Multi-pitch Climbing Holiday Costa Blanca

Multi-pitch Climbing Holiday

The Big 5 is a one week's adventure multi-pitch rock climbing holiday. The Costa Blanca offers multi-pitch climbing on sea cliffs, in gorges and on mountain ridges. Quality climbing and stunning views guaranteed. We have compiled what is probably the best fun packed mountaineering week in the Costa Blanca.

The Big 5 tends to be run on demand because they are multi pitch routes, which require a ratio of one guide to a maximum of 2 clients. To get the best possible experience we aim to 'match' the climbing grades of the clients, so we can climb routes suitable for everybody's level and aspirations.

Sierra de Toix West

Day 1 is usually taken up with technical skills for multi-pitch climbing, abseiling, belaying, setting up anchors and climbing communication. We will do a 2 pitch route to ease into the week. For experienced multi-pitch climbers, there is the option to do a 5 pitch ascent of Sierra de Toix West with ridge traverse and 50m abseil finish. Sierra de Toix is an impressive ridge that juts out into the sea between Calp and Altea. Historically this was one of the first areas to be developed for sport climbing back in the 1980s. More recently the larger faces have been developed with a series of multi-pitch routes.

Penon de Ifach 1,100 feet /332m

The most striking landmark in the whole of the Costa Blanca is the 332m high rock of the Penon de Ifach that towers over Calpe. It attracts every climber's eye, and those who have attempted routes here will know that the climbing does not disappoint. The huge orange South Face of the Penon is riddled with caves, overhangs and groove systems. It offers a variety of lower-grade challenges between 7 and 10 pitches in length.

The Bernia Ridge

The Bernia Ridge is visible from nearly all points on the Costa Blanca. The most impressive section of this ridge is the gently undulating 2km section that extends seaward from the summit of the Bernia (1126m) and has become a beacon for climbers and serious scramblers. The Bernia Ridge offers a classic alpine day with scrambling, technical climbing, abseiling and traversing from the East to West summits with stunning views.

The Mascarat Gorge

The towering walls of the Mascarat Gorge provide some fine, long routes in a weird and exciting setting. It is an impressive gash that slices through the coastal road routes between Benidorm and Calpe. From the the old bridge one can ascend the classic Llobert/Bertomeu route climbed in 7 or 8 pitches, followed by an airy traverse to reach the descent path back to the start.

The Puig Campana

Puig Campana is the impressive mountain which rises 4,639 feet/1,406m above the town of Finestrat. Along with the Penon de Ifach, this mountain has been a focus of climbing in the Costa Blanca since the 1960s. Puig Campana is home to some superb and important routes which will provide memorable days of climbing for those into long, traditionally protected climbs. It offers the climber and mountaineer everything except snow and ice routes. The Espolon Central is a beautiful 14 pitch alpine day. While not technically difficult, it calls for good route finding skills, slick rope work and quick smooth climbing for a long period. The traverse off is an adventure in itself!

The Barranco del Infierno Gorge

Located in the beautiful Vall de Laguart. This dry gorge offers a descent of endless excitement. Normally dry, no running water, there are many large pots scoured out by the raging flash floods which power through during periods of heavy rain. If these pots are full of water, your guide will amaze you with his rope tricks to keep you dry.

Note. This trip is not undertaken immediately after or during periods of rain (fortunately something not too often experienced on the Costa Blanca).

Montana Benicadell

This mountain has a magnificent ridge that curves its way from the lowest point of the mountain to the very summit. Known locally as La Cresta del Benicadell, this alpine ridge is a classic. Easy scrambling section blocked by technical climbing pitches all the way to the summit. From the summit, a pathway leads you back to your car in just over an hour. A wonderful day out!

Personal approach

We keep the ratio to 1:2 so you have the best value of service available and this ratio also allows the holiday to be tailored to individual requirements and aspirations.

We will team you up with an MIA qualified (or equivalent) instructor who has extensive experience in the area and specific knowledge of these routes, giving a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

You will also be learning skills throughout the week that will progress your personal development and ability at whatever pace you like.

Multi-Pitch Climbing Holiday – Included

5 days multi-pitch climbing and instruction
7 nights accommodation
Airport transfers (conditions apply)
Transport to/from the climbing areas
Maximum ratio is 1:2

Multi-Pitch Climbing Holiday – Sample Itinerary

Saturday: arrival at Alicante Airport. Free transfer to accommodation in Jalon valley (conditions apply). Opportunity to do groceries. Relax and hang out by the villa or explore the charming village.
Sunday: multi-pitch climbing and instruction at Toix West
Monday: multi-pitch climbing Sierra de Toix Ridge
Tuesday: multi-pitch climbing Penon de Ifach
Wednesday: Rest day
Thursday: multi-pitch climbing Puig Campana
Friday: multi-pitch climbing Mascarat Gorge
Saturday: Departure day. Free transfer to Alicante Airport (conditions apply).

Accommodation

You will be staying in a self-catering villa with swimming pool in Lliber in the Jalon Valley. It is an extremely spacious detached finca, boasting magnificent views over the valley's vineyards, almond and olive groves, set against the Col de Rates in the background. The villa is completely private, has many outside areas to enjoy both in winter and summer, and has a lovely outside kitchen and barbecue area. The villa has a very large lounge with dining area and fire place and a fully equipped farmhouse style kitchen. There are three twin bedrooms, a bathroom and one double room that also functions as a family/triple room with its own bathroom. The beds and mattresses are of high quality to assure a good night's sleep in between long and intense climbing days.

The villa is located in a secluded and quiet area in the beautiful green hills behind Lliber, yet within walking distance of amenities. The nearest restaurant is about a mile away. The bars and restaurants on main square of the picturesque village of Lliber are at 2,5 km. It is 4 km to Jalon with a big choice of bars, restaurants and a supermarket. There is Wifi at the villa.

Flights & Transfers

Fly into Alicante Airport, Costa Blanca, Spain.

On arrival day we offer one free transfer to your accommodation which departs from Alicante Airport at 2.00pm latest. To take advantage of this service, and in order to minimize waiting times, please aim for midday arrivals.

On departure day we offer one free transfer to Alicante Airport which departs the villa around 9.00am. We therefore suggest to aim for midday departures.

Please contact us for more information.

The transfer time from Alicante to the Jalon valley is approximately 1,5 hours.

For this multi-pitch rock climbing holiday we recommend that you have your own:

Harness
Helmet
Climbing Shoes

Dick's Climbing is a dedicated climbing shop that offers a large range of climbing equipment and shoes at good prices.