Travel Guides

Costa Blanca Mountain Adventures : The Bernia Ridge and other multi-activity adventures

by Mark Eddy

Your essential guide to 60 graded outdoor adventures across Spain's Costa Blanca Discover the Costa Blanca's striking mountain landscape through handpicked adventures including alpine ridge scrambles, via ferratas, canyon descents, sport and traditional climbing, hiking, trail running, and road cycling. One of the few places in Europe where you can enjoy summer-standard outdoor pursuits in the middle of winter, the Costa Blanca is an extraordinary adventure destination within easy reach of Alicante—perfect for a multi-activity holiday at any time of year. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook by mountain guide and activity instructor Mark Eddy presents 60 graded routes and activities across the region: 13 ridge scrambles, 7 via ferratas, 8 canyon descents, 8 sport climbing crags, 7 traditional climbing routes, 4 hikes, 9 trail runs, and 4 road cycling routes. Options range from easy walking to 500-metre traditional climbs and technical canyon descents. Explore iconic highlights including the Bernia Ridge, the alpine Castellets ridge, the dramatic Puig Campana, the near-subterranean Barranco del Infierno, the via ferratas of El Cid and Ponoch, and the famous Col de Rates cycling circuit. Every route features clear grading, detailed descriptions, sketch maps, and photo topos for climbing and via ferrata routes, making it easy to select activities matched to your skills and experience. Packed with practical information on accommodation in key bases including the Jalón/Xaló valley, Calpe, Altea, La Nucia, and Denia, plus guidance on getting around, food and drink, health and safety, and the equipment required for each activity type, this trusted Cicerone guide is your essential companion for adventure in one of Europe's most exciting winter-sun destinations. The best time to visit is between October and early May.

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