Puig Campana is a beautiful mountain located in the municipality of Finestrat, on the eastern coast of Spain. The mountain is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the region, and it is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers.
At 1,410 meters tall, Puig Campana is the second-highest peak in the province of Alicante, after the nearby Aitana mountain. The mountain is part of the Prebaetic System, a range of mountains that runs along the eastern coast of Spain, and it is known for its rugged and dramatic landscape.
Hiking to the summit of Puig Campana is a challenging but rewarding experience. The hike takes around 4-5 hours and covers a distance of approximately 8 kilometers. The trail is well-marked and passes through a variety of landscapes, including pine forests, rocky ridges, and alpine meadows. As hikers ascend the mountain, they are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.
For more experienced hikers and climbers, there are also several more challenging routes to the summit of Puig Campana. These routes involve scrambling over rocky terrain and using ropes and other climbing equipment to navigate steep and exposed sections of the mountain.
The starting point is the emblematic Font del Moli, which has 15 spouts and people come from miles around to fill up containers with the pure mountain water. You can leave your car at this point and follow the road uphill to the top of Puig Campana.
The classic circular route (PR-CV 289) around Puig Campana is a good walk for the whole family, suiting both the fit and inexperienced climber. It takes a little over 12 km, with 600 metres of climbing and descending and offers spectacular views along the way.
If you’re not up to the challenge of a full day’s hiking then there are a few other options. You could take a shorter hike around the base of the mountain (PR-CV 289 and Coll de Pouet), or you could do the more challenging ascent up the south face, which is known as the ‘vertical kilometre’.
There are also guided hiking tours which will take you up to the summit. They all have an experienced guide and include transport, packed lunch and water.
Depending on your level of fitness and physical condition, you can expect to complete the walk between four and eight hours. If you feel tired and need a rest there are plenty of places to sit and catch your breath while admiring the stunning views.
There are numerous legends about this mountain, with one particularly romantic story telling of a giant falling in love with a woman from Finestrat. She was ill and would die at sunset, so the giant cut a hole in the side of the mountain to let the sun give her extra life. Another one of them is said that Roland, a French hero, got into a sword fight with a Moorish leader at the top of the mountain. When he struck the rock it was so hard that it cut a gap and a piece fell out of the mountain and into the sea, now known as Benidorm Island.
In addition to hiking and climbing, Puig Campana is also a popular destination for paragliding and other outdoor activities. The mountain’s location close to the coast and its favourable weather conditions make it an ideal spot for paragliding, and there are several companies in the area that offer tandem flights and other experiences.
Overall, Puig Campana is a beautiful and iconic natural landmark that offers a range of outdoor activities and experiences. Whether you’re a hiker, climber, or nature lover, the mountain is a must-visit destination in the Alicante region, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
