Costa Blanca is the perfect destination for holidaymakers; the area offers miles and miles of glorious Mediterranean coastline, paired with guaranteed sunshine and lively promenades. There are spots to relax, unwind, shop or even party from sunrise until sunset again and again. It’s very clear to see why this area has become a hub for the notorious ‘Brit Abroad’ culture. But it’s important to take time to do some independent exploring and experience the adventure of places that are less known to those boisterous tourists.
Since my early teens, I have visited Costa Blanca (and its surroundings) on an annual basis. Each time, it would be my mission to convince the parents to drive to a new location. Somewhere fairly local, and somewhere we could witness a peaceful sunrise or sunset. Amazingly, we have managed to catch many of these special moments. That is why I would love to share with you my top locations for sunrise (and sunset) in Costa Blanca.
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Calpe Rock, Calp
For years of visiting the local area, I would peer up at the huge rock to see tiny hillwalkers summiting the iconic peak of Calpe Rock. It was my dream to do just that. Little did I know, that the trail to the top of the rock was totally within my capabilities. Not only that but it could be done within a half-day trek.
Calpe Rock is undoubtedly one of the more striking landmarks of the Costa Blanca coast. It can be seen for miles and miles, so it’s obvious to imagine how spectacular the viewpoint would be. This spot is so phenomenal, I just had to begin this article with an explanation of the place. It’s my favourite recommendation for sunrise and sunset in Costa Blanca.
How to Get There
Parking was easy. You can begin from anywhere in Calpe. Alternatively, there is a specific car park located at the bottom of the trail – click here for the exact location. The place is fairly simple to find as the area has been developed to assist tourists visiting the national park. So much so, that there is a visitor’s centre on-site that has vending machines, picnic tables and toilets. Not that it was open when I was there!
The trail starts simple. There is one man-made path heading straight for the rock. The quality of this path continues until you reach a tunnel that goes straight through the mountain. It is from this point that I recommend only able adults continue as the constructed path turns more into a worn-down trail. Rocks can be loose and there is no fence to stop anyone, or anything, falling straight down the verticals. Therefore, I’d refrain from taking your beloved children (and possibly even dogs!).
Follow painted red dots that mark the way. Your next landmark will be a split in the trail. You now have two options: continue to the summit, or walk to a viewpoint called ‘Mirador de Carabineros’ Honestly, you should think about doing both. You may feel like you have seen it all after the summit, but Mirador offers another perspective. It’s quieter, not as high and surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
How Long It Took to Get There
We climbed Calpe Rock in June. Once the midday heat had begun to decrease, we began our ascent to time our summit for the sunset. We had arrived a lot sooner than anticipated. Therefore, we had an hour, or more, trying to take in the views we had in front of us. Trust me, we needed it! With the summit and Mirador included, we were up and down in about four hours.
Parc de la Serra Grossa, Alicante
Serra Grossa is another absolute favourite of mine. I’ve watched the Spanish coastline during the golden hours of sunrise AND sunset from this viewpoint – neither have left me disappointed. Many of the Spanish locals enjoy the forest park of Serra Grossa by running, camping, cycling or simply just hill-walking. Its close proximity to the city, combined with low difficulty trails make it one of the best places for sunrise and sunset in Costa Blanca.
How to Get There:
From Alicante, you’ll be able to see two nearby hills: one has the castle on top; the other is a little larger (150m above sea level to be precise). The latter is called Serra Grossa. The hill is about 4km from Alicante, so it can be done as a day tour without any transport or by taking a short trip on the local tram.
Serra Grossa is accessible through many points… Although this route is for those travelling to the base of the mountain by car. You can begin here. There should be plenty of spaces along the road for you to park. From there, enter the mountain via the indicated path. The trail is easy to find as there is a large map for tourists which you’ll see as you park the car.
Any trail you choose to take should lead you to the plateau at the top in just over a kilometre. The paths are unsurfaced, but even, with the odd loose rock or two. Just remember which path you took to the top as you’ll need to find the same opening of the trail to make your way back down again.
