Walks
Our location by the sea and close to a natural park with pine woodland and hills makes the surrounding area of Albir a great one to explore on foot. We offer three main walks, to exercise your body, burn calories, connect with nature and to feel invigorated. The guided walks also give you an opportunity to get to know our health and wellbeing mentors and other retreat guests. We also encourage you to explore on your own, to enjoy the scenery, sea and fresh air and get outside to exercise. Walks take place on a morning (usually 8am or 10.30am), and in the summer after dinner (7.30pm).
Beach Walk (4.4 miles / 7 kms, 1.5 hours)
This stunning walk takes in the coast and beach of Albir, awarded an EU blue flag for cleanliness.
The route leaves from the retreat and heads towards the beach and promenade. We follow the edge of the beach, with the sounds of waves and gulls, venturing as far as Altea (the neighbouring town), where we pause in silence before returning back to the retreat.
Although the beach gets busier in the summer, especially during the day, the walk is still invigorating. This walk is mainly flat and on pavement; guests can walk along the beach if they choose. On some occasions, guests choose to continue their walk to explore Altea, walking through the cobbled streets of the old town and visiting the church at the top.
Lighthouse Walk (approx 5 miles / 8 kms, 2 hours)
This is a beautiful walk along the coast through the Sierra Helada nature park and culminates at the old lighthouse.
The route leaves from the retreat, taking in a few residential streets to reach the start of the lighthouse path. We follow a well formed path through pine trees, enjoy the smell of the sea and pine, delighting in the amazing views along the coastline and end at the lighthouse. We pause at the lighthouse to rest and enjoy the stunning sight out to the sea.
There is a gentle rise in the path up to the lighthouse, with plenty of lookout spots, and you can enjoy the gentle downhill walk home!
During Spring and Autumn one lighthouse walk each week is timed to coincide with the sunrise, giving you stunning views of the coast. Dolphins have been seen off the coast and the natural park is home to a wide range of local flora and fauna, including the red squirrel.
Hill Walk (3 miles / 4.8 kms, approximately 1-1.5 hours)
The aim of the hill walk is to give you a good cardio and leg work out!
We leave from the retreat and walk towards the nearby hill, firstly through local residential streets and then into the pine forest in the natural park, before returning back to the retreat. This is a circular walk and there is an optional quiet time in the forest.
The route is designed to take in some moderate hills and you are rewarded with some great views of the Costa Blanca coast, mountains and valleys.
Vista Walk (approx 3 miles / 4.8 kms, 2 hours)
On this route we walk up part of the “governador” (the mountain) in the nearby Sierra Helada natural park.
We leave from the retreat and first head uphill through local residential streets before entering the natural park. We continue up the mountain, following a defined rocky pathway, to a stunning lookout, while pausing to enjoy the beautiful views over the surrounding area. This part of the walk is fairly steep with loose terrain, so running or walking shoes are recommended. We finish the main part of the walk at the entrance to the Lighthouse path before returning to the retreat.
There are a number of stops along the way to take in the delights of the vista beneath you, with time for photo taking.
Campo Walk (3.1 miles / 5 kms, approximately 1.5 hours)
The Campo walk takes in one of the local hills, for another good cardio and leg work out, whilst giving you a good view over the local area.
We take the road inland from the retreat, to join and then follow the path “Racó de l´oix” to the outskirts of Albir, into the countryside. We walk through pine trees, with views of the surrounding mountains. There is an optional steep climb (for those who want it) and we return back down the hill to continue the walk through the forest. The path can be rocky in places, so running shoes or walking shoes are suggested.
We return to the retreat following part of the “Racó de L´Albir” path.
These paths form part of a longer walk all the way to Benidorm through the local “campo” (countryside or rural area).
Common questions about the walks
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