El Forat de Bernia - Hiking on the Costa Blanca

Photo of the Forat de Sierra Bernia by @diegonbaron

El Forat de Bernia is one of the natural gems of the Costa Blanca and a popular destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

El Forat de Bernia is a striking natural tunnel that cuts through the Serra de Bernia, a mountain range located in the province of Alicante, within the Valencia's Community of Spain.

This mountain range spans the municipalities of Altea, Callosa d’en Sarrià, Benissa, Jalón, and Tàrbena. El Forat de Bernia is a hole in the rock that connects the northern side of the range with the southern side, offering breathtaking views of both the Mediterranean coastline and the mountainous interior.

Summary of your visit to El Forat de Bernia:

Length: The tunnel is approximately 20-25 meters long. It is quite narrow, making it a somewhat challenging experience for those not accustomed to such terrain.

Access: To reach El Forat de Bernia, hikers typically follow a circular route that traverses the Serra de Bernia. The hike usually begins near the Casas de Bernia and may include a visit to the Fort de Bernia, an old fortress built in the 16th century.

Views: From the northern side of El Forat, you can enjoy views of the interior of Alicante province. As you exit on the southern side, a spectacular panorama of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline opens up.

Hiking Route:

The full hiking route is about 9 kilometers long and is of moderate difficulty. Along the trail, hikers can enjoy typical Mediterranean landscapes, with vegetation adapted to the dry, rocky climate of the area.

To reach El Forat de Bernia, the best routes are to start from the towns of Jalón (Xaló) or Altea,

Travelling by car:

From Jalón (Xaló):

Head towards the village of Pinos, which is the most common starting point for the hike.

From Jalón, take the CV-749 road towards Pinos, following signs for “Cases de Bernia.”

You'll find parking available near the Casas de Bernia, a small group of rural houses where the hike begins.

From Altea:

•Drive towards Callosa d’en Sarrià via the CV-755.

Continue on the CV-755 until you reach a turnoff for the CV-749 towards Pinos, and then follow the same directions as from Jalón..

Starting the Hike: From the parking area near Casas de Bernia, begin the circular hiking route. The trail is well-marked, and there are signs indicating directions to the “Forat de Bernia.”

Hiking Route: The trail to El Forat de Bernia is about 9 kilometers in total if you do the full loop, which includes visiting the Fort de Bernia and passing through the Forat. It’s a moderate hike, suitable for people with some experience in hiking.

Terrain: The trail includes rocky paths and some steep sections, particularly as you approach the tunnel. The tunnel itself is narrow, so be prepared to crouch down and possibly use your hands to navigate through.

Duration: The entire hike, including time spent enjoying the views and exploring the tunnel, typically takes about 3 to 4 hours.

When you reach El Forat de Bernia:

Once you reach the tunnel, you’ll pass through it to the other side of the mountain. The experience is unique, and the views on the other side are stunning, offering vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.

Return Route:

After passing through the Forat, continue along the marked trail. The loop will take you back to the starting point at Casas de Bernia.

Top Tips:

Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the terrain is rocky.

Water and Snacks: Bring plenty of water and some snacks, especially during the warmer months.

Weather: Check the weather before you go, as the trail can be slippery in wet conditions.

Early Start: Start early in the day to avoid the midday heat and ensure you have plenty of daylight for the hike.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the adventure of exploring El Forat de Bernia