Puig Campana is an emblematic mountain in Alicante. At 1,406 metres it is the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula that is near the coast – there are barely ten kilometres between the mountain and the sea and the city of Benidorm. This proximity to the coast and a distinctive shape in the form of a bell, make it a big attraction for all those who love climbing. And also for families who want to go on a hiking route in Alicante with their children, or couples looking to go for a romantic getaway.
Ascent of Puig Campana: a route for keen hikers
Puig Campana is located in the Marina Baixa area of Alicante, and access is via El Finestrat. The hike up to this peak is one of the most demanding in the whole of Alicante, due to the cumulative difference in altitude, and because it is a route that includes some very challenging stretches. It is for this reason that we classify it as ‘difficult’, so it is recommended for those who have solid climbing experience. But even if you are not an expert hiker, there are lots of easier trails in this area.
Description of trail
The trail starts out from the Font del Molí, where it is easy to park, and from there you can choose between three different trails, depending on your climbing skills and the distance you want to cover.
The first trail does not reach the top of the mountain. It is a circular route that runs around Puig Campana and can be taken in both directions. It covers 12 kilometres and there is an altitude difference of around 600 metres.
The second trail takes you to the top of Puig Campana, minus the circular route mentioned above. First, you will take the path from Font del Molí to the Coll del Pouet, where the ascent begins. It is a 7-kilometre climb, with an altitude difference of 900 metres. This makes for a total of 14 kilometres, so the trail is a demanding one. You will need to take care on some sections due to the steep slopes and the instability of the terrain – you will also find ropes in some places that are very helpful. Pay special attention if the ground is wet, since on the way down we could slip very easily.
Finally, the third trail is a combination of the previous two because it includes a section of the circular route and also runs up to the top of the mountain. At 16 kilometres, it is the longest route, and the altitude difference is 1,100 metres.
Puig Campana: a place of legend
Apart from giving us beautiful views of Benidorm and its island as well as of the beautiful Sierra Aitana, Puig Campana is also a place of legend. As we have already said, this mountain has a rather unusual shape, which makes it unique. Legend has it that it is shaped like this because the other part of the mountain, which made it complete, vanished and fell into the sea, forming the well-known island of Benidorm, also known as the journalists’ island, that lies just a few metres off the beach. There are many stories about how this massive rock fell into the sea, but all are linked to the French hero Roldán, a military commander under Charlemagne, who lived during the 8th century A D.
All these stories, whether of love or of struggle, end with a chunk of rock plunging into the sea to become an islet. In one of these stories, Roldán is not a French hero, but a giant in love with a beautiful woman who lived with him in a cabin on Puig Campana. They lived together happily, until one day the giant came across a sinister figure who told him that his beloved would die after the last ray of sunlight had faded. The giant returned to the cabin and realised that his lover was dying. Roldán wanted to give his beloved a few more minutes of life, and struck the mountain with all his might so that the sunlight would last just a little longer. A part of the rock broke and fell into the sea, forming an islet.
With Puig Campana you can discover legends, admire wonderful views out over the Costa Blanca and the Sierra de Aitana, or enjoy a day out hiking with family or friends. And all in a beautiful area like the Costa Blanca, surrounded by beaches and theme parks.