Aug 30, 2021 | Activities/Services
With September just around the corner and the onset of autumn temperatures are milder, and perfect for enjoying the final days of summer. The weather is also ideal for visiting and discovering new places.
At Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol we are surrounded by the countryside and some amazing landscapes, so there is always somewhere to visit. September is the ideal time for hiking and adventures don’t you think? We have a plan for an outing which is less than 45 minutes by car from Cumbre del Sol. What’s the destination? A fantastic day out in a natural setting.
We’re talking about Peñón de Ifach. This natural park is in Calpe, but it is visible from many other parts of the province. In 1987 the Valencian government declared it a nature reserve covering an area of 45 hectares. However, six years ago the protected area was extended to 53.3 hectares.
The Peñón de Ifach is an outcrop of the mountains known as the cordilleras Béticas, and it rises to an altitude of 332 metres. It provides a striking image, with the peak rising out of the sea in stark contrast to the waters lapping the rock, which is connected to the land by a strip of detritus comprising fragments of rock and shells forming a narrow isthmus.
You can visit the Peñón de Ifach and walk around it. However currently, due to the enormous demand, visiting is restricted and you need to book. Although it continues to be free of charge. As a result, if you’re planning to visit, before you go to Calpe you will need to book a slot to climb the Peñón de Ifach. It’s just a small formality and worth it for a truly enjoyable trip!
The route to the Peñón de Ifach is signposted. Starting out from the car park, the route is about 5 kilometers, and you will discover some amazing sights on the way. One of these is the ruins of the ancient archaeological remains of Pobla d’Ifach. And then, after going through the tunnel that crosses the peak, you will come to a fork. Here you can choose whether to go on to a lookout point or continue your climb to the top. At the summit, on a clear day you can see the islands of Formentera, Ibiza and Cape Santa Pola. You’ll be blown away by the views!
The peak, with its unique location, is a striking sight but it also boasts plenty of interesting wildlife and vegetation. In fact, at the Peñón de Ifach natural park there are over 400 different plant species. Many of these have been classified as in danger of extinction such as the silene de Ifach. While the natural park is notable for its varied vegetation, there is also an abundance of wildlife in the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park. It is a haven for over 80 species of birds, including the European shag and the yellow-legged gull.
As you can see, it’s a great place for an outing from Cumbre del Sol. You can have a picnic in the middle of the Peñón de Ifach park, as there is a specially designated picnic area with shaded tables and a water fountain. Remember, you need to book your visit and then all you have to do is enjoy one of the Costa Blanca’s most prized beauty spots.
Aug 25, 2020 | Activities/Services
We know that when you think of the Marina Alta, the first thing that pops into your mind is the large number of blue flag beaches and coves that spread across its coastline. It’s only natural to instantly daydream of enjoying crystalline waters during the beautiful sunny days that Alicante always has to offer. However, we’re here to tell you that you can also find a large variety of outdoor activities near your home in Cumbre del Sol! The Marina Alta has a wealth of tourist destinations and natural parks that are the ideal way to spend a day out in the fresh air.
We’ll start our tour of the Marina Alta in Javea, which is just a 20-minute drive away from Cumbre del Sol. This coastal town has over a dozen observation decks where you can take in the Mediterranean Sea and its stunning natural surroundings like never before. Start your tour at the Mirador de Els Molins, an old watchtower that overlooks the town as well as the blue waters. Make sure to also visit famous observation decks such as the Mirador del Cap Negre, considered to have the best view in all of Javea, and Mirador de La Falzia, with the most impressive panoramic views of the coastline and Portitxol Island.
A little further north is Montgo Mountain, between Javea and Denia. The mountain and its natural park are considered emblems of not just the Marina Alta, but Alicante and the Valencian region itself. Affectionately known as ‘The Elephant’ by locals, this beast might be a little difficult for some to conquer as parts of its hiking route are harder to cross. However, we recommend you give it a try just to visit caves like the Cova de L’aigua and Cova del Gamell. With unforgettable interiors and beautiful views to the rest of the mountain and area, we’re sure you won’t regret the visit!
South of Cumbre del Sol is Calpe, home of the impressive Peñón de Ifach. This imposing rock formation has a natural park at the top with views all the way to Ibiza. It also has an observation deck at the outskirts of the town, the Mirador Monte Toix. We’re sure the views of Calpe’s skyline with Peñón de Ifach at a distance will leave you absolutely breathless. Near the town centre, you’ll also find salt flats, a pocket of nature among the buildings where you can spot flocks of flamingos.
The interior of the Marina Alta also offers some authentic gems that every nature-lover should make sure to visit. La Vall d’Alcalà is a truly remarkable valley that’s rich in history. Within it, you’ll find famous caves such as the subterranean Cueva del Rull, which looks like a fantasy movie come to life. If you’re interested in the prehistoric, we recommend visiting the Sanctuary of Pla de Petracos, which has many cave paintings within its walls.
Nearby, there’s the Barranc de l’Encantada where you can go on an enchanting route full of ponds, waterfalls and unmatchable views of the most beautiful natural landscapes. There’s no better place to spend a hot summer day than Gorg del Salt. It has cool waters all year round thanks to the waterfall that also makes for a cinematic backdrop to your swim.
Other two very different options are the Cave of Skulls (Cueva de Las Calaveras) and the Marjal Pego-Olivia Natural Park. The first is a subterranean wonder, with impressively high walls that are full of rich Paleolithic history. The second is one of the most picturesque ways to enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer. Take a scenic walk through rice paddies, wetlands and rivers with the mountain as your backdrop and a wide variety of flora and fauna to marvel at along the way.
These are just some of the best outdoor destinations you can visit near your home at Cumbre del Sol. To keep up to date with all the activities, events and destinations in and near Cumbre del Sol, make sure to follow us on social media and check out our blog regularly.
