Barranc de l’Infern
Hiking trailThe Barranc de l’Infern is a deep limestone gorge in the Vall de Laguar, carved by the Riu Girona and crossed by the PR-CV 147 — the legendary “Cathedral of Hiking” famous for its 6,800 Moorish stone steps.
Why hike the Barranc de l’Infern
This is one of the most celebrated walks on the whole Costa Blanca, and one of the few that earns the nickname “La Catedral del Senderismo”. The circular route drops twice into the gorge and climbs back out on thousands of stone steps cut into the mountainside by the Moors more than five centuries ago. It is demanding — roughly 800 metres of ascent over about five and a half hours — but the mix of ancient engineering, dramatic rock and quiet almond terraces makes it unforgettable.
The 6,800 steps
An astonishing Mozarabic staircase zig-zagging in and out of the ravine — the feature that gives the route its fame.
Forat de la Juvea
A short tunnel bored through the rock by the Moors, opening onto a natural balcony above the gorge.
The PR-CV 147 loop
A circular trail from Fleix, crossing the barranc twice before the final climb to Benimaurell, “the village above”.
The Riu Girona
The usually-dry riverbed that sculpted the canyon; after heavy rain the Barranc del Salt can drop a 65 m waterfall.
Last Moorish refuge
The Vall de Laguar was the final stronghold of Morisco resistance before the expulsion of 1609.
Serra del Cavall Verd
The green ridge cradling the three villages of Campell, Fleix and Benimaurell, with almond and olive terraces below.
On the map
Practical information
- Getting there: about 1 hour 15 by car from Alicante airport (ALC); park at the edge of Fleix, near the village schools, where the PR-CV 147 begins.
- The walk: a demanding circular route of roughly 13.7 km and 800 m of ascent, around 5 to 5.5 hours; sturdy footwear and at least 1.5 litres of water per person are essential.
- Best time to visit: spring and autumn; avoid high summer, as much of the route is exposed and treeless.
- Don’t miss: the squeeze through the Forat de la Juvea and a rest at the Font de Benimaurell before the gentle final stretch back to Fleix.
Explore more of the Costa Blanca
The Barranc de l’Infern is one of many destinations on the CostaMap interactive map — browse beaches, villages, castles and viewpoints across the whole coast.
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