Hiking in the Hills of the Sierra Mariola and Charming Villages

The passage through the Mariola hill cannot go unnoticed. It is time to leave the car in the free parking and start walking along an ascending path through the hill.

One of the main hiking routes in the Mariola hills is the walk along the path marked with blue arrows, which takes less than an hour to discover the source of the Vinalopó river, a crystal-clear watercourse that runs for several kilometres through the province of Alicante.
The walk is of low physical difficulty, but is not suitable for people with disabilities as you have to climb stairs and cross bridges. It is ideal to do with children.

The descent to the parking is by the same route. You have to drive a few kilometres to get to Guadalest and recharge your batteries in a restaurant.

There is a large, free outdoor parking in the lower part of the village, next to the restaurants.

The terrace of this restaurant is already an invitation to sit down. Located on the edge of the ravine where the village of Guadalest is situated, you can not only eat excellent regional dishes.
The views from here over the surrounding hills are breathtakingly beautiful.
Open Hours: Every day from 10:00 - 18:00.

The Orduña house is today a museum that exhibits objects and furniture from the 17th century onwards, where the governor used to live. It also served as accommodation for noble families of the area.
On the tour you will visit the different rooms of this old mansion, passing through the kitchen, main living room and bedrooms.
Open Hours: Every day (timetables vary according to the time of the year): High and Mid-season: 10:15 – 19:00, low season: 10:15 – 18:00 Thursday and Sunday closed 14:00 – 15:00

The route of the castles of Alicante could not miss the climb to the castle of Guadalest. Although the main charm is the village itself and its viewpoints, the fortress has vestiges such as towers.
Its main feature is its location, at the top of the hill and overlooking the reddish roofs of the historic centre of Guadalest and the reservoir at the bottom.
The entrance fee is €4 which also allows you to visit the Orduña house.
Open Hours: Every day (timetables vary according to the time of the year): High and Mid-season: 10:15 – 19:00, low season: 10:15 – 18:00 Thursday and Sunday is closed between 14:00 – 15:00

After visiting the castle, on the main square and next to the small church, there is a viewpoint with a fabulous view of the reservoir, which is several metres below, enclosed by hills.
From the top, you can see the difference between the green of the pine forests closest to the reservoir and the slowly disappearing vegetation on the top of the hill.

The parking is closest to the castle of Polop, which can be reached after a few minutes walk through the historic centre.

From the road that leads to the village of Polop there is already a wonderful postcard of what you will find further on. The castle stands out on the top of the hill and houses the old cemetery of the town.
This place inspired the poet Gabriel Miró, who spent long periods of time in Polop, to write his work Huertos de Cruces (Orchards of Crosses).
After the visit to the castle, in ten minutes you return to the car park to continue your walk.

To finish the day, you have to drive to the centre of Altea and park your car. It's time for dinner in one of the most renowned taperías in town.

Specialists in seafood, fish and rice dishes, their dishes are prepared with fresh, high quality products.
The owner, Jose, is the one who personally goes to each table to check that everything is correct.
They have homemade desserts, the one they recommend the most is the nougat flan. A delight!
Open Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 - 23:00.
After dinner, it's time to go back to the parking and return to Alicante.

In less than an hour from Altea you reach Alicante. Time to rest after visiting the main castles of the inland of Alicante and walking through the hills of the Sierra de Mariola.