The northern Costa Blanca brings together some of Alicante province’s most distinctive landscapes: mountains beside the Mediterranean, cliffs, coves, forests and trails with views of the coastline.
From Cumbre del Sol, several natural parks and protected areas in and around the Marina Alta are within easy reach, making it an excellent starting point for anyone who enjoys hiking, nature and outdoor activities.
Here are some of the most interesting natural areas to visit on the northern Costa Blanca.
La Granadella Forest Park
La Granadella Forest Park, in Jávea, is one of the natural areas closest to Cumbre del Sol.
Its landscape combines Mediterranean woodland, ravines and seaside cliffs, creating a particularly appealing setting to explore on foot.
One of its main trails is the PR-CV 354, which crosses La Granadella Forest Park and offers a chance to discover both its natural wealth and elements of the area’s traditional heritage. Jávea’s official tourist information highlights this blend of sea and mountains, with views of the cliffs, Montgó, the valley and Xàbia Bay.
Hiking and heritage in La Granadella
There is more than nature to discover here.
Along the trails, you will find buildings and remains associated with the traditional activities once carried out on this stretch of coast.
These include:
- Old ochre mines.
- Lime kilns.
- Traditional structures.
- Les Pesqueres.
- Various viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean.
The ochre mines were used to extract the mineral until the late 19th century, while the lime kilns recall another activity historically carried out in the area.
The old pesqueres, structures traditionally used to reach fishing spots on the cliffs, are another highlight.
Castell de la Granadella
Another historic landmark nearby is Castell de la Granadella, a small fortification built in the 18th century to help defend the coastline.
It is a reminder of the strategic importance this part of the coast once held against possible attacks from the sea.
The combination of heritage, hiking and Mediterranean views makes La Granadella one of the most rewarding natural areas near Cumbre del Sol.
Penyal d’Ifac Natural Park
Penyal d’Ifac is one of the Costa Blanca’s most recognisable landmarks.
Located in Calpe, the rock rises directly beside the Mediterranean to a height of 332 metres.
Its distinctive outline is one of the great symbols of the Alicante coast, and its surroundings are protected as a natural park.
Climbing the Peñón de Ifach
One of the main activities is following the Red Route, the trail that climbs the rock.
The first section leads from the visitor centre to the tunnel through part of the rock formation. Beyond that point, the route becomes considerably more demanding.
You currently need to book in advance to take the ascent route. The park authorities recommend wearing hiking shoes, carrying water and taking extra care beyond the tunnel.
Along the way, several viewpoints offer views of Calpe and the Mediterranean.
Flora and landscape of the Peñón de Ifach
Besides its views, the park stands out for its natural diversity.
Its particular location and the characteristics of the rock support a range of plant species, some closely associated with the Mediterranean coast.
One of the most notable is the Ifach catchfly, one of the plants most closely associated with this area.
The meeting of mountain and sea makes Penyal d’Ifac one of the most distinctive natural areas on the northern Costa Blanca.
Montgó Natural Park
Between Dénia and Jávea lies Montgó Natural Park, another of the Marina Alta’s best-known natural landmarks.
The mountain rises more than 750 metres and dominates much of the northern Costa Blanca landscape.
Its proximity to the sea creates a striking contrast between the mountain massif and the coast. Various trails cross its slopes and offer opportunities to discover Mediterranean vegetation.
Some parts of the park offer views towards Jávea, Dénia and the Mediterranean.
The network of trails includes routes of varying difficulty, from more accessible walks to ascents that require greater preparation.
The protected area also includes the Cap de Sant Antoni Marine Reserve and particularly sensitive sites such as Cova Tallada, where access may be regulated and authorisation is required at certain times.
Serra Gelada Natural Park
Further south lies Serra Gelada Natural Park and its coastal surroundings, between Benidorm, l’Alfàs del Pi and Altea.
It is one of the most unusual protected areas on the Alicante coast, combining a coastal mountain range, impressive cliffs and a protected marine area.
Its trails offer Mediterranean views from different heights and lead through scenery quite unlike that of the nearby urban beaches.
The park also protects marine areas around places such as Illa Mitjana and Benidorm Island, where certain activities, including diving, are regulated.
With its combination of mountains, cliffs and sea, Serra Gelada is an excellent addition to a trip around the Costa Blanca’s main natural areas.
Nature near Cumbre del Sol
One of the attractions of living or spending time in Cumbre del Sol is the easy access it offers to natural areas across the northern Costa Blanca.
The proximity of La Granadella makes it easy to plan hikes and days outdoors without travelling far. Montgó and the Peñón de Ifach offer further options for anyone keen to explore other Marina Alta landscapes.
From certain residential areas of Cumbre del Sol, you can also enjoy direct views of the surrounding mountains and natural areas.
Living close to nature in Cumbre del Sol
Cumbre del Sol combines the Mediterranean with some of the northern Costa Blanca’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
Coves, cliffs, trails and protected areas create a setting where outdoor activities can be enjoyed for much of the year.
At Cumbre del Sol Pre-Owned, we can help you explore the homes available in the development and find a property where you can enjoy both the sea and the natural areas of the Marina Alta.
Contact our team to find out about the properties currently available in Cumbre del Sol.
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