“The sea lived in a very large bay. One of the corners of that bay which was the home of the sea was called the Punta de l’Albir and the other corner the Morro Toix, and towards the corner of the Olla floated the small ridges of the Illeta and l’Illot. Aitana and Puig Campana were two pointed mountains oriented to the noon, which had become blue from looking at the water so much.”
These beautiful words, which we have taken the liberty of translating from the original Valencià, were those used by the writer Carmelina Sánchez-Cutillas to refer to Altea in her novel Matèria de Bretanya. We had the opportunity to listen to them recently at the screening of the documentary“Altea, la casa de la mar“, by Senchermés Films.
After this appropriate introduction, we will now unveil everything you need to know about the new Blue Trail of the Bay of AlteaThis coastal route of great beauty and natural and cultural values has been recently recognized with this award and adds to the 22 existing itineraries in the Valencian Community.
In this article:
What are the Blue Trails?
The Blue Trails are an initiative of the Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor (ADEAC), the association responsible for other programs such as the Blue Flags program.
The Blue Trails program was created in 2011 with the aim of promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation through hiking.
ADEAC’s blue trails offer travelers the opportunity to explore some of Spain’s most breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, coasts and authentic villages. The association also works to improve and maintain the trails, as well as to promote the education and training of guides and hiking professionals.
In the province of Alicante there are currently a total of 5 Blue Trails, among which are included the Faro del l’Albir path and the Benissa Ecological Walk. The complete list can be consulted on the ADEAC website.
Blue Trail of the Bay of Altea
The coastal path that runs along the bay of Altea has recently been distinguished -February 2023- as a Blue Trail by ADEAC.
It is a very accessible route, with little slope and that allows to connect different points of the country. great environmental, scenic and cultural valuesuch as the humid zone of the mouth of the Algar riverthe Natural Monument of the volcanic outcrop of Cap Negret and fossil beach Cala del Soiothe old carabinieri barracks of Platja de l’Olla or the charming Villa Gadea.
Along the route we can find several restaurants on the beach where you can taste the tasty gastronomy of Altea, such as El Cranc Chiringuito. This restaurant, with 40 years of tradition, is part of the gastronomic recommendations of Marina Vega, which we invite you to discover in our guide to Altea:
What to see in ALTEA, must-see places and plans
What to see in Altea: beautiful places, beaches, routes, gastronomy and the best plans to enjoy the most beautiful coastal town in Alicante.
Route Characteristics
The complete itinerary, round trip, is about 15 kilometers long, being ideal to enjoy it slowly during a day, since it has hardly any slope.
The route is suitable to do with children, always being aware that it is not necessary to do the whole route and that it can be done in parts, so that it is more bearable for the little ones.
The trail officially begins in the Plaza de Europa, in the middle of Altea’s promenade, and ends at the Mascarat viewpoint, overlooking the beautiful Cala del Racó del Corb.
Along the route you can enjoy several beaches and coves, including the canine beach of Altea, near the old carabinieri barracks.
The waters of the Bay of Altea are part of the maritime area of the Serra Gelada Natural ParkThis trail has a great value as a didactic resource, so that we become aware of the high environmental value and the ancient farmland and mountains that surround them, often battered by the ravages of the urban abuses of the peninsular Mediterranean coast.
The 10 Best Coves in Alicante + Map
Discover the 10 Best Coves of Alicante and its location map in this tour from north to south along the coast of the Costa Blanca.
Data sheet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Round Trip Route
- Distance: 15 km. approx.
- Elevation gain: +150 meters
- Approximate time: 3:30 - 5 hours
Route Track
Given the novelty of this trail, which will be officially awarded on February 24, 2023, there is still no official track for it.
However, we share with you this unofficial track whose route will be very similar to the official one.
At the moment, the trail is not marked.
Links of interest
Press release on obtaining the recognition as Blue Trail of the bay of Altea.
More in Altea and surroundings...
Albir Lighthouse hike, an easy walk with beautiful views in Serra Gelada
Excursion to the Lighthouse of l’Albir, in the Serra Gelada Natural Park, with beautiful views of the Bay of Altea and the Serra de Bèrnia.
What to see in ALTEA, must-see places and plans
What to see in Altea: beautiful places, beaches, routes, gastronomy and the best plans to enjoy the most beautiful coastal town in Alicante.
