The local area
Firstly the parque natural del peñón de Ifach is a natural park situated in Calpe (Calp) in the Valencian community in the Alicante province of Spain.
The Ifach is an impressive 332 meter high limestone calcareous structure emerging from the sea - it forms an isthmus that attaches it to the land and seperates the beaches of Calpe. Despite being one of the smallest natural reserves in the Valencian community, it is one of the most visited due to its history landscape and environmental values
Did you know that the rocks on the Ifach began to form under the sea 150 million years ago. It forms part of the Alicante prebaetic's mountain chain originating during the collision of ten European, African and MesoMediterranean tectonic plates 150 million years ago.
It is home to over 300 species of animals, numerous rare plants including a number of endemit species is also a nesting site for birds and sea birds including the peligrin Falcon and even a family of cats. for on this reason it is forbidden to walk during the months of march - June.
Behind peñon de Ifach is a large salt lake lagoon cut off from the sea. This is home to the white famingos and many other wetland species. This wetland is now all that remains of the marina Alta previously vast wetlands.
From the top there are stunningly fantastic views on a clear day even Ibiza and the balerics can be seen while looking towards the inland you can see the impressive mountain ranges of the Sierra bernia and Olta. (Photos will be shone at the end of the route)
Difficulty
The hike is approximately km and has a steepness of 257m it takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
The first part to the tunnel I would class as easy.
The second part the accend the 1km steep slope to the summit moderate to difficult.
I walked in trainers which I would never do again on this route I would say hiking boots are definitely needed.
Route
We parked down by the salt lakes and slowly made our way towards the peñon de Ifach on foot following the sign posts.
Here we had beautiful views of the harbour and we came across what looked like an archologist dig site
Then you come across the actual carpark for the peñon de Ifach and the access doors to the beginning of the official route which is a red 1 route. It is here you find the tourist information center and the toilet facilities. Here you also found picnic benches to rest your feet before of after your climb.
Follow the footpath and the first thing you come too is the viewpoint of cavanilles where you can see wide views of Calpe
Then you come to the tunnel,here you do need to take care as it is dark and parts can be quite slippery.
Once through the tunnel follow the red dots along the footpath of the 1000s of previous visitors. Please do watch your footing as it is narrow in some places and use the chain and rope for support where and when provided.
Just before the final accend to the summit there is the carabineras view point where you are the views of both calpe and alteas bays. But as the sun was setting we sadly did not take the short detour this time.
Then after a short demanding climb you reach the top with breathtaking views of the whole marina Baixa and marina Alta.
All in all this is a fantastic hike, which is in my opinion moderate to difficult. It is so worth it though when you reach the highest point and see them views. My one piece of advice is take plenty of water and wear walking boots I wore trainers and it was a mistake, but I still did it.
