Cim de Covatelles. Follow the route from Oliva to the top of the Serra Gallinera

Cim de Covalles is one of those places that proves you don’t need to climb Everest to feel on top of the world. On the peninsula, without going far from home, you’ve got a quick and effective getaway if you fancy dreamlike views.

At just a little over 350 metres above sea level, this peak in the Serra Gallinera becomes a fantastic viewpoint between sea and mountains. In short, perfect for a day hike from Oliva. Keep reading!

The most popular route from Oliva: how to get there and what to expect

The most common starting point to reach the top of Cim de Caballetes is the area of residential developments on the outskirts of Oliva, such as Bella Vista or Panorama II, in the upper part of the municipality. From Oliva, take the road towards these developments and follow the signs to the parking areas.

Once you’ve parked, the hike starts on tracks between citrus groves and paths that gradually head into the Serra Gallinera, the mountain range that forms the natural border between La Safor and La Marina Alta. Soon, the landscape fills with pine forests, Mediterranean scrub, and great sea views.

What can you expect from the route? It’s a circular trail with sections of track and sections of path, where you’ll find pines, carob trees, thyme, rosemary, and a wonderfully fresh mountain scent. At the end of the route, your reward is a panorama you won’t be able to get out of your head—or off your phone’s camera roll.

Difficulty, duration and recommendations for the route

There are several variants, but the most common ones from Oliva are between 7.5 and 9.5 kilometres, depending on whether you only climb Cim de Covatelles or combine it with Puig del Frare. Routes from Bella Vista are around 8 km with about 300 m of elevation gain, while the circular route, which first goes via Puig del Frare, comes to about 9.5 km with 550 m of elevation gain.

The difficulty is low to moderate. It’s suitable for people used to walking in the mountains, though you don’t need to be an ultra trail runner, as the paths are straightforward, even if they include some steep climbs and descents in places.

We recommend bringing hiking boots or trainers with a good sole, as well as enough water—especially on hot days—plus sun protection, a cap, or a jacket depending on the season. If you don’t know the area, it’s a good idea to follow a GPS track based on the waymarked routes.

The views from the summit… pure nature

Reaching the Caballetes summit offers one of the best effort-to-reward ratios. The geodetic marker, located at around 350 metres above sea level, is the highest point of this mountain formation and one of the standout viewpoints in the La Safor region.

From Cim de Covatelles you can enjoy views over the La Safor coastline, with Oliva and its northern beaches, as well as the Marina Alta coast to the south, with mountains like Montgó and the Serra de Segària silhouetted on the horizon on clear days, or inland towards the Vall de Gallinera and the ridges that connect the Serra de la Sador with these ranges.

It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to spend a while, take photos, identify peaks, see how the landscape colours shift with the light and, of course, stop for a bite to eat. Its modest height doesn’t take away an ounce of the spectacular panoramas.

Practical tips to make the most of Cim de Covatelles

For a truly great experience, you need to choose the right season and time of day. Autumn, winter and spring are ideal thanks to the mild temperatures, while in summer the best time is early morning or late afternoon.

Remember to respect the environment, as these are natural areas. Don’t leave litter, don’t light fires, and respect the flora and fauna.

If you’re going with children, the shorter route may be the most suitable. And remember to bring a water bottle for them, and stay alert on sections with slopes or loose stones.

Even if some sections are waymarked, it’s still a good idea to bring a map or a reliable track, just in case. We also recommend avoiding days of heavy rain or strong wind, as wet rock and ridgelines can be dangerous even for experienced hikers.

Discover the Serra Gallinera from its best viewpoint

Cim de Covatelles is the perfect introduction to the Serra Gallinera as seen from Oliva, a coastal mountain range that stretches between La Safor and La Marina Alta, forming a natural border between the provinces of Valencia and Alicante.

If you’re looking for a hike near Oliva that combines pine forests, pleasant trails, a bit of elevation gain and a spectacular viewpoint, Cim de Covatelles is a sure bet. At On Travel, we offer high-quality apartments so you can stay the way you deserve. Get in touch with us to book yours.