In the summer time, the Costa Blanca is associated with package holidays. However, throughout the rest of the year the area is home to another kind of tourist – climbers. Rock climbing holidays in Costa Blanca make the most of the stunning natural surroundings, with the limestone cliffs being home to some of Europe’s top climbing routes.
Apart from the few scorching summer months, the mild temperatures, cheap flights, ample accommodation and quality climbing make Costa Blanca a top destination for climbers. One of the most popular parts of the Costa Blanca for climbers is Sella. With enough routes to satisfy almost any climber, a long valley with superb south facing ridges, and the north facing Pared De Rosalia, Sella rock climbing holidays are very popular.
The history of rock climbing holidays in Costa Blanca
Rock climbing holidays in Costa Blanca destinations have been available since the area became popular with climbers in the 60s. Since then there has been a steady growth in the number of explored routes and facilities.
Every year, locals or visiting climbers add new routes. And with the locals having done the hard work of bolting some of the major lines on the cliffs, the Costa Blanca is one of the premium climbing destinations in Europe.
When to go
As we’ve mentioned, in the summer the Costa Blanca is full of package holidays. The popular seaside resorts of Benidorm and Alicante swarm with holiday makers, with the smell of vinegary chips floating through the air. It takes the sheen off the climbing but since temperatures will be way up in the late 30s or even early 40s, you’d have to be mad to climb then anyway.
Go from September onwards, with almost all of the off-season being suitable weather. Plus, no crowds and reasonable prices will sweeten the deal.
The climbing
With over 300 sunny days a year, it’s not surprising that rock climbing holidays in Costa Blanca are popular. Almost any guidebook to the area will tell you about the climbing routes on offer. But what the books don’t tell you is that there is plenty of scope for exploration.
And with new routes popping up all the time, you won’t get bored doing the same ten pitches over and over again, even if they are all pretty spectacular.
Why choose Sella rock climbing holidays?
There’s great climbing throughout the region but Sella is without doubt the number one spot. There’s enough rock face here to spend a week just exploring it all. The long central ridge in the valley is the most popular climb. It’s south facing but sheltered so should stay dry even in a heavy downpour. If the sun is shining, check out the north facing Pared de Rosalia for some longer routes involving some more challenging and technical climbing.
Travelling in the off-season, you can find some really cheap flights, great deals on accommodation, and when the climbing is this good, it all makes winter and off-season rock climbing holidays in Costa Blanca pretty incredible. You can also book trips with companies such as Rockbusters who will organise your accommodation, equipment and show you the best spots.
