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When barbarian pirates ravaged the Spanish Mediterranean coast in the 16th century, King Philip II responded with a sophisticated defence system: a network of watchtowers that stood within sight of each other and could sound the alarm by fire or smoke signal. These stone witnesses to history still characterise the coastal landscape of the Costa Blanca today - and offer hikers impressive views and cultural-historical discoveries. The importance of these towers is also reflected in the regional identity: they appear in town coats of arms such as those of Calpe and Benidorm or gave their names to places. Torrevieja („old tower“), for example, owes its name to such a watchtower, after which the municipality was named around 1800. The name Guardamar is also derived from its function as a „guardian of the sea“ (guardia del mar).
Three of these historic buildings are particularly worth seeing and easily accessible for hikers. The Torre del Gerro near Dénia impresses with its exposed location at an altitude of 125 metres at the foot of the Montgó massif.
The conical tower from 1553 has elaborately designed coats of arms on the façade, including the royal emblem of Charles I. A well-marked hike from the Marineta beach promenade leads through Mediterranean pine forests to this historic monument and rewards you with a panoramic view of the sea and mountains.
To reach the Torre del Gerro, it is best to start above the Mena restaurant, which also offers a small free gravel car park. From there, a steep path around 1 km long leads to the tower, which offers a panoramic view of the Montgó massif and the sea.
South of Dénia, the path leads to the Torre de les Caletes in the Serra Gelada Nature Park near Benidorm. The circular guard post, now partially dilapidated, once watched over the small hidden coves - ideal landing spots for pirates. The well-signposted PR-CV9 hiking trail leads to this historic sentinel and offers views of the coastal formation and the island of Tabarca along the way. Historical documents show that the tower was even equipped with cannons in the 18th century.
The Torre de les Caletes can be reached from the unpaved car park above Cala Tío Ximo. The almost flat, paved 2.2 km route, which is closed to car traffic, is also suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Further south, the Torre de la Malladeta near Villajoyosa is well worth a visit. Unlike the other towers, this one was only built around 1900 as a refuge for the republican psychiatrist Dr José María Esquerdo - interestingly, on a 2,400-year-old Iberian sanctuary in honour of the goddess Tanit. The city is working on the restoration of this cultural melting pot, which will be accessible as an archaeological park together with the neighbouring Villa Giacomina. From the Tossal de la Malladeta you can enjoy a beautiful view over the bay of Villajoyosa.
The Torre de la Malladeta rises just 600 metres above Av. Marina Baixa in Villajoyosa; the area around the Dr Esquerdo tower is currently undergoing extensive restoration, and a newly opened free car park on the beach is also improving access.
The stone guardians of the Costa Blanca combine nature and history in a special way. What once served as a vital warning system against pirate attacks now offers hikers interesting destinations with a historical background and sweeping views of the Mediterranean.
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