Walking routes around Moraira

Walking routes around Moraira: start points, distances and practical information

The best-known walking routes around Moraira follow the coast: the marked climb to the watchtower on the Cap d’Or, the coastal path from Moraira to the Calpe boundary, and the made-up footpath along the coves of Benissa. This page gives the start point, the length and what you will come across for each route. General tips and ideas for walking in the region are on the page about walking in Moraira.

Torre de Vigía del Cap d’Or

The classic walk from Moraira goes to the watchtower on the Cap d’Or. The route is officially marked as SL-CV 51 and starts at El Portet beach, at the end of Calle Puerto de Alcudia, where an unpaved path climbs the headland. The tower stands on the highest point of the headland, about 166 metres above the sea. It was built at the end of the 16th century to protect the coast against pirates, is 11 metres high and was within sight of other watchtowers along the coast. On the way you pass the caves Cova de la Cendra and Cova de les Rates Penades, and there are benches at the viewpoints.

The path is not long, but it is steep and stony: sturdy shoes are advisable. Go in the morning or at the end of the afternoon if you can, because there is little shade on the headland. A full description is on the page about the climb to the Torre de Vigia.

Google Maps

Coastal path Moraira – Calpe

If you want to walk for half a day or a whole day, follow the coast south from Moraira. The route between the castle of Moraira and Cala de les Bassetes, on the boundary of Benissa and Calpe, is about 8 kilometres one way. The path does not follow the rocks everywhere: on some stretches you walk through the streets of the villa districts or along the CV-746 coast road. On the way you pass Cala Cap Blanc, the coves of Benissa such as Cala Pinets and La Fustera, and the dark rock formations of Mar Morta i Roques Negres.

• Start: the castle of Moraira (l’Ampolla beach) or Cala de les Bassetes
• Distance: about 8 km one way
• Duration: allow half a day, depending on pace and swimming stops
• Level: moderate, with steps and uneven stretches

You do not have to walk the route there and back: Autobuses Ifach line L3 runs between Moraira and Calpe, so you can walk one way and return by bus. Check the timetable beforehand. The route also divides well into sections, for instance as far as La Fustera and back. At the end of the route lies Calpe with the Peñón de Ifach; if you want to make a day of it, see the day trip to Calpe.

Google Maps

Footpath along the coast of Benissa

A shorter and easier option is the purpose-built ecological footpath along the coast of Benissa. The path is about 4 kilometres long and comes in two sections, both starting at the Benissa tourist office on the CV-746. The northern section runs past La Fustera and Cala Pinets, the southern section towards the bay of Les Bassetes. Along the path there are information boards about geology, plants and history, and there is plenty of shade. Dogs are not allowed on this path.

• Start: the Benissa tourist office on the CV-746
• Distance: about 4 km
• Level: easy, suitable for children

The hinterland: riuraus and terraces

Inland, in the valley between Moraira and Teulada, lie the old terraces where grapes for raisins were once grown. Their hallmark is the riuraus, the covered drying floors for the grapes. Tourist Info Teulada-Moraira at Avenida de Madrid 15 has information about routes inland.

Practical tips

• Season: from October to May the daytime temperature is at its most pleasant for walking; in summer start early or late in the day. See the best time to visit Moraira.
• Footwear: sturdy walking shoes, certainly on the Cap d’Or and on the rocky stretches of the coastal path.
• Water and sun: take enough water; there is little shade on the headland and along the coast.
• Swimming: most routes pass coves where you can swim. Which ones they are is set out under the beaches in Moraira.