Spain: Costa Blanca Multi-Adventure

Spain: Costa Blanca Multi-Adventure personifies outdoor adventures in Spain. When you think of outdoor adventures in Spain, this is the trip. Sunshine, beaches, rocky coastlines, impeccable limestone, rugged mountainous terrain just inland but with spectacular views of the coast, and steep and beautifully carved canyons. Mix in some Mediterranean cuisine like a paella on the beach and this trip has it all.

Five days of Outdoor Adventure in the Mediterranean Sun

The Costa Blanca is a region on Spain's east coast. It is located predominantly in the province of Alicante, which is the southernmost of three provinces in the Community of Valencia. Alicante is considered the second most mountainous province in Spain. The Costa Blanca region is bathed in sunshine year round and is a haven for northern Europeans seeking warmer climes, especially during the winter months. In summer, the beaches are full of folks seeking to cool off from the high temperatures.

Along the coast and in the inland mountains there are innumerable places for various outdoor adventure activities. Our itinerary during the five day Spain: Costa Blanca Multi-Adventure trip includes rock climbing, canyoning, via ferrata, and coasteering.

Rock Climbing

Some of the finest quality limestone in Spain is found along the Costa Blanca. Well-featured karst limestone is the jewel of the Mediterranean and there are some amazing spots where we can climb. Not only is the rock incredible but so are the locations and the views. It's hard to be disappointed while climbing on the Costa Blanca. There are routes of all difficulties here. We will spend at least one full day rock climbing at a beautiful location with coastal views and the potential to swim in a cove afterwards. The day will be spent sport climbing and top roping single pitch routes. Depending on group size, there is the possibility of guided multi-pitch climbing.

Canyoning

Canyoning is a dynamic and entertaining outdoor activity. It combines several different outdoor skills in one excursion. Besides the vertical component which requires rappelling, there is also scrambling, short sections of climbing out of pot holes, hiking, down climbing, swimming, sliding, and jumping.

The topography of the Costa Blanca provides the outdoor adventurer with ample opportunities for the activity of canyoning. With only 1 or 2 possible days of canyoning on this trip, we will descend some of the best and most enjoyable canyons in the region. Most canyons in the Costa Blanca are dry canyons, meaning that there is no active water source. We may encounter puddles or pot holes full of water in some canyons but there most likely won't be any completely aquatic canyons. Only after sustained rain in the Costa Blanca do some canyons fill up and provide an aquatic descent but this is rare. For trips in April and September we will plan on doing dry canyoning.

Via Ferrata

Via ferrata were developed in the Italian Dolomites during WWI as a way for troops to gain strategic high points in the Alps (click on the link to view Bigtime Aventura's 6-day, 5-night via ferrata trip, Italy: Via Ferratas Dolomites). Today, via ferrata's have morphed into a fun recreational activity and an exciting way to spend the day in the mountains. There are several via ferrata's in the Costa Blanca region. On this trip we will do at least one via ferrata. It is a great introductory via ferrata in an area of amazing beauty with incredible views of the inland mountains and the coast. There are vertical sections, horizontal traverses, some ridge line climbing, and a rappel. It is an exceptional via ferrata. There is the possibility to do more via ferrata's on this trip as well.

Coasteering

Coasteering is a very exciting and dynamic activity that takes place along the rocky coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. It involves lots of scrambling on the rocks and sea cliffs. There are many opportunities to jump off of the cliffs and into the deep water of the Mediterranean Sea. Jumps range in height from 1-10m. It is not mandatory to jump, you can easily swim or scramble around without ever needing to jump, however it is quite exciting and fun. Yes, there is a swimming aspect to coasteering so you should know how to swim and be comfortable in the open water. However, we will never be far from an escape onto solid ground. Mostly, we use the sea for jumps or to swim past short sections without an escape to solid ground.

Some of the sections without an escape are perfect places to practice deep water soloing. Deep water soloing is a form of rock climbing without ropes. Your protection is the warm turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea below. It's a very psychological experience and one that you will remember forever. Deep water soloing is not mandatory, it's possible to swim past these steep sections of rock, but it is extremely fun.

The Mediterranean Sea is usually calm and with warm water temperatures from mid-June to mid-October. During these summer months, a wetsuit is not necessary. Outside of these months, a wetsuit is necessary. Depending on weather conditions, it is possible to substitute coasteering for another activity during the trip, such as another day of rock climbing, via ferrata, or canyoning. This may be more applicable for the trip in April than the trip in September, however, weather and safety protocols will dictate the decision.

The Fifth Day

Since there are four different activities on this trip, we will intend to do one activity per day for each of the first four days. On the fifth and final day, as a group (depending on group size), you can choose which activity we will do to finish the trip.

General

Certified canyoning guide, certified rock climbing guide: Spanish Mountain Guides Association (AEGM) and Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA). Native English, fluent Spanish
Planning and logistics
Liability Insurance during the activities
Accident Insurance during the activities
Basic First Aid Kit

Canyoning Material

Canyoning Harness
Figure 8 Descender with HMS locking carabiner
Double lanyard with two carabiners
Helmet
Rappel rope
Security rope
Canyoning backpack

Via Ferrata Material

Harness
Via Ferrata Lanyard
Helmet
Quick clip carabiner
Security rope

Rock Climbing Material

Harness
Helmet
Quickdraws
Climbing rope
Anchor material

Coasteering Material

Waterproof container for camera, wallet, etc
Backpack with flotation device

General

Transportation to and from the start/finish point
Accommodation
Food and drink
International Travel Insurance (highly recommended). See links below for more information.
- Global Rescue
- Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance

Canyoning Material

One pair of hiking/approach shoes with good rubber soles (i.e. Vibram). They will get wet!

Via Ferrata Material

Another pair of hiking/approach shoes with good rubber soles (i.e. Vibram). A second pair of shoes that are dry for use on the via ferratas.

Rock Climbing Material

Rock climbing shoes

A positive attitude and desire to do canyoning, via ferrata, rock climbing, and coasteering in the Costa Blanca! This is an active vacation so be ready to move your body, feel the excitement, and visit some extraordinary places!
A medium to high level of physical and mental fitness is necessary for this trip.
Each person must be accustomed to spending extended time (6-8hr/day) in mountainous terrain.
Each participant must be prepared for changing weather conditions.
For coasteering you must be able to swim.

The following is a list of personal material that each participant should bring:

One pair of hiking/approach shoes, with good rubber soles (i.e. Vibram).
Appropriate clothing for outdoor adventures in the mountains. Dress in layers, like an onion. The 3-layer system is important and should definitely be utilized during the via ferrata, rock climbing, and canyoning days on our multi-day trip. Base layer: synthetic thermal clothing to wick away perspiration and keep you dry. Middle layer: fleece jacket to maintain body heat. Outer layer: waterproof/windproof shell to protect against the elements.

Canyoning

One pair of hiking/approach shoes with good rubber soles (i.e. Vibram).

Via Ferrata

One pair of hiking/approach shoes with good rubber soles (i.e. Vibram).
Personal climbing harness (a harness can be provided if necessary)

Rock Climbing

Personal climbing shoes
Personal climbing harness (a harness can be provided if necessary)

Coasteering

Sturdy water shoes with good rubber soles (i.e. Vibram). Do not bring flimsy water shoes with thin soles, these are not sufficient for the rocky coastline.
Personal bathing suit
Swimming goggles (optional)

General

Personal medication
Day pack (20-30L capacity backpack) to carry your personal gear, lunch, and drink.
Water bottle(s)/Camelback, etc. Minimum 1L.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Headlamp

Spain: Costa Blanca Multi-Adventure