A tough stage which runs through the region of Marina Baja, peaceful rural villages that have grown up among valleys and ravines. We will cross the Sierra de Aitana, from north to south, leaving from Confrides and climbing to the peak of Aitana (1.558 m), the summit of the province of Alicante, and descend into the municipality of Sella.
The Sierra de Aitana, (1.558 m.), is the highest mountain range in the province of Alicante. It is characterized by an extremely rugged relief and steep slopes, which together with its proximity to the sea make this range an area of stark contrasts, stunning views and a great variety of flora and fauna.
We start our stage in Confrides on an asphalt path signposted as La Font de L'Arbre. It ascends gently through the fields of fruit trees and pine forests up to the Font de l'Arbre Alcoi, where we can have a rest at the tables and freshen up at the fountain,
under the shade of the trees.
From the Alcoi we continue along a wide forest track to the summit of Aitana. The path runs between pine trees on one side and the mountain slopes on the other, where we encounter several snowfields, once used to store snow which was pressed to make ice.
We arrive at Font de Forata, with some watercourses along which a trickle of water flows. From here we can see that the top of Aitana is quite near. We resume our trek along the Passet de La Rabosa botanical trail where a good representation of the most significant flora on Aitana can be seen, especially plants endemic to the crags and screes. Shortly we will stumble upon the impressive Pas de La Rabosa, a cleft in the mountain that leads us to another face of Aitana, but in order to get to this we will have to climb over the mountain scree.
We cross the pass and follow the path beside some huge crevices, the Partagat Potholes, which are more than 100 metres deep.
After stopping to observe these crevices, as well as the summit of Aitana, we continue our walk along the crest of the mountain range enjoying the view, being able to see all the great Alicante mountains in a panoramic view.
We descend to a forest track that will lead us to the Tagarina ravine, where we will link up with a dirt track that crosses the shady spot called Penya de Sella until we reach the Travessa pass along this beautifully shaded road.
At this point we can see our destination, the municipality of Sella, our descent will be down a steep and rocky path that falls away towards the shrine of Santa Barbara, and by which we will reach the municipality.