Camí Ramader de Marina
The place
The Camí Ramader de la Marina is a 120 km route running through the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa regions (Alicante, Valencian Community), following the old droving trails of Valencian shepherds between Dénia and Alicante, over the peaks of the Sierra de Bèrnia, Puig Campana and Sierra de Aitana. The route combines pastoral heritage, medieval watchtowers, white villages and views of the Mediterranean from the ridges of the Prebaetic mountain range. One of the best-preserved Valencian droving trails.
Why go
Penya del Castellet and Puig Campana (1,406 m). Sierra de Bèrnia with its castle. Algar Springs (waterfalls). Canelobre Caves. Altea and its old white town centre. Alicante and Santa Bárbara Castle.
A bit of history
The droving trails (vies pecuàries) were the arteries of Mediterranean transhumance: flocks of sheep and goats moved seasonally between coastal areas and inland mountains. The Valencian network of droving trails totalled thousands of kilometres; the Camí de la Marina was one of its main routes.
Getting there
Dénia: bus from Benidorm (45 min) or the Trenet de la Marina train from Alicante (1h20). Alicante: international airport.
Recommended gear
Hiking boots. Sun protection (very exposed). Water (most ridges have no springs). Trekking pole.
Best season
October to April. Spring brings Mediterranean flora. Avoid July-August (intense heat).