Marina Alta sunset tours

Magical moments in town and country

Sundown over mountains, marshes and valleys after a balmy evening close to nature, hearing about what lies beneath and between the trees, shrubland and glistening rivers and streams – maybe seeing some of it, and perhaps spotting some wild animals – and discovering how people lived in bygone centuries; all this has to be the best way of exploring the Marina Alta, on and off the beaten track.

And luckily, Endémica Natura is running weekly sunset tours throughout the district all summer – guided walks around its most glorious, arresting scenery.

All trips start at 19.00, cost €8 per head or €5 for children aged six to 12 inclusive (undersixes go free), which includes accident insurance, and take around three hours.

The usual anti-pandemic safety measures apply, and booking is required as places are limited – call María on 616 043 173 or email info@endemicanatura.com with your full name, contact telephone number and year of birth.

Here's the programme for July – look out for the August schedule in a few weeks' time in Costa News.

SATURDAY, JULY 11

Pego: Ullals, Rius i Cultius (Natural Springs, Rivers and

Crops) A six-kilometre walk mostly on the flat, this is your chance to see some of the Marina Alta's most beautiful coastal countryside, including, of course, the huge waterland known as the Pego-Oliva Marjal.

This stunning marshland is home to the source of several rivers in the district, some of which travel for miles and others whose deltas are directly due east between Oliva and Els Poblets, plus an abundance of natural springs and salt-water streams and pools that have kept the landscape lush and green for centuries. Find out about the local rice-growing industry, wild plants, medicinal herbs, and you might even catch sight of some endangered species of birds of prey, along with other wildlife, and witness the pre-sunset silhouettes of mountains against mountains, shadowy formations that resemble clouds against a crimson sky.

SATURDAY, JULY 18

Jávea: Allà On el Montgó S'Escabussa (Where the Montgó

Plunges into the Sea)

A chance to see the most sublime sunset imaginable: From the Cabo de San Antonio, the bay where the Montgó mountain stops short on a clifftop above a sheer drop into the Mediterranean below. The marine reserve here is a diver's paradise, but you'll be sticking to dry land, so no need to bring your flippers and neoprene suit. Tour the high plains and find out how life has evolved up there, and discover legends about pirates, caves, and saints; find out about the plants native to the area, and the animals and shrubs which live among the European fan palms that grow naturally in this dramatically-picturesque enclave.

You'll need to be reasonably fit and wear sensible shoes, because you'll have a bit of a climb as part of the 7.5-kilometre trek.

SATURDAY, JULY 25

Alcalalí: Segles d'Històries en les Pedres (Centuries of History Set in Stone)

Ancient architecture is not just about houses, castles, churches or palaces. This quaint little village in the heart of the Vall de Pop (Pop Valley) is dotted with dry-stone walls, stone wells, stone riverbanks, millstones, stone water-wheels, and even parts of its streets are made with the same local stone.

And if you're not already stoned by then, a trip to the Mediaeval tower is an education in itself: Prisoners who scratched graffiti, pictures, and counted the days on the inside walls come back to life in your expert guide's explanations.

Plus, the panoramic sunset view from the top is simply awe-inspiring.

This seven-kilometre hike does involve some uphill work, including climbing the tower, but is suitable for anyone who's reasonably fit.