The Serra Grossa Trail: Alicante’s Most Scenic Viewpoint

Disclaimer: My visit to Alicante was kindly sponsored by Jet2Holidays. However, as always, all opinions are my own.

The Serra Grossa, also called Sierra de San Julián, is a tiny mountain range on the city limits of Alicante. The mountain separates the city centre and the coastal neighbourhoods of La Albufereta and Cabo de la Huerta, serving as an epic viewpoint over the city, its suburbs and the Mediterranean Sea.

Serra Grossa is made up of two hills: a taller, eastern peak that reaches 169m, and a smaller one that sits at 89m. Despite their relatively small size, both peaks offer plenty of scenic lookouts with far-reaching views across the surrounding landscape. There is a selection of designated hiking trails around the base of the hills, up to the peaks and around their viewpoints, which make exploration of Serra Grossa easy.

Serra Grossa is just a 30-minute walk from Alicante’s city centre, making it an excellent place to go hiking without needing to travel by car or public transport. It’s an easy climb — including for novice walkers — and a great way to spend a morning outside the city. So, lace up your hiking shoes and head out to the Serra Grossa for the best views in Alicante.

Serra Grossa Trail — Map & logistics

Distance: 5.16 km (3.2 miles)
Time: 1 hr 30
Highest point: 169 metres
Difficulty: Easy

The map below details a route which explores both of Serra Grossa’s hills via regularly used paths. However, there are lots of hiking trails which crisscross around the mountain range, so you’re free to make up your own route.

The Serra Grossa hike itself

The Serra Grossa trailhead begins at a turning off Obispo Victorio Oliver Street — a 30-minute walk from Alicante’s Esplanade. The walk to the trailhead is not particularly scenic, taking you through urban roads, but once you enter the trail, the scenery improves quickly.

Tip: There are lots of entry points to the Serra Grossa, but the one mentioned here is the most convenient if you’re coming from Alicante City.

From the trailhead, you’ll skirt along the northern side of Serra Grossa, before heading up to the summit via a series of gentle switchbacks. The trail is not very steep, and you’ll find yourself at the top in no time.

The summit of Serra Grossa is flat, so you can walk around the top and take in the views from different angles and perspectives. To the west, you’ll see the 9th-century Santa Bárbara Castle; north, the sprawling cityscape; east, the beaches and buildings of La Albuferata; south, the Mediterranean Sea.

Once you’ve explored Serra Grossa’s summit, take the trail which heads down towards the base of the second, smaller hill. From here, you’ll find a path which will take you up to the peak. You can enjoy more views from up here, visit the tiny park at its top, and admire some historical remnants, including the remains of an old refinery that was once situated here.

Once you’ve had your fill, simply head back down and exit Serra Grossa via the same path you came in — back onto Obispo Victorio Oliver Street.

During the summer, you’ll want to ensure you complete the hike early morning before it gets too hot. There is no shade on Serra Grossa’s summit so you’ll be completely exposed. However, if you’re heading to Alicante for some winter sun — as we did — then late morning to early afternoon is a nice time to complete the trail.

The alternative route to Serra Grossa

The hiking trail detailed above is the easiest way to get to Serra Grossa’s summit. However, there is an alternative route which I recommend to those who enjoy scrambling and climbing.

This alternative route will skirt you along the southern side of Serra Grossa via a flat path with ocean views. Then, you’ll quickly ascend to the top of the mountain via a rocky scramble followed by a rope-assisted climb up a smooth rock face.

A circular route from the trailhead to Serra Grossa’s summit via the scramble and rope climb is detailed on the map below.

Will you hike the Serra Grossa trail during your stay in Alicante?

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