The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Altea

The region around Altea boasts several remarkable mountain peaks. The Serra de Bèrnia is known for its natural tunnel, El Forat, and historical fort ruins. The Sierra Helada Natural Park features dramatic coastal cliffs and the scenic Albir Lighthouse route. Further inland, Puig Campana offers challenging hikes and panoramic views, while the Peñón de Ifach summit provides spectacular vistas of the Costa Blanca after a rugged climb. For more accessible views, consider the Summit of Mount d'Olta (587 m).

The second-highest peak in the province of Alicante, and a prominent feature near Altea, is Puig Campana Summit, soaring to 1,406 meters. The Serra de Bèrnia also reaches over 1,000 meters, with its highest point at 1,128 meters above sea level, making it the closest 'vertical kilometer' to the sea in the Iberian Peninsula.

Yes, several peaks offer challenging hikes. Puig Campana Summit provides rigorous and exhilarating hikes with steep ascents and rocky paths, recommended for experienced hikers. The Peñón de Ifach summit also involves a somewhat difficult route due to its steepness and rugged terrain. The PR-CV 7 Bernia circular route on Serra de Bèrnia offers varying terrains, including rocky paths.

For a family-friendly option, the Summit of Mount d'Olta (587 m) is accessible via a path without significant difficulty, offering wonderful panoramic views of Calpe and the Penyal d'Ifac. The Albir Lighthouse Route in Sierra Helada Natural Park is also a scenic coastal walk suitable for many, featuring watchtowers and historical sites.

You can expect diverse natural features. The Serra de Bèrnia is known for its marine limestone composition, an elongated ridge, and the unique natural tunnel called El Forat. Sierra Helada features dramatic coastal cliffs rising directly from the sea, fossil dunes, and fascinating caves. Puig Campana Summit is famous for its distinctive notch, 'El Portell,' and offers extensive panoramic views.

The Serra de Bèrnia is home to the ruins of Fort de Bèrnia, a 16th-century Renaissance fort built to defend against Barbary pirates, offering incredible 360-degree views. The area also has archaeological significance with Neolithic cave paintings. In Sierra Helada Natural Park, the Albir Lighthouse route features watchtowers and evidence of ancient Phoenician ochre mines.

The mountain ranges near Altea are rich in biodiversity. The Serra de Bèrnia supports a wide array of flora and fauna, including birds of prey like Bonelli's eagle and peregrine falcon. Sierra Helada Natural Park is a biodiversity hotspot for both terrestrial and marine zones, with endemic plants, bird species like the Peregrine Falcon and Audouin's Gull, and vibrant underwater life. Puig Campana Summit, despite past wildfires, is home to native and endemic plant species, as well as wildlife including eagles, hawks, and wild boar.

Beyond hiking, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain biking trails, such as 'The Sierra de Bernia — Circular from Olla Altea' or the 'Serra Gelada and Benidorm MTB Loop,' which you can explore further in the MTB Trails around Altea guide. There are also running trails, including the 'Albir Lighthouse loop' or the 'Mirador Morro de Toix Trail,' detailed in the Running Trails around Altea guide.

The region's Mediterranean climate makes it suitable for visiting mountain peaks for much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring. Summers can be very hot, especially for challenging climbs like Puig Campana Summit, so it's advisable to carry plenty of water and start early. Winters are mild, but some higher routes might be cooler.

Visitors frequently praise the spectacular panoramic views from the summits, such as those from Puig Campana Summit and the Peñón de Ifach summit, which can stretch across the Costa Blanca and even to Ibiza on clear days. The unique geological features, like El Forat in Serra de Bèrnia and the distinctive notch of Puig Campana, also captivate many. The diverse ecosystems and the sense of adventure on challenging trails are highly valued.

Yes, for the Peñón de Ifach summit, reservations are required, especially during high season, and entry is restricted. It's advisable to book weeks in advance to secure entry. You can find more information on the official website: linkalicante.com.

Yes, komoot offers detailed guides for mountaineering in the region. For example, you can find routes like 'Cala El Racó – Peñón de Ifach summit loop' or 'Penyes del Portitxol – Bèrnia loop' in the Mountain Hikes around Altea guide. These guides provide information on distance and difficulty.