Tucked away in the town of Callosa d’en Sarrià is a walking route called PR-CV 48 Camí del Fort.
It’s not too long, about five and a half kilometres, but it packs in history, nature, and some cracking views. If you fancy a bit of a leg stretch without committing to a full day’s hike, this one is a winner.
The trail follows old footpaths that once linked villages and forts. The star of the show is Fort de Bèrnia, an old military fort from the 1500s, built to keep pirates and troublemakers off the coast. Standing up there, the views stretch out for miles across the coast and countryside.
You will also pass by old farming terraces, a cave that was once used for resting, and a livestock pen, all with little signs explaining what’s what.
How to get to Camí del Fort
To start the trail, drive past the second entrance to Les Fonts d’Algar. There is a handy info panel and a sign to point you in the right direction. You will drive for a couple of kilometres through fields full of loquat trees before reaching a small car park.
Once on foot, the route takes you along ancient bridleways and rocky paths, you will come across shelters where people would stop for a breather.
Further on is the Corral del Bancal Roig, an old winter pen for animals. Just before this, you’ll spot a flat patch of rusty-red earth called Bancal Roig. Turns out it’s a collapsed sinkhole, the red colour comes from iron in the soil.
Eventually, the forest path leads to a signpost showing the way to the fort. From there, it’s just a short stroll until you reach the junction with another trail, the PR CV-7 circular route around Bèrnia. Signs here will guide you to the fort itself, to El Forat (towards Altea), or to Les Cases de Bèrnia (towards Xaló).
Near the fort, you’ll find the Font del Fort, a natural spring that somehow keeps going year-round, even with the droughts.
The restoration work on Fort de Bèrnia was completed in November 2024, so you can now admire it in all its original glory.
