Are you after a good hike with views worth the effort? Then keep reading.
Inland Alicante has plenty of walking routes, but one in particular ticks all the boxes: scenery, history and even a curious solar spectacle. The circular walk to the Arco de Santa Lucía, in the small village of Penáguila, offers all three.
With just 300 residents dotted beneath the Sierra de Aitana, Penáguila feels a world away from the coast. Yet in around two and a half hours, you can complete a loop that showcases one of the most distinctive natural landmarks in the province.
Route to the Arco de Santa Lucía
The circular trail covers roughly 7 kilometres, with 323 metres of ascent and descent. The lowest point sits at 642 metres, while the highest reaches 905 metres at the summit of the Castell de Penàguila.
It is rated moderately technical. Most of the walk is straightforward, but there are rocky stretches where you may need to use your hands and watch your footing. The route forms a full loop.
Jardín de Santos
The walk begins at the car park of the Jardín de Santos, accessed via a paved track off the CV-781 after passing through Penáguila towards Alcoleja. This historic garden is known for its neat green areas and maze. Although the gardens themselves are closed on weekdays, the picnic area and playground remain open daily, making it a convenient starting and finishing point.
From here, the path heads towards the Aladrach ravine. After crossing it and passing the remains of the old town wall, the route takes you through Penáguila’s historic centre. You pass the parish church, the main square, the Font Major dating from 1856 with its 30 water spouts, and the traditional washhouse.
A clearly marked trail leads you towards the Castell ravine. Cross it and the most demanding section begins: a steady climb over rocky ground where you may need your hands for balance.
The reward soon follows. At almost 900 metres above sea level, the Arco de Santa Lucía comes into view. The natural rock arch rises dramatically against the mountain backdrop.
Walking through the arch is the highlight. The route is not especially difficult, but it feels exposed in places. If you prefer, you can avoid it and walk around instead. From here, you can see the Castell de Penàguila. As you continue towards the summit, you pass a smaller second arch.
At the top, a large wooden cross marks the summit. The views stretch across the Serrella, Aitana, Mariola and Benicadell ranges, with Almudaina and Penàguila spread out below.
Rock art and the return
The path descends along the northern side of the mountain. You pass an old stone cistern carved into the rock. Further down, the trail rejoins the CV-785 at a higher point.
The route alternates between road and footpath. It passes the Cuevas del Port, closed to protect prehistoric rock paintings, and the hermitage of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Back in the village, a cypress-lined walkway leads to the Jardín de Santos and completes the circuit.
The mystery of the winter sun
What makes the Arco de Santa Lucía even more intriguing is a natural alignment that takes place each December. Between 13 and 29 December, at around 15.55, the sun passes directly through the arch for about five minutes and briefly lights up part of the village below.
In the 14th century, under the Julian calendar, the winter solstice fell on 13 December, the feast day of Saint Lucy. The Gregorian reform of 1582 later adjusted the calendar, yet the arch kept its name and its association with that date.
