The best hiking routes near Alicante

Alicante is known for sun and beaches, but less than an hour away by motorhome you'll find some of the best mountain routes in the Valencia region. Here are my three favourites.

Sierra de Aitana — The roof of the province. The Sierra de Aitana is the highest range in the province of Alicante, with its peak at 1,558 metres. From the top, on a clear day, you can see Ibiza. The most popular route climbs from Sella or from the Rentonar pass and takes 3 to 4 hours. The path crosses pine forests and Mediterranean scrubland. There can be snow in winter, so bring suitable footwear. For the motorhome, there are designated areas in the mountain villages.

Sierra de Mariola — Nature park and the Camino del Cid. The Sierra de Mariola is a nature park designated for its botanical richness. In spring it smells of lavender and thyme everywhere. The best-known route follows the Camino del Cid, which passes the castle of Banyeres de Mariola. It's a linear route of about 12 km one way, with moderate elevation. Alcoy, right next door, has one of the finest 19th-century industrial districts turned into a museum. A curious contrast.

Carrascal de la Font Roja — The largest holm-oak forest. 45 kilometres from Alicante, in the Carrascal de la Font Roja Nature Park, you'll find the densest and best-preserved holm-oak forest in the Valencia region. It's a park very popular with families, with signposted routes for all levels. The most complete one circles the whole park in about 14 km. The picnic area has a drinking-water fountain, a welcome detail if you're travelling by camper.

Practical tip. All three ranges are less than an hour from Alicante. With the motorhome you can combine them over a long weekend: sleep in the mountains, do the route in the morning and move to the next destination after lunch. If you'd like me to put together a specific itinerary, just message me.