My name is Heidi and I come from Helsinki, Finland.

With my husband Olli-Pekka and our 3 dogs we live in Gran Alacant and enjoy the brilliant Mediterranean climate and possibility of discovering new hiking routes all over our Alicante province and sometimes even a bit further.

Ironically, I have a fear of heights, but I love the views from tops of the mountains too much to stay away. Our dogs are getting older so all the hikes need to be suitable for them too as they always go on our adventures with us. I also love photography and always take load of pictures from our hikes.

It’s time to head out to investigate nature park Sierra Mariola. This time we start from Alcoy. But keep in mind every town in the Sierra Mariola area will certainly have routes to the mountain range.

Set your Google Map to CV-796, 17, 03819 Alcoi, Alicante and you’ll find starting point of this ravine that is said to be one of the most beautiful ones in Alicante province. You will see the signs and little parking place from the road.

  • Driving Time: 1 hour
  • Walking Time: 1+ hours
  • Google maps directions: CV-796, 17, 03819 Alcoi

You can hike to many directions over Sierra Mariola even from this point. We hiked along the ravine up to the mountains and back the same way. There’s so much to choose from, but I recommend walking at least the ravine back and forth.

 

The ravine is made of cobblestones and stairs in many places. It’s very easy to walk and you can not get lost. You can see vultures flying over your head as there’s a feeding site near by. There used to be dead cattle in the area which the vultures would then take care of. These days to leave dead animals behind is illegal, so the vultures started to disappear from the mountains. Today there is a feeding zone (which you can’t access on your own) to keep the vultures in the area.

A ravine definitely worth a visit!
Happy New Year,
See you next month
Heidi & Olli
xxx

Check List:
Always when going on hikes check that:

Your Mobile Phone is fully charged
Water – climbing up is hard job & you will need it
Snacks (Remember to take all the garbage back down with you!)
Have good shoes for walking
Have small first aid kit with you
Have layered clothes. Up hill might be
– very windy and cold, even on a warm day.
– Coming down might be chilly, so extra dry
– t-shirt to change into if needed is not a bad idea

Always tell someone where you are going and when you’ll approx. be coming back