Calling all daredevils, the Costa Blanca has just the thing for you. Via ferrata!
Have you ever gone hiking in the mountains and spotted metal rungs and cables bolted into the rock and wondered what they are for? Here is the answer.
Via ferrata is a part hiking trail, part climbing route, and a guaranteed dose of adrenaline. Originally made famous in the Dolomites of northern Italy, these “iron paths” are now found all over Spain, and the Costa Blanca has some cracking ones to explore.
For those new to the game, choose a route that suits your fitness level. First-timers are advised to join an officially registered active tourism company. Each route is rated from K1 (easy) to K6 (very difficult), so you can work your way up gradually.
Vía Ferrata del Albir
Set in an old quarry near the coast, this short K1 route is perfect for beginners and even families. It takes about 40 minutes and includes a simple 30-metre climb. You can walk back down or rappel 15 metres with great views of Puig Campana.
Figueret (Relleu)
Rated K2, this route mixes gentle climbs with small ledges where you can catch your breath without unhooking. It ends with a 25-metre rappel — a fun finish to a relaxed climb.
Xorret de Catí (Castalla)
This K3 climb offers more of a challenge. It’s short but steep, with both easy and exposed sections. The reward is a sweeping view of the Maigmó and Cid mountain ranges.
Villena
A K2 route that begins at the Mirador de las Cruces and crosses ravines and bridges before reaching the summit of Sierra de la Villa. It’s a great introduction before tackling tougher climbs.
Ponoig (Polop)
Short but punchy, this K4 via ferrata demands a bit of experience. Expect mostly vertical sections — and two rappels of 25 and 35 metres on the way down. The views over Benidorm and Callosa d’en Sarrià make it worth every step.
Cid (Petrer)
Also K4, this route mixes metal holds with stretches where you grip the rock directly. It leads to La Silla del Cid, a viewpoint with sweeping views of the Costa Blanca.
Ferrata de Redován
One of Spain’s biggest, this via ferrata has two parts: an easy K2 family route and a tougher K4-K5 one. The latter features a 35-metre Tibetan bridge and a unique moving air crossing suspended 200 metres above the ground. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Callosa de Segura
Opened in 2020, this modern K3-K5 route starts gently before turning into a proper climb. It’s a good all-round challenge for fit adventurers.
