Hiking Festival of Vall de Laguar
Some landscapes stop you in your tracks. The Vall de Laguar — a secret corner of the Marina Alta enclosed by towering sandstone cliffs and vertiginous ravines — is one of those places. Every spring, on 21 and 22 March 2026, this extraordinary territory becomes the hub of Valencian mountain hiking with the Fira de Senderisme de la Vall de Laguar, a hiking festival that celebrates the trails, nature and history of one of the most singular landscapes on the Costa Blanca.
Vall de Laguar: a land of legend
The Vall de Laguar encompasses the villages of Campell, Fleix, Fontilles and Benimaurell — four small communities perched within a rocky massif that seems to defy gravity. Its historic pathways, many dating from the Moorish period, connect ravines, irrigation channels and agricultural terraces still in use today. The Barranco del Infierno (Hell’s Ravine), one of the most photographed gorges in the Valencian Community, cuts through the heart of the valley with spectacular walls, pools and vegetation.
The Fira de Senderisme was created to showcase this extraordinary natural and cultural heritage, helping more people discover what many hikers already consider one of the finest mountain destinations in the province of Alicante.
Festival programme
Guided hiking routes
The centrepiece of the event is the guided hiking programme, with local specialist guides leading groups along the valley’s most representative trails. Explanations cover the geology, flora, fauna and cultural heritage of the area. Routes are available for all fitness levels, from easy family walks to more demanding hikes through the most spectacular terrain.
Nature talks and workshops
Botanists, geologists and ethnobotanists offer talks and workshops on the natural richness of the area — a unique chance to learn from those who dedicate their lives to studying these landscapes.
Trail information and exhibition space
An exhibition area showcases the main itineraries of the valley, with maps, photographs and historical documentation about its ancient pathways.
Local crafts and produce
A small market complements the programme with local artisan goods and products from the area: olive oil, honey, aromatic herbs and natural products of the Vall de Laguar.
Mountain gastronomy
Local restaurants participate with special menus featuring traditional mountain cuisine from inland Alicante: dry rice dishes, legume stews, artisan charcuterie and almond and honey desserts.
Getting to Vall de Laguar
The Vall de Laguar is about 30 kilometres from Dénia in the Marina Alta interior:
- By car: from Dénia, take the CV-700 towards Pego, then the CV-712 into the Vall de Laguar. From Benissa, follow the CV-747. Roads are mountain roads, narrow in sections.
- Public transport: very limited — a private vehicle or organised group transfer from the coast is recommended.
Where to stay
- In the Vall de Laguar itself: quality rural guesthouses set in full natural surroundings.
- Benissa or Teulada-Moraira: coastal towns with broad hotel options, 20-25 minutes by car.
Practical information
- Dates: 21-22 March 2026
- Accessibility: low — the trails are not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility
- What to bring: hiking boots, layered clothing, water, sun protection
- Registration: advance registration recommended for guided routes to guarantee a place
A territory you will not forget
Vall de Laguar is not just a hiking destination — it is an experience that changes the way you see the Mediterranean landscape. The Fira de Senderisme is your gateway to this world. Don’t miss it.
