The sound of the sea can be heard, the sun loungers have disappeared and there’s plenty of space on the promenades once again. From Dénia via Altea to Torrevieja, the Costa Blanca is at its most beautiful during the cooler months. Six coastal paths, quiet coves and viewpoints for relaxing by the sea.
A long walk by the sea, jacket unbuttoned, the sun on your face. Perhaps a coffee along the way, or perhaps just a bench with a view. On the Costa Blanca, the season is now beginning when the beaches once again belong to the walkers. Instead of beach towels, there are shells in the sand; instead of beach music, you can hear the waves. In the north, paths wind their way along cliffs and small coves; further south, wide sandy beaches, dunes and kilometre-long promenades await. And sometimes, just twenty minutes by the water is enough to leave the daily grind behind for a while.
The walk begins here in a very relaxed manner on the sandy beach of Marineta Cassiana. Heading south, the coastline changes bit by bit: the sand gives way to flat rocks, small coves and, finally, the rugged landscape of Les Rotes. The route is ideal for walking in stages. If you fancy a longer walk, carry on to Les Arenetes, where the view opens out towards Cap de Sant Antoni. On calm days, the sea lies almost as smooth as glass in front of the rocks; when the wind is stronger, it shows its wild side. The official route from Marineta Cassiana to the end of Les Rotes is around 7.2 kilometres one way. A shorter section is also sufficient for a leisurely stroll.
Our tip
Set off in the late morning and allow plenty of time for the return journey. The coast is particularly beautiful when the low winter sun illuminates the rocks.
The Paseo Ecológico along the Benissa coastline is one of those walking trails where you constantly find yourself wanting to stop and take it all in. At times, the view opens out onto a turquoise cove; at others, the path leads up steps and along the rocks. The route, which is around 3.5 kilometres long, can be broken down into shorter sections. The area around Cala Fustera, Cala dels Pinets and Cala de la Llobella is particularly beautiful. Between the coves, the signposted path leads slightly inland in places, past Mediterranean vegetation. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can choose a specific section rather than walking the entire route.
Our tip
Choose a sunny, windless day and take something to drink with you. The route is classified as easy, but it does have steps and changes in elevation.
A walk along the beach in Altea sounds different. The waves roll over pebbles, and the water recedes with a soft rustling sound. This spectacle can be observed particularly well at Playa de l’Olla and Cap Negret. Anyone walking here is treated to two landscapes at once: the open sea on one side, and the mountains of the Serra de Bèrnia on the other. The coastal path between Cap Negret and l’Olla winds through a landscape where its volcanic origins are still visible today. The route, which is around 1.9 kilometres long, is ideal for a short walk with plenty of time to take in the views.
Our tip
After your walk, it’s well worth taking a detour to the old town. From the vantage points around the church square, you can admire the coastline once again from a completely different perspective.
Fancy a bit of exercise? Then the coastal path from Villajoyosa is a lovely choice. From Playa del Torres, the Colada de la Costa winds its way through a landscape of small coves, rocks and viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll come across the Roman Torre de Sant Josep, then Racó del Conill cove and finally the Torre d’Aguiló. From there, the view stretches along the coast as far as Benidorm and the Serra Gelada. Depending on the route you choose, the walk is around four to eight kilometres long and, in places, is more of a short hike than a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
Our tip
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, stay at Playa del Torres and take a stroll through the green spaces along the beach. For the longer coastal route, sturdy shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are advisable.
Between Playa de San Juan and Albufereta, Alicante reveals a surprisingly rocky side. At Cabo de las Huertas, paths wind their way past small coves, including Cala Cantalar and Cala de la Palmera.
Here, the terrain is rougher, the coastline more varied and the atmosphere markedly different from that of the large city beaches. It’s particularly worth taking the time to admire the rocks and the sea in peace and quiet on a clear winter’s day. The coastal path also takes you past Cala de los Judíos and on to the vicinity of the lighthouse. If you spot a lovely spot along the way, you can simply stop for a break and enjoy the view across the Mediterranean.
Our tip
Do not walk directly along the water’s edge over slippery rocks. The coastal path is the better option, especially after rain or when the waves are high.
If you enjoy simply walking in a straight line without having to constantly watch where you’re going, Playa de La Mata offers the perfect conditions. The wide sandy beach provides plenty of space, complemented by promenades and paths that link the beach to the Molino del Agua nature reserve. The combination of dune landscape, sea and long stretches of beach is particularly appealing in winter. You can walk for half an hour or extend your walk, depending on your mood and the weather. In the protected Molino del Agua nature reserve, pine trees, dunes and footpaths alternate. It’s a lovely change from the open beach.
Our tip
For a longer walk, take the path towards Molino del Agua. The dunes are a protected area and should only be crossed via the designated paths.
Location and route | Character | Recommendation |
Dénia – Les Rotes | Promenade and rocky coastline | From cosy to spacious |
Benissa – Eco Walk | Coves, steps and cliffs | Easy, with some changes in elevation |
Altea – Cap Negret and l’Olla | Pebble beaches and sea views | A leisurely walk |
Villajoyosa – Colada de la Costa | Nature trail and viewing points | Easy to moderate hike |
Alicante – Cabo de las Huertas | Rocky coastline and small coves | Sturdy shoes are recommended |
Torrevieja – La Mata | Sandy beach, promenade and dunes | Comfortable, even on longer journeys |
In autumn and winter, it’s worth planning your walks a little differently. The sun is lower in the sky, the days are shorter, and the wind can get quite strong on exposed stretches of coastline. After storms, paths may be damaged or temporarily closed. If you fancy a quiet afternoon by the sea, you don’t need much: comfortable shoes, a light jacket and perhaps a flask of coffee. Sturdy shoes are advisable on rocky stretches.
And then? Just start walking. Because sometimes the best thing about a winter’s day on the Costa Blanca is having absolutely nothing planned – apart from listening to the sea.
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