The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Marquesado

The descent from returns the same way back to the Portet d'Ondara. I made the descent eastwards to the old aqueduct path. This is significantly more demanding compared to the ascent via the west side. Slopes/descents of up to approx. 40% are present. The vegetation and the poorly visible yellow trail marking often cause you to pause and look around. Stone towers and GPS help with orientation. Overall, however, progress is slow. The signpost at the bottom of the aqueduct path already gives a hint: 1:10h for approx. 800m of path to the Portet d'Ondara.

The view is worth it. However, in the summer months (when it gets over 30 degrees) it is recommended to ascend only early in the morning, so that you descend again by 11 am. I ascended from the west side (in the shade in the morning). Up to Portet d'Ondara the path is still reasonably recognizable. From there to the summit "Cim de Segària" the path and terrain are difficult to recognize and require sure-footedness. Sturdy mountain boots are helpful due to the rugged terrain and sharp stones. It is also possible with trail running shoes, but they suffer greatly. Up to the summit, you often have to search for the path or yellow markings, which are also completely missing in places. According to the maps, the path is classified as T2 (SAC scale). Due to the poor visibility of the path, rugged and sharp stones, I would tend towards at least T3. In some places, you also have to climb over a few larger stones or make bigger jumps.

It is very beautiful but keep in mind that the summit is portrayed too rosily in the comments regarding difficulty. The summit is definitely red (= difficult). Which means you'll be scrambling for half an hour. Both half an hour up and down. Otherwise beautiful.

Fantastic views and nice rocks to sit and have your lunch. Large flat area for large walking groups. Accessible from Murla on a steep SAC T3 path via the Hermita and Penya Migdia which does not include any chains or staples - BUT - if you continue west along the route there are chains and staples SAC T4 and T5 to negotiate. The T5 is a descent heading west to east and appears more daunting than if you were making an ascent. In my humble view it does not warrant a T5 rating. In reality any average competent walker will not experience any significant problem.

It's worth climbing after 5:30/6 p.m., as the rock casts shadows the entire way up. It takes between 50 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on photo breaks ;) I recommend taking the path to the photo spot at the end and then climbing to the summit. The view is already sensational, but even more incredible at sunset. You should start your descent promptly after sunset (around 8 p.m. in summer) to make it back down in time without a headlamp (it takes just under an hour).

Beautiful, but a bit more challenging than indicated. Some trails are overgrown, and the descent at the end is not for those with a fear of heights.

Want a slightly steadier start to Cumbre del Sol? Choose the other side, just outside Benitachell (on the road from/to Jávea). This side is still very tough, but the gradients are a bit more even. The final kilometre is identical to the famous Mercadona climb, with ramps above 15% and the same breathtaking summit view.

The climb to Cumbre del Sol / Puig de la Llorença starts a small distance from Benitachell, at the turn-off next to Mercadona (on the way to Moraira). It’s a short but brutal 4 km climb with ramps of 10–12% and pitches above 15%. At the summit, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the Mediterranean, Calpe, and even Ibiza. This climb is famous as a Vuelta a España stage finish, won by stars like Chris Froome and Tom Dumoulin.