If you are keen sunset chaser like ourselves, you may want to bring a beach chair for the top because these views are encapsulating. Visible landmarks will include El Campello, San Juan, Benidorm, Alicante harbour, the castle, Santa Pola and the surrounding mountains of Costa Blanca. It’s such a small slope to climb for what you will actually be rewarded with.
Castello de Jijona, Xixona
Firstly, I have to apologize for bending the rules a little because this entry is located just outside of Costa Blanca. Within approximately half an hour, the small town of Jijona/Xixona can be accessed by car from Alicante. That’s not bad considering you’ll be able to drive as far up as metres away from the viewpoint. This would make this the lazy man’s option if the previous two entries had you feeling exhausted just reading them.
It’s clear to see that this castle had been erected as a means of defence; from the top, miles and miles of land is visible from the mountains to the coastline and horizon beyond. I only wish I had a chance to thank the constructors for building such a great spot to view both a sunrise and sunset.
How to Get There
Since there is no tourist centre, the landmark is open to the public 24 hours a day and is free to enter. From this car park, there is a short signposted walk up a small incline which will take no longer than ten minutes. Again, such little effort for what will be a great reward. From the summit, you’ll be blessed with an incredible view over-looking the tiny orange streets of Xixona. Look even further to see Alicante and El Campello standing tall in the distance.
El Campello Beach
Considering the fact that Costa Blanca has an abundance of beaches, it’s not surprising that they too can be a great location to view either a sunrise or sunset. In fact, this location can even allow you to enjoy the sunrise with a coffee or the sunset with the biggest jug of Sangria you can find along the promenade.
How to Get There
Finding a place to park your car can be quite difficult, depending on what time of day you’re choosing to visit the beach. With this in mind, I recommend you take a trip down for sunset. The place is almost a hundred times more calm and peaceful then – it’s certainly worth waking up early for! You’ll almost have the whole beach to yourself, besides the odd runner or binman.
Your best bet of a car parking spot is inside El Campello’s multi-story car park. Click here for directions on Google Maps. From there, the beach is approximately 5-minutes away by walking – short enough to carry your beach chair and picnic.
Torre de la Illeta, El Campello
Standing tall and majestically, overlooking El Campello’s marina, is a circular tower called ‘Illeta’. Whilst it’s exterior can be visited freely every day; its interior is only occasionally opened to tourists.
The area surrounding the tower includes many benches, picnic tables or short walks that are perfect to enjoy whilst taking in the sunset.
How to Get There
The car park is conveniently situated within metres of the tower. You can use this link for directions.
Serra Gelada, Benidorm
I must admit, I’ve never been to this location. Though I believe it should still receive a mention, as this location is high on the bucket list for my next stay in Costa Blanca. Kudos to whoever beats me to the top!
Cap de l’Horta, San Juan
After a very, VERY long run down San Juan beach… Cap de l’Horta was my reward finding. There are no large signs, paths, trails or cairns to tell you: “Keep walking, there’s a great viewpoint down here!” so this entry to my article makes an appearance as a quiet alternative. I would recommend this to the yogis looking for tranquillity, or the romantics looking for a peaceful place to take the moment in.
How to Get There
The pinnacle of ‘Cap de l’Horta’ can be entered via the north or west side. San Juan beach will lead you from the north. If your preference is to get there by car, then you can use this link for directions to the nearest parking. Alternatively, the tram line runs within walking distance from this location so if you are coming from Alicante, San Juan or El Campello, then this site is totally accessible.
Torre d’Aguiló, Villajoyosa
This is another location on my to-do list for my next visit to Costa Blanca. If you manage to get there before me, please let me know what you think in the comments below. However, from what I’ve heard, this walk is a truly wonderful hike, especially for its local history and sensational ocean views which sounds like the perfect location to chase the sunrise and sunset in Costa Blanca to me!
Want to learn more about my life of full-time travel? You can jump here to find out more.
Let’s go!
@katie.maree
