Discover the Hiking Routes of Polop: Nature, History and Adventure
Polop de la Marina is not only famous for its fountains and its old town, but it is also the gateway to some of the best hiking routes in the Marina Baixa. Surrounded by the Ponoig massif and the Sierra de Aitana, this municipality offers options for all levels, from family walks to technical ascents.
PR-CV 17: Circular del Ponoig — The star route
It is the best known and most complete route in Polop. It runs along the slopes of Monte Ponoig (also called Ponotx or "the Sleeping Lion" because of its characteristic silhouette).
- Distance: 12-14 km (circuit without summit) / 19.5 km (with ascent to the summit)
- Elevation gain: 720-770 m (without summit) / 920-1,100 m (with summit)
- Duration: 4.5 h (circuit) / 6-7 h (with summit)
- Difficulty: Moderate (technical) / High (physical)
- Route: Helipuerto de Polop → Barranc de la Canal → Coll del Cigarrí → Collado del Llamp → (optional: summit of Ponoig) → Coveta de la Moscarda → Casa de Dios → Barranc de Gulabdar → return
PR-CV 16: Direct ascent to Monte Ponoig
It shares much of the route with the PR-CV 17 but aims to reach the summit of Ponoig (1,182 m). The views from the top cover the entire coast from Benidorm to Puig Campana and the Sierra de Aitana.
Ponoig is known as "the Sleeping Lion" by the writer Gabriel Miró, and its silhouette is best seen from La Nucía, Polop or Callosa d'en Sarrià.
Font de l'Arc (Sella)
About 15 minutes by car from Polop is the Refugio de la Font de l'Arc, the starting point for several hiking routes known for their spectacular natural rock arch (Arc de l'Arc).
- Distance: 7-11 km (circular)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Points of interest: Natural rock arch, Cases de l'Arc (restored farmhouses), Pas del Goleró
Barranc de Polop / Gulabdar
A low-difficulty route ideal for families. It runs along the ravine that descends from the mountain to the village. Along the way you can visit the Guhyaloka Buddhist retreat and the Coveta de la Moscarda, a small cave shelter with panoramic views.
Via Ferrata del Ponoig
For the more adventurous, Ponoig offers a via ferrata of difficulty K4 (medium-high) with about 230 metres of equipped route. It includes two mandatory rappels of 25 and 35 metres. Previous experience and a head for heights are recommended. The price with a guide is around 50 € per person.
Practical tips
- Recommended season: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). In summer, avoid the central hours of the day due to sun exposure.
- Equipment: Hiking boots, plenty of water (minimum 1.5 L), sun protection and breathable clothing.
- Parking: Helipuerto de Polop (main) or Parque El Pont. It fills up early on weekends.
- How to get there from Benidorm: CV-70 towards Callosa d'en Sarrià, turn off to Polop. Just 10-15 minutes by car.
Other routes in the area
- PR-CV 13: Towards Finestrat
- PR-CV 289: Font de la Solsida (circuit)
- PR-CV 15: Barranc del Salt (24.7 km, experts only)
- Polop → Font del Molí (Benimantell): Moderate difficulty
- Polop → Puig Campana: Very hard, +1,400 m elevation gain