The best walks and hikes around Planes

Planes offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 170 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging ascents, ensuring there's something for every hiker.

Yes, Planes has several options for less experienced hikers and families. While many routes are moderate, there are 15 easy trails to explore. These often feature gentle terrain and beautiful scenery, such as parts of the Gorg del Salt de Planes – Frencantada Viewpoint loop from Toll del Teular, which is shorter and less demanding.

Planes is renowned for its aquatic features. The Barranc de l'Encantà Trail is a popular choice, offering panoramic views, natural pools, and the picturesque Gorg del Salt waterfall. Another excellent option is the Frencantada Viewpoint – Gorg del Salt de Planes loop from Planes, which also highlights the prominent Gorg del Salt waterfall. Further afield, the Fonts d'Algar (Las Fuentes del Algar) is a protected natural area known for its stunning waterfalls and natural pools.

Many of the most popular routes around Planes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Frencantada Viewpoint – Gorg del Salt de Planes loop from Planes and the Gorg del Salt de Planes – Frencantada Viewpoint loop from Toll del Teular. The Sierra de Mariola also offers circular trails like the one through the Cint Ravine.

The region around Planes is rich in natural and historical landmarks. You can explore various castles, such as Castell de Benissili or enjoy views of Perputxent Castle. Natural monuments like Penya Foradà and impressive summits like Montcabrer Summit offer breathtaking views. The area also features unique geological formations like the Mascarat Canyon and the Cova dels Arcs.

The Planes area, being in Alicante, Spain, generally offers pleasant hiking conditions for much of the year. Spring and autumn are ideal, with milder temperatures perfect for exploring. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended, especially if you plan to visit areas with natural pools like Barranc de l'Encantà for a refreshing dip. Winters are generally mild, making it possible to hike year-round.

Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Planes and its surroundings offer demanding routes. The region boasts over 50 peaks exceeding a thousand meters. For instance, the ascent of Puig Campana is an emblematic and challenging hike with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain. Another physically demanding route is the Barranc de l'Infern (Hell's Ravine), known as the 'Route of the 6,000 Steps,' which offers a unique environment of sculpted stone and rock formations.

The hiking trails in Planes are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 700 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse terrain, the stunning natural beauty, and the refreshing aquatic features like waterfalls and natural pools. The well-maintained paths and varied options for different skill levels also receive positive feedback.

Absolutely. Many trails in Planes provide spectacular panoramic views due to the region's rugged mountainous landscape. The Frencantada Viewpoint – Toll de l’Estret loop from Planes offers excellent vistas. The Sierra de Mariola, with viewpoints like Buitreras, is also known for its expansive scenery. For truly iconic views, the medium-difficulty trail to the summit of Peñón de Ifach provides breathtaking coastal and inland panoramas.

The natural areas around Planes offer chances to observe local wildlife. The Sierra de Mariola, for example, is a favored spot for birdwatchers, particularly due to the presence of griffon vulture nesting areas. Exploring the quieter trails and natural parks increases your chances of encountering various bird species and other local fauna.

While many routes are day hikes, the extensive network of trails in the mountainous province allows for longer excursions. For example, the Toll de l’Estret – Gorg del Salt de Planes loop from Planes is one of the longer moderate routes, covering nearly 13 km. For multi-day adventures, the interconnected trails within the Sierra de Mariola and Guadalest Valley offer opportunities to extend your journey and explore more deeply.