Top 10 Gorges around Alicante

Alicante offers a diverse range of canyons, from dry gorges ideal for hiking and rappelling to aquatic routes featuring thrilling jumps and natural slides. You can find options for various adventure sports and stunning scenery across the region.

Yes, several canyons are excellent for beginners. The Barranco de la Mela (or Abdet Canyon) is ideal for learning basic canyoning techniques due to its relatively easy difficulty, offering jumps, slides, and small rappels. Similarly, the Barranco de l'Estret de les Penyes (Bolulla) is a manageable option for those new to canyoning, providing an exciting descent amidst spectacular scenery. The Canal Ravine (Les Mates Ravine) is also considered one of the best for introducing beginners to canyoning, with mostly small rappels.

For aquatic adventures, the Barranco de la Mela (or Abdet Canyon) features pools for exhilarating jumps and slides, depending on rainfall. The L'Estret Canyon (Relleu to Orxeta), also known as Estret del Pantá, is primarily an aquatic canyon with narrow, high walls and many pools, requiring good physical condition due to the swimming involved. The Gorgo de la Escalera, located near Anna, is another engaging water canyon with optional jumps and a significant abseil next to a waterfall.

The Mascarat Canyon (Cañón del Mascarat / Barranc Salat) is visually stunning with towering vertical walls up to 100 meters high, slicing through the Sierra de Bèrnia. For panoramic views, the Relleu Footbridge Viewpoint offers spectacular scenery from a glass-based walkway jutting into the gorge. The Reservoir viewpoint provides excellent views of the Relleu dam and reservoir, serving as the starting point for the footbridge.

Yes, the Barranco del Infierno (Hell's Canyon) is renowned for its dramatic white stone walls that reflect light beautifully and a tortuous gully. The Views of the Les Salines ravine showcase a spectacular landscape where water has eroded limestone, revealing sediment substrates with reddish, gray, and bluish tones that contrast with the vegetation.

The best time for canyoning in Alicante often depends on the specific canyon and whether you prefer dry or aquatic routes. For aquatic canyons, late spring and early summer after seasonal rains can offer the best water levels. Dry canyons are generally accessible year-round, though summer months can be very hot. Always check local conditions and weather forecasts before planning your trip.

The Gorgo de la Escalera in Anna is considered an ideal family-friendly option for canyoning, providing a guaranteed adventure with easy access and optional jumps. Its manageable difficulty makes it suitable for families looking for an exciting outdoor experience.

Beyond canyoning, the Alicante region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, running trails, and gravel biking routes. For instance, the Barranco del Infierno is adjacent to the famous 'Cathedral of Hiking,' a challenging circular route (PR-CV 147) with over 6,800 hand-built stone steps, offering outstanding cultural heritage within a natural setting.

Permit requirements can vary for different canyons in Alicante, especially for more technical routes or those within protected natural parks. It is always advisable to check with local authorities or specialized canyoning guides for the specific canyon you plan to visit to confirm if any permits or prior authorizations are needed.

Visitors frequently highlight the spectacular scenery and the unique geological formations. Many appreciate the thrilling experiences offered by both dry and aquatic descents. The Relleu Footbridge Viewpoint, for example, is praised for its exciting walkway and breathtaking views. The diverse options cater to various skill levels, from beginners to experienced adventurers, making the region appealing to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.