Getaways and things to do in Sierra de Alcoy

The Sierra de Alcoy groups the mountains of northern inland Alicante around Alcoy, the 'city of bridges', with the Sierra de Mariola and the Carrascal de la Font Roja as flagship natural parks. Font Roja preserves the province's finest Mediterranean holm-oak woodland — centenary oaks, yew trees and a hilltop sanctuary — while the Sierra de Mariola harbours aromatic herbs, 17th-century snow wells and hiking trails among cherry orchards.

Alcoy stands out for its Art Deco bridges, modernist heritage and Moors and Christians festivities among the most spectacular in Spain. Banyeres de Mariola, with its 12th-century castle, is the park's southern gateway. Muro de Alcoy adds cycling routes and inland gastronomy.

This is Alicante's greenest and coolest area, ideal for hiking in spring (cherry blossom) and autumn (forest colours).