The best circular walks in Alicante: hiking between the coast and mountains

If you’re looking for circular walks in Alicante, there’s no shortage of choice. We’ve picked out a handful of routes for all kinds of walkers, from seasoned hikers to anyone simply looking for a gentler day outdoors. There are plenty more we could have included, but this is a good place to start if you fancy discovering just how varied hiking in Alicante can be.

What is the most beautiful circular walk in Alicante?

Choosing just one is a tall order, so we’ve gone for some of the province’s true classics. One, in particular, has become something of a legend among hikers.

The Route of 6,000 Steps in La Vall de Laguar

Better known as the Cathedral of Hiking, its official designation is PR-CV 147, and you’ll find it in La Vall de Laguar. It’s one of Alicante’s most memorable circular walks, but it’s also long and demanding, so you’ll want some mountain experience, strong legs and enough food and water for the day.

Yellow Route: El Menejador in Carrascal de la Font Roja Natural Park 

This medium-difficulty circular route starts at the Visitor Centre in the Carrascal de la Font Roja Natural Park and climbs to the summit of El Menejador, 1,356 metres above sea level. Along the route, you’ll pass old snow wells and traditional farmhouses, with broad views opening up as you gain height. 

Where can you do a circular walk with waterfalls in Alicante? 

The Water Route in Sella, SL-CV 112, is a good option if you’re after water along the way. Running at the foot of the Sierra de Aitana, it’s an easy route where waterfalls, pools and wooden walkways appear along the trail. You’ll also come across traces of the area’s traditional relationship with water, including weirs, irrigation channels and old mills. 

Circular walks in Alicante to do with children 

To round off the list, here are a couple of family-friendly options that also work well with younger children. 

• Guadalest Reservoir circular route: a mostly flat walk beneath El Castell de Guadalest, making it a very manageable outing with children. 

• Tibi Reservoir Route: an interesting walk with two accessible variations, giving you the chance to explore the Monnegre riverbed as well as higher viewpoints over the dam and its historic setting.