Over the past ten years, hiking has developed from a leisure activity for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet into one of the hottest trends in outdoor sports. On the Costa Blanca, in the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa regions, the hiking culture is also becoming increasingly popular. There are many reasons for this, ranging from the increasing spread of social media and the boom in sustainable forms of tourism to improved infrastructure and a growing community of hiking enthusiasts.
The influence of social media
Over the last ten years, social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook, has had a huge impact on the popularity of hiking. The Costa Blanca, with its picturesque coastline and impressive mountain landscapes, offers ideal photo opportunities that are shared by hikers worldwide. Platforms such as Wikiloc or Komoot also offer the opportunity to upload your own hikes and network with like-minded people. These platforms have led to unknown hiking trails in the region being increasingly discovered.
One example of this is the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe. This spectacular rock formation has become one of the most popular hiking and climbing destinations in the region in recent years, not least because of the impressive photos that are shared daily on social media. This has led to a veritable boom in hiking tourism and inspired many young people to explore the region on foot.
Improved infrastructure and signposts
In addition, a lot has been invested in the infrastructure of the hiking trails in recent years to make the routes more accessible for hikers of all ages and fitness levels.
The Marina Alta region in particular has installed new signs and signposts that not only make it easier to find your way around, but also provide information on the region's flora and fauna. This is particularly visible in the Montgó Nature Park and the Vall de Pop, where new maps and markings have been installed to make the hike safer and more informative for tourists and locals alike.
Another example is the introduction of Navilens on public transport in Alicante. This innovative app helps people with visual impairments to orientate themselves on hiking trails and in the city by retrieving information via special QR codes. The introduction of such technologies has not only improved accessibility, but has also made walking more attractive to a wider target group.
The role of sustainability
One major trend that has become increasingly important this decade is the topic of sustainability. More and more people are focussing on being close to nature, hikers are opting for environmentally friendly equipment and taking care to have as little impact on nature as possible.
Hiking organisations such as the Federación de Montaña de la Comunidad Valenciana have set up workshops and events that focus on environmentally friendly hiking and the protection of natural resources.
As part of the trend towards sustainable hiking, many hostels and accommodation providers have also adapted their offerings. More and more establishments are focussing on ecological materials, renewable energies and sustainable agriculture. Refugio Marnes, for example, is a pioneer in this field and not only offers environmentally friendly accommodation, but also hikes that emphasise the protection of nature.
Web addresses and contact points:
- Wikiloc - Hiking app:
www.wikiloc.com
- Federación de Montaña
de la Comunidad Valenciana:
www.femecv.com
- Refugio Marnes:
www.refugiomarnes.com
- Montgó Nature Park:
www.parquesnaturales.gva.es