you choose. Late June, July or August are not recommended unless you have experience of walking in high temperatures, otherwise any time from mid-September through to mid-June. Callosa is famous for its colourful Moors and Christians festival held every year from October 8th to the 12th. Your hotel in Callosa overlooks the main square so book early to get a grandstand view and make sure your tour starts or finishes in Callosa during the festival week.
Optional extra’s – price per person:
- Extra day(s) – €52
- Single supplement – €124
- Airport Transfers – €180
- Cava welcome – €18
- Topographic Maps – €28
Please contact the holiday provider, through the contact form below, for more information.