Finestrat Mountain Walk: Puig Campana (Spain)

Puig Campana Mountain Walk in Finestrat, Costa Blanca (Spain).

puig_campana_mountain_alicante_spainThere are several fresh water springs in the Finestrat area – the emblematic Font del Molí has 15 spouts and people come from miles around to fill up containers with the pure mountain water.

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You’ll find it at the top of the lane, which turns off the main street in Finestrat, up to the base of the Puig Campana mountain. There’s a Tourist Info centre nearby where you can get a map and information on outdoor activities – camping, rock climbing, cycling and hikes.

mountain_walks_finestrat_puig_campana_spainThis is the starting place for the best walk on Costa Blanca! The classical circular route around the Puig Campana (PR-CV 289) is a moderate walk of some 11 kilometres, which can take something up to five hours if you take it easy and stop to eat a picnic along the way!puig_campana_mountain_finestrat_alicante_spain

The ascent up the north face to the summit is somewhat more challenging and you need to be in reasonable physical condition and wear the appropriate footwear for hiking (total 12 km – 4 to 8 hours to complete depending on pace).

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The trek starts at the Font de Moli taking the same path as the circular route – halfway round the trail, signs point you to a steep three kilometre long path which leads up to the summit.

finestrat_puig_campana_hike_summit_costa_blanca_spainThe Puig Campana is the second highest peak on the Costa Blanca (1410 metres above sea level) and the effort is worthwhile for amazing views from the top, over the skyscraper skyline in Benidorm, and great part of the Alicante coastline. Check the weather conditions beforehand to avoid rain, take a warm lightweight fleece jacket and a bottle of water – there is no water source on the ascent to the summit.

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For the fit and adventurous, it’s an incredible experience to trek up the Puig Campana before sunset and camp out on the summit overnight to see the amazing sunrise (once again taking appropriate clothing and supplies, as the temperatures drop considerably and it is cold after sundown).finestrat_puig_campana_mountain_summit_costa_blanca_alicante_spain

The stiff ascent up the south face, known as the ‘vertical kilometre’, is far more hazardous and only for experienced climbers.puig_campana_south_face_finestrat_spain

There are several legends about the charismatic Puig Campana mountain and the huge gap at the top…one romantic story tells of a giant who tore the great chunk of rock from the rock face to let the last rays of sunlight through the mountain to save his sweetheart from certain death at nightfall… the rock was thrown into the sea to form Benidorm Island!

finestrat_puig_campana_cima_summit_costa_blanca_spainFollow other trails on foot or mountain bike to the rural town of Polop (turn off on the Puig Campana circular) or a relatively easy scenic route through pine trees to the neighbouring village of Sella – take the road to the left of Font de Molí and the path alongside the distinctive ridge, the Castellets crest.sierra_cortina_views_benidorm_sierra_helada_spain

A walk along the Sierra Cortina is another marvellous experience – an easy route along the crest affords panoramic views to Benidorm and the other coastal resorts of the Marina Baja region.sunset_sierra_cortina_finestrat_spain_costa_blanca_mediterranean

Getting there:
Finestrat village is located 8 minutes from Benidorm by car; 50 kms from Alicante-Elche airport; take the AP-7 motorway exit 65-A, then the local road. Alternatively take the N-332 and follow the signs to the turnoff.


Related Posts:


Related Posts about the Costa Blanca:
Alicante Province – North to South


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2 Comments:

  1. Hi I come to Benidorn several times a year and I am looking to fine someone who can show me the trails around Finestrat as I do some cycling and a little bit of trail running,

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