La Sella

La Sella is a residential and golf resort area located just inland from Denia on the northern Costa Blanca, but its surrounding hills offer some of the most pleasant hiking in the Alicante province. The trails here weave through a landscape of Mediterranean pine forest, abandoned agricultural terraces planted with olive and almond trees, and scrub-covered hillsides that burst into colour in spring. The dominant feature of the landscape is the Montgó massif, a 753-metre limestone mountain that rises dramatically from the sea just a few kilometres to the northeast, protected within the Montgó Natural Park. The views from the higher trails are spectacular — the entire Denia coastline, the Cape of San Antonio, and across the sea to Ibiza on the clearest days.

The network of trails around La Sella is extensive and allows for hikes of varying length and difficulty. A popular 3-kilometre loop follows the foothills below the highest ridges, passing through fragrant pine woodland and alongside old drystone terraces. For a longer experience, an 8-kilometre route climbs higher into the hills, reaching viewpoints that overlook the Montgó, the port of Denia, and the wide sweep of the Golf de Denia. The trails are generally well-defined but can be overgrown in sections during the summer, and a GPS or local map is helpful for first-time visitors. The terrain is typical of the Mediterranean coast — stony paths, loose sections on the steeper slopes, and exposed ridges where the wind is a constant companion.

Spring is the highlight season for this area, when the hillsides are covered in wildflowers including bright yellow broom, purple lavender, white rockrose, and numerous orchid species. The almond trees blossom in February and March, adding a delicate pink and white layer to the landscape. Autumn (September to November) is also excellent, with milder temperatures, clearer skies, and the golden light of the Mediterranean autumn. Summer hiking is possible but requires early starts to avoid the heat, and hikers should carry plenty of water as there are no water sources along the trails. The La Sella area is easily reached from Denia by car, and the trails offer a wonderful escape into nature just minutes from the beaches and restaurants of the Costa Blanca.