Circuit of the Serra Bernia
Distance: 10 km
Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Terrain: Mountain tracks, scree, and a bit of potholing
Height Gain: 480 m
Map: Serra de Bernia (Terra Firma)/Costa Blanca Mountains (Discovery)
Start/Finish Point: Casas de Runar
Alternative Start/Finish Point: Casas de Bernia
Best For: Hikers seeking a challenging route with dramatic rock scenery, a natural tunnel experience, and breathtaking views.
Overview
The Bernia Ridge is a striking feature along the Costa Blanca coast, its jagged peaks resembling the spine of a petrified dinosaur. This spectacular hike circumnavigates the Serra Bernia, offering dramatic rock scenery, panoramic views, and the unique experience of passing through a natural tunnel in the mountain's ridge. While the trail doesn’t crest the ridge itself, the journey around its base is no less awe-inspiring, combining sections of scree, limestone slabs, and occasional scrambling.
Directions in Detail
Getting to the Starting Point
From Casas de Runar:
Leave the N332 on the CV-755 toward Callosa d’En Sarria.
Pass through Altea Vella and 1 km after leaving the town, turn right onto a narrow road signed to Fort de Bernia.
Continue for less than 1 km, then turn right again and follow the road uphill toward the ridge. At Casas de Runar, ignore the sign for parking and continue a short way to a level parking area.
From Casas de Bernia:
Leave the N332 on the CV-750 toward Xaló.
After 100 meters, turn left toward Pinos. Pass the village and continue to a T-junction approximately 14 km from the N332.
Turn left and park just beyond the restaurants near an information board.
The Route
Starting at Casas de Runar:
From the parking area, head up the road bearing right to a stone-clad water tank. When the tarmac ends, continue along a clear path heading toward the coast. The trail soon rises to the Font del Runar, a well-protected water source with a steel door.
From here, the PR-CV 7 trail begins. Follow the path as it climbs sharply to a scree slope, then reaches a junction where the trail traverses the hill. Take the left-hand option, which leads to Fort de Bernia, approximately 1 km away.
Fort de Bernia:
The ruins of Fort de Bernia reveal formidable defenses, including a dry moat and remnants of a garrison capable of housing over 50 men. From this vantage point, enjoy sweeping views dominated by the Puig Campana, Ponoig, and Xanchet peaks to the north.
After exploring the ruins, head west beneath the escarpment toward the col, passing the rocky towers of Pena Severino on your left. The onward path is revealed below, leading around the ridge and toward another col. This level section offers easy walking with stunning rock scenery and distant views, including the ridge of the Serra del Ferrer running northward.
Swinging Around the Ridge:
The path broadens as it rounds the ridge, and the scenery shifts to include the Montgó massif in the distance. The trail eventually descends to Casas de Bernia, marked by its houses and restaurants. From here, follow the tarmac road and the PR-CV 7, signed "Forat" (tunnel), with extensive views of the coast and the crags of Olta ahead.
Reaching the Tunnel:
After about 1 km, the road leads to Font de Bernia, where the path climbs a steep hillside. At a fork, take the left-hand path, which climbs diagonally toward the ridge’s end. The trail skirts beneath the rock face, passing occasional yellow and white or blue waymarks, and ascends a polished limestone slab. This challenging section ends at the tiny entrance of the natural tunnel.
Through the Tunnel:
The tunnel is narrow, requiring you to stoop or crawl through the initial section. This unique passage feels like genuine caving, offering an adventurous and memorable experience. Emerging on the other side, the tunnel opens to reveal breathtaking views of the mountains framed in its mouth.
Final Descent:
The trail continues along the cliffs, now clearly marked with yellow and white paint. Descend through a field of massive boulders and onto a scree slope. After a few minutes, the path broadens and reconnects with the starting point at Casas de Runar.
Key Highlights
Fort de Bernia: Explore the historic ruins of a formidable garrison with a dry moat and panoramic views.
Natural Tunnel: A unique feature of the trail, this narrow passage through the ridge offers a thrilling caving-like experience.
Scenery: Marvel at dramatic rock formations, the ridge of the Serra del Ferrer, and distant views of the Montgó massif.
Trail Markers: Yellow and white or blue waymarks guide the way through challenging sections.
Hiking Tips
Footwear: Sturdy boots with good grip are essential for the scree and limestone sections.
Navigation: Follow the PR-CV 7 markers and occasional yellow/white or blue paint flashes carefully.
Tunnel: Be prepared to stoop or crawl. The tunnel is not suitable for those with claustrophobia.
Water: Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Parking: Free parking is available at both Casas de Runar and Casas de Bernia.
Why This Walk is Special
The Circuit of the Serra Bernia combines challenging terrain, stunning landscapes, and a touch of history for an unforgettable hiking experience. From the dramatic fort ruins to the thrill of passing through a natural tunnel, this route offers something for every adventurous hiker.
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