Sierra de Oltà: Next on the List – Peñón Views Without the Climb

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know I’m all about squeezing every last drop of joy out of this cracking stretch of Costa Blanca North — the beaches, the fiestas, the grub, the faffing about with paperwork (and surviving it with a decent cuppa). But let’s be honest: sometimes you just need to get out there, feel the sun on your face, and let that salty Med breeze blow the cobwebs away — and tick off another trail that’s been whispering your name for ages.

Next up on my personal SunSeaTrails hit list: the Sierra de Oltà (or Serra d’Oltà, if we’re going full local) near Calpe. I haven’t done this one yet — it’s been sitting there taunting me with its views of the Peñón de Ifach, Montgó, and the whole glittering coastline — but it’s firmly pencilled in for the next clear weekend. From what I’ve gathered (and trust me, I’ve been poring over maps and trail notes like a proper geek), it’s a belter of a circular wander that gives you proper inland mountain vibes without straying too far from the coast. Think pine forests, rocky paths, ancient terraces, and those knockout panoramic payoffs that make you go “blimey, worth every step.”

This little mountain (topping out at around 587 m) sits just a short hop west of Calpe — about 10-15 minutes’ drive from the town centre — tucked between the Peñón and the Sierra de Bernia. It’s got that classic Costa Blanca mix: Mediterranean scrub, shady pines scented with herbs, old ermitas (like the Ermita Vella), and views that stretch from the Sierra Gelada in the south, across Calpe’s bay and the famous rock, up to Montgó looming north, and even whispers of Ibiza on a cracking clear day.

Quick stats (for the popular circular PR-CV 340 route, often with optional summit detour):

Distance: Around 7–10 km (shorter loops ~7 km; fuller circuit with summit push ~10 km) Elevation gain: 300–500 m (steady climbs, some steeper rocky bits but nothing requiring ropes or fancy gear) Difficulty: Moderate — decent trainers or boots are spot-on; a few scrambly sections if you go for the top, but plenty of easier variants for a gentler day. Time: 2.5–4 hours at a leisurely pace, depending on how much you linger for photos or picnic stops. Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat (spring and autumn are absolute gold; summer’s doable if you start before it gets bossy). Clear days for those epic sea vistas — avoid windy or rainy ones if the paths get slippery.

The route vibe (from what I’m itching to experience): Start from the Zona Recreativa / camping area in Oltamar (easy parking there — free spots, though it can fill up at weekends). Follow the white-and-yellow PR-CV 340 signs uphill through forest tracks, past old stone terraces and rural ruins, winding around the mountain. You’ll hit spots like the Mirador de la Ermita Vella for early views, then loop through dense pines with that lovely thyme-and-resin scent. The highlight? Popping out at viewpoints where the whole coastline unfolds — Peñón de Ifach like a boss in the foreground, Calpe’s beaches twinkling below, and mountains rolling inland. Fancy the summit? A cheeky detour up to the top rewards you with 360° panoramas that’ll fill your camera roll. Then it’s downhill (steeper in bits, mind your footing) back through more shady paths to the start.

Paths are mostly well-marked, but a quick peek at Wikiloc (search “Sierra de Oltà PR-CV 340” or “circular Oltà Calpe”) sorts out any turns — loads of tracks uploaded.

Honest tips I’ll be packing (and you can too):

Parking: Free at the Zona Recreativa — arrive early at weekends to avoid the scramble for a spot. Crowds: Not as manic as Montgó or coastal paths — often peaceful, with locals, families, and the odd mountain biker. Quieter midweek or off-peak. Dog-friendly: Missy will be happy! Yes — leashed, plenty of shade and sniff spots, but watch near rocky drops or roads. Snacks/backpack: Water (1–1.5L each in warmth), hat, suncream, maybe a sarnie or fruit for a top stop. No cafes en route, but Calpe’s got endless options for a post-hike cold beer, sangria, or tapa. After-hike rewards: Nip back to Calpe for beach lounging or a plaza drink — or if you’re knackered, just collapse with views from a terrace somewhere.

I can’t wait to boot up and get stuck in — proper leg-stretcher with sea-and-mountain combo that’ll leave the calves glowing and the soul topped up. Photos and the full debrief coming soon once I’ve ticked it off (promise — epic shots guaranteed).

Because life here isn’t just about lounging (though we love a good lounger moment). It’s about getting out, breathing it all in, and coming home with stories to tell over tapas.

So grab your water bottle, slap on the factor 50, and maybe join me on this one? The Sierra de Oltà’s trails are calling — and they sound far too pretty to ignore much longer.

¡Salud, and see you on the path! 🍹🥾