Active holidays: Hiking and cycling in Costa Blanca

With its bright Mediterranean sunshine, dramatic mountain ranges, pristine beaches and more than 300 days of good weather every year, the Costa Blanca is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations for active holidays. Whether you’re a keen hiker, an enthusiastic cyclist or simply looking to enjoy the outdoors at your own pace, this region of the Valencian Community offers endless opportunities to explore breathtaking landscapes while staying active.

The Costa Blanca is far more than a beach destination. From rugged inland trails to beautiful coastal routes and smooth cycling roads used by professional teams, this corner of Spain is a paradise for lovers of sport, nature and adventure.

Why choose Costa Blanca for an active holiday?

The region combines an unbeatable climate, varied terrain and excellent infrastructure. You’ll find:

Pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor activities all year round
A huge network of hiking trails of different difficulty levels
Scenic cycling routes for beginners, amateurs and professionals
Protected natural parks full of wildlife
Charming coastal towns perfect for relaxing after a day of sport
Whether you love a quiet sunrise walk by the sea or a challenging climb in the mountains, the Costa Blanca offers something for everyone.

Hiking in Costa Blanca: incredible landscapes at every turn

The Costa Blanca is home to some of Spain’s most diverse hiking terrain. Trails take you through pine forests, valleys, cliffs and mountain peaks with sweeping views over the Mediterranean.

1. Serra Gelada Natural Park (Benidorm – Altea)

This dramatic coastal park offers spectacular cliffside paths with views over the turquoise sea. The popular Route to the Albir Lighthouse is suitable for all levels, while more experienced hikers can explore the steep trails of the Serra Gelada ridge.

2. Peñón de Ifach (Calpe)

One of the most iconic landmarks on the Costa Blanca, this limestone rock rises 332 metres above the sea. The hike is short but steep, rewarding you with panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding mountains.

3. The Bernia Ridge (Sierra de Bernia)

Ideal for adventurous hikers, the circular route around Sierra de Bernia includes rocky paths, forests and even a natural tunnel known as “El Forat”, which opens onto one of the region’s most stunning viewpoints.

4. Guadalest Valley

Surrounded by green mountains, the Guadalest Valley offers peaceful routes through nature, including trails around the reservoir and the charming hilltop village of Guadalest. This is the perfect setting for families and hikers looking for quiet landscapes.

5. Montgó Natural Park (Dénia – Jávea)

The Montgó massif is a favourite among hikers. Its trails offer breathtaking views of the coast, cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. The summit route is more challenging, but the scenery makes every step worthwhile.

Cycling in Costa Blanca: a paradise for two wheels

The Costa Blanca is internationally known as a top cycling destination. Its mild climate and varied routes attract cyclists from all over Europe, especially during winter and early spring. Professional teams often choose the region for their training camps thanks to its excellent roads and mountain passes.

1. Coastal routes for all levels

If you’re looking for a relaxed ride by the sea, the Costa Blanca offers kilometres of flat, scenic routes:

The Dénia to Jávea coastal road
The Altea promenade, ideal for families
The Calpe to Moraira route with stunning sea views

These gentle rides are perfect for enjoying the Mediterranean breeze without the need for high fitness levels.

2. Mountain challenges for experienced cyclists

For more demanding adventures, the region’s inland mountains offer some of the best climbing routes in Spain:

Coll de Rates: the iconic climb used by many elite cyclists
Puig Llorença: steep gradients with incredible views
Vall d’Ebo and Tudons: remote and spectacular mountain passes
These routes combine smooth roads, low traffic and breathtaking scenery—ideal for cyclists looking for a challenge.

3. Vía Verdes and nature routes

The Costa Blanca is also home to several Vías Verdes (Greenways), abandoned railway lines transformed into scenic cycling paths. The Vía Verde del Serpis, between Lorcha and Villalonga, follows the river through tunnels and forests and is suitable for both mountain bikes and hybrid bikes.

More activities for adventure lovers

If hiking and cycling aren’t enough, the Costa Blanca offers many more outdoor experiences:

Rock climbing in Chulilla, Calpe or Sierra de Toix
Kayaking along the crystal-clear coves of Jávea
Stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling
Trail running on mountain paths
Paragliding, especially in the inland areas near Alicante

Each activity offers a different way of discovering the natural beauty of the area.

Nature meets culture: the best towns to explore after your activity

After an active day, the region’s coastal and inland towns are perfect for unwinding:

Altea, with its whitewashed old town and blue-domed church
Calpe, famous for its seafood and panoramic promenades
Villajoyosa, known for its colourful houses and chocolate tradition
Jávea, offering beautiful sunsets, local markets and Mediterranean cuisine
A perfect balance between outdoor adventure and charming Mediterranean culture.

Taste the Costa Blanca: gastronomy for active travellers

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the local gastronomy, a healthy and flavourful Mediterranean cuisine perfect for recovering energy. Must-try dishes include:

Paella and rice dishes from the Valencian tradition
Fideuà, a noodle-based alternative to paella
Fresh seafood from Dénia, Calpe or Santa Pola
Local wines from Alicante DO
Oranges and tangerines harvested in winter
Dining in the Costa Blanca is part of the experience—fresh, simple and deeply rooted in the region’s traditions.

Why the Costa Blanca is ideal for active holidays

Because it offers the perfect mix of:

Sunshine all year
Varied landscapes
High-quality infrastructure
Routes for all levels
Nature, culture and gastronomy side by side
Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple or a family, the Costa Blanca promises an unforgettable active holiday between the mountains and the Mediterranean.

Learn more about the best hiking and cycling routes in the Costa Blanca and start planning your active Mediterranean escape.