Hiking trail(s) Paseo Ecológico Benissa

1. Discover, get to know Paseo Ecológico

A coastal trail full of unique nature

The walk is “ecological” because it is designed to protect and showcase the special local nature. The coast of Benissa is a flora microreserve, especially at Cala de les Bassetes and Cala de la Fustera. Rare, protected plants that have adapted to the salty climate and rocky soil grow here:

• Protected species: you will find Helianthemum caput-felis (cat’s head sunflower) and Thymus cabezudo (a local species of thyme). These are globally threatened and are protected by the Habitat Directive;

• Smart plants: other plants, such as the Mediterranean salt bush, “sweat out” tiny salt crystals through their leaves to survive;

• Posidonia oceanica: look into the sea and you will see dark spots. This is not an alga, but a protected marine plant(Posidonia) that acts as the “lung” of the Mediterranean Sea. It provides a nursery for fish and its presence indicates excellent water quality.

Traces of history and geology

Along the route you will also find pieces of cultural heritage. Most notable are the remains of an old quarry(Pedra Tosca), between Cala de la Fustera and Cala de les Bassetes.

The sandstone quarried here was used in the 16th century for the construction of important buildings in the historic center of Benissa.

The geology is also impressive: at Cala de la Fustera, you can clearly see how the rock layers have been folded into a zigzag shape by millions of years of earth pressure.

An open-air museum: the information boards

One of the best features of the route is the presence of 21 information panels. These signs (in Spanish, Valencian and English) explain everything you see:

• Flora and fauna: which protected plants grow and which 3 species of gulls you can spot;
• Geology: how the cliffs and bays were formed by wind and water;
• Marine life: the role of the Posidonia sea grass and the endangered Noble pen shell (large stinging clam);
• History: the story of the quarry and local traditions.

2. Experience, the 3 official hiking trails

Along the coastline of Benissa runs one of the Costa Blanca’s most beautiful hiking trails: the Paseo Ecológico. This path winds along impressive cliffs, connecting hidden coves(calas) and offering non-stop spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Peñón de Ifach.

Before heading out, it’s good to understand the length. The total coastline of Benissa that the trail covers is about 4 kilometers. The landscaped hiking trails themselves, however, consist of three separate sections which add up to just under 2.5 kilometers are. So it is not a continuous route of 4 kilometers, but a wonderful exploration in stages.

The trail has a low level of difficulty, but does contain many stairs and slight inclines. It is a beautifully landscaped hike that combines nature, culture and relaxation. Ideal for a morning or afternoon activity all year round.

In this guide discover the three official routes (walking from north to south for the best views), the bays you will encounter, the unique nature and all the practical tips for your visit.

Route 1: Cala Advocat – Cala Llobella (Northern route).

This is the northernmost part of the route. You can park at Cala Advocat, a small beach with a distinctive pier (Espigón) and a summer Chiringuito.

The route begins at the bio-health park (with fitness equipment) and follows the path through the pine forests along the cliffs south to Cala Llobella. This is the most natural and quiet cove of the route, with pebbles and clear water.

What you will learn on this route (the 6 information boards):

• Sign 1 – Cala Llobella: introduces Cala Llobella as the most natural and peaceful cove in Benissa;
• Board 2 – Coastal pine forests: describes how pine forests are adapted to drought and provide shelter for animals;
• Sign 3 – Underwater routes: provides information about the 6 underwater snorkeling/diving routes established along the coast of Benissa;
• Sign 4 – Paseo Ecológico Advocat: describes the path as a safe way to enjoy the cliffs and points out the bio-health park;
• Sign 5 – The cliff: repeats the information about the protected flora (cat’s head sunflower and thyme) and the micro-reserves;
• Board 6 – Bioindicators: explains what “bioindicators” are (such as corals and frogs) that indicate ecosystem health.

Note (break in the route): after Cala Llobella there is a break in the coastal path. To get to the middle section, you have to go inland for a bit (through the green area of Fanadix, where there is a picnic area) or through the streets of the urbanization (such as Carrer Pinets and Avenida de la Marina) to Cala Pinets.

Route 2: Cala Pinets – Aula de la Mar (Middle Route).

This path begins at Cala Pinets, a wild, small cove composed of boulders and rocky plateaus. It is beautiful to see and popular with snorkelers.

From here you can take a small excursion to the Mar Morta i Roques Negres (Dead Sea and Black Rocks). The route runs south to the beach of Cala de la Fustera, where the Aula de la Mar visitor center is located.

What you learn on this route (the 8 informational signs):

• Sign 1 – Discover your surroundings: suggests the Aula de la Mar (Sea Workshop) as the starting point and information center;
• Sign 2 – The coastline of Benissa: points out the birds, such as the curlew, that search for food at the foot of the cliffs;
• Board 3 – Ethnology: tells about the “Marà,” a local tradition in which families “jump” into the sea in early August;
• Board 4 – The queen of our sea floor: explains why Posidonia oceanica (seagrass) is so important and is not an alga;
• Sign 5 – Coastal Geomorphology: points out the particular folded rock layers (in a zigzag shape) at Cala Fustera;
• Sign 6 – The cliff as an ecosystem: informs you about the three species of gulls you can see here (Yellow-legged, Audouins and Black-headed Gull);
• Board 7 – Rocky sea beds: encourages you to scour the sea floor for crabs, starfish and sea urchins;
• Sign 8 – Coastal Dynamics: explains that the washed-up seaweed on Cala Pinets naturally protects the beach from erosion.

3. Visiting, practical info for your visit

How to get there & park?

Because the route is linear and intermittent, you usually walk a section back and forth. Expect a total walking time of about 2 to 2.5 hours (there and back, including breaks) if you want to see the entire coastline.

• Parking in Benissa (North): good starting points are Cala Advocat or the green zone of Fanadix.
• Parking in Benissa (Central): the parking lot at Cala de la Fustera is ideal and is located near the information center.
• Parking in Calpe (South): you can park at the Club Náutico Les Bassetes or in the surrounding streets.

An ideal day trip from the area

Paseo Ecológico is perfectly positioned for a visit from the most popular coastal towns:

• Calpe: the route starts at the northern edge of the city;
• Benissa: the path covers the entire coastline of the municipality;
• Moraira: just 10-15 minutes away, a perfect activity;
• Altea and Benidorm: within 25-35 minutes’ drive you can reach this beautiful hiking trail.

Food and drink along the route

No need to bring a full backpack of provisions. There are several catering establishments right on or near the route:

• Cala Advocat: has a chiringuito in the summer months;
• Playa de la Fustera: here you will find a beach club that is open almost all year round;
• Club Náutico Les Bassetes: has a good restaurant.

The ultimate packing list

• Good shoes: although the trail is well laid out, it is not always flat. Sturdy shoes or sandals with good tread are recommended; flip-flops are not;
• Water: there are many unsheltered areas in the sun;
• Camera: the route offers non-stop photo opportunities overlooking Peñón de Ifach and the azure sea;
• Swimwear: take a dip in one of the beautiful bays along the way.

Question & answer (FAQ)