Overview
Length: 15.5km
Elevation: 1,150m
Type: Loop
Time: 3hrs 20mins
Introduction
If you live in northern Alicante or have ever holidayed here, you’ve probably seen Puig Campana more times than you realize.
At 1,410m it looms over Benidorm and the surrounding towns of Altea, La Nucia, Polop, Finestrat and Villajoyosa. What makes it even more striking is its proximity to the sea—it’s the tallest mountain in Spain that stands closest to the coastline.
On clear days, it dominates the skyline.
If you’re like us—not exactly spring chickens anymore—then trail running up Puig Campana might not have crossed your mind. Markus and I are in our early 50s, and while we’ve tackled 12 different mountains in Spain so far, we wouldn’t call ourselves hardcore mountaineers.
But sometimes, you just feel ready to take the next step…
On a bright, chilly morning in February we laced up our running shoes and did just that. And wow, what a slog it is!
About Puig Campana
Puig Campana stands at 1,410 meters, making it the second-highest peak in Alicante after Sierra de Aitana.
But what truly sets it apart is its dramatic rise from the Mediterranean. It holds the title of Spain’s tallest mountain closest to the coastline, with just a few kilometers separating its summit from the sea.
The contrast is breathtaking—especially from the top!
One of Puig Campana’s most striking features is the large notch on its summit, a mysterious gap visible from miles away. Local legend has it that this missing chunk of rock was kicked loose by the famous Moorish warrior Roland, a knight of Charlemagne, during a battle.
The fallen rock is said to be what now forms Benidorm Island, floating just off the coast.
For hikers and trail runners, Puig Campana is an iconic challenge. The mountain offers steep ascents, technical descents and some of the best panoramic views in Alicante—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Ibiza. Its trails are demanding but rewarding, making it a must-do for anyone looking to push their limits while enjoying the raw beauty of the Costa Blanca’s rugged interior.
The Trail Running Route
We found an excellent route on Wikiloc (PR-CV 289, vuelta al PUIGCAMPANA(1.408m), Benidorm a vista de pájaro).
If you don’t speak Spanish, here’s our explanation of it below.
The adventure starts at Font del Molí, just outside Finestrat, a charming little mountain town that sits at the foot of Puig Campana. There’s a parking area here, but if you want to get a little closer, you can drive about a kilometer further up and park in one of the small roadside pull-offs.
This is where we laced up and got moving.
A circular route description on Wikiloc.
Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise?
We’d read a lot of debates online about which direction to take—clockwise or counterclockwise?
The general recommendation is clockwise.
Why?
Because the main ascent is mostly shaded in the morning, which is a lifesaver if you’re running on a warm day. Plus, it saves the loose, rocky descent for the end, which is easier to manage going downhill rather than climbing.
The Bancal del Moro marks a fork in the road with two options to reach the summit.
The Ascent
From the parking, we followed PR-CV 289, a well-marked trail leading to Coll de Pouet. The first section is a gentle incline, winding around the southern slopes of Pic Prim with beautiful views opening up as you climb. A short descent took us to El Volador, where the trail flattens briefly before reaching Refugio José Manuel Vera Catral—a great little spot to pause before the next stretch of climbing.
From here, the trail narrows and steepens, zigzagging up through loose rock and scree.
This section is a serious leg-burner. The Bancal del Moro marks an important waypoint—here, we met the vertical kilometer route (a much more brutal ascent for those who love suffering).
The final stretch to the summit skirts the peak, wrapping around until the last short push to the 1,410m summit of Puig Campana.
Sweeping views over Benidorm from the summit.
The Summit
It’s impossible not to stop and take it all in.
Below, Benidorm looks almost surreal—a skyline of high-rises backed by the Mediterranean, with the Sierra Aitana stretching out inland. On a clear day, you can see Ibiza in the distance.
What a moment.
The Font de Solsida spring (dry when we went).
The Descent – Racing the Sun
From the summit, we retraced our steps back to Waypoint 5, where we veered right towards Font de la Solsida.
The trail loops around the mountain, offering stunning coastal views before descending steeply through the forest. Loose rocks kept us on our toes, but the shade was welcome after the fully exposed summit.
We ran past Cova del Cremat, a small cave along the route, before hitting Foia de Cac, a wider and more runnable trail that led us towards Font del Molí. Before reaching the main parking area, we took a shortcut through a narrow singletrack, finishing the loop exactly where we started.
Lasting Impressions
Puig Campana is one of the toughest but most rewarding trail runs in Alicante. It’s steep, technical, and demands respect, but the views—and the sense of achievement—are unbeatable.
If you’re thinking about running it, here’s our advice:
Go clockwise – Shade on the climb, easier on the knees for the descent.
Bring plenty of water – There’s a natural spring, but it’s often dry.
Expect steep, loose terrain – Not an easy run, but 100% worth it.
If you’re in Alicante and looking for a trail run that will test your endurance, give you unforgettable views, and leave you with a huge sense of accomplishment, Puig Campana is it.