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Costa Blanca towns recognised with Blue Trail awards for nature routes

 

Costa Blanca / 7 March 2026

 

Several walking routes across the Costa Blanca have been recognised in Spain’s Blue Trails (Sendero Azul) programme, highlighting their environmental quality and sustainable management.

The awards, granted by the Association for Environmental and Consumer Education (ADEAC), were presented at a ceremony held at Cullera Castle. This year 194 trails across Spain received the distinction.

 

Altea receives two Blue Trail flags

In Altea, two routes have been awarded Blue Trail status: the Aflorament Volcànic de Cap Negret i Platja de l’Olla coastal trail and the Zona Humida de la Desembocadura del Riu Algar river trail.

 

The flags were collected by the councillors for Environment and Beaches, José Orozco and Aurora Serrat.

 

The Cap Negret – Platja de l’Olla route stretches for around 1.9 kilometres along the coastline beside the Serra Gelada Natural Park. Along the route visitors can discover natural and historic landmarks including the volcanic outcrop of Cap Negret, a fossil beach, Platja de l’Olla and the historic Caserna de Carabiners.

 

The second recognised route, the Algar River Wetland Trail, is a 3.9-kilometre circular route following the mouth of the Algar River to Pont de Sogai and crossing the former FGV railway viaduct. The project has benefited from almost €1 million in investment, supported by European funding, helping restore the river environment, improve flood resilience and plant more than 8,000 specimens of riverside vegetation.

 

Councillor José Orozco said ''the recognition highlights the ecological and recreational value of the trails and the municipality’s commitment to protecting its natural environment''.

 

Villajoyosa renews Blue Trail recognition

In nearby Villajoyosa, two local routes have retained their Blue Trail distinction for 2026. The awards were collected by Environment Councillor Carlos Soler.

 

The Colada de la Costa trail has retained the award for the third consecutive year. This eight-kilometre coastal route connects Torres and Cala beaches, beginning at the historic Sant Josep funerary tower, passing Racó de Conill cove and finishing at the l’Aguiló watchtower.

 

Meanwhile the Volta al Cantal (PR-CV 43) trail has retained the recognition for the second year running. The 19-kilometre circular route runs through rural and mountainous areas inland from Creu de Pedra to the Cantal district.

 

Councillor Soler said the awards reaffirm the work carried out by the town hall and municipal teams to maintain and improve the routes, which have become an important attraction for visitors and encourage healthy outdoor activity.

 

Special recognition for Albir Lighthouse route

A special mention was also awarded to the Route to the Albir Lighthouse in l'Alfàs del Pi. The trail, which has held Blue Trail status since 2013, received the highest score in this year’s programme.

 

The recognition was accepted by Environment Councillor Luis Miguel Morant, who described it as a source of pride for the municipality and recognition of ongoing work to protect the area.

 

The trail, located within the Serra Gelada Natural Park, is one of the most visited natural routes in the region and is considered an example of best practice in environmental management and sustainable tourism.

 

Across Spain, the Blue Trails network now exceeds 1,200 kilometres of routes, promoting nature conservation, cultural heritage and responsible tourism.