
Mascarat Gorge Barranc del Mascarat
A dramatic gorge on the Costa Blanca featuring historic bridges, towering cliffs, and a unique blend of nature and engineering.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday sun

Mascarat Gorge Barranc del Mascarat
Best Time
Avoid midday sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic gorge on the Costa Blanca featuring historic bridges, towering cliffs, and a unique blend of nature and engineering.
"Spectacular place with its deep sides, flowering oleander and three bridges overhead."

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good shoes for navigating rocky spots and boulders. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Bridges
Over the gorge
Marvel at three distinct bridges: a masonry bridge (1885), a cement bridge (1925), and a railway bridge (1915).

Dramatic Cliffs
Within the gorge
Walk through narrow stone corridors between towering, majestic cliffs carved by nature.

Bungee Jumping Point
Cement bridge
Experience an adrenaline rush with a bungee jump from the historic cement bridge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Gorge
Bridge Views & Bungee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good shoes for navigating rocky spots and boulders. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
🚗 Park Above the Trail
Park on the residential street above; access below is restricted. :car:
⏱️ Allow 40-60 Minutes
The loop hike is short but offers stunning views. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear good shoes for navigating rocky spots and boulders. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
There's no shade, so stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
🚗 Park Above the Trail
Park on the residential street above; access below is restricted. :car:
⏱️ Allow 40-60 Minutes
The loop hike is short but offers stunning views. :stopwatch:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
The trail is manageable for small dogs, but keep them on a leash. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular, deep sides of Mascarat Gorge and its impressive historic bridges, calling it an accessible mini-adventure. The dramatic cliffs and unique blend of nature and engineering are highlights. Some reviews note temporary closures due to rockfall risk and advise caution.
"Spectacular place with its deep sides, flowering oleander and three bridges overhead. With lots of rocks & boulders to navigate it took about an hour to clamber over, around and back. Absolutely stunning and we extended our trip by crossing the road and following the trail to the beach."
Patricia G
"An incredible and accessible mini-adventure between Altea and Calpe. Mascarat Canyon offers a short but impressive hike through steep cliffs and historic bridges once used for railway and road access.
Trail tips:
• Parking is available above the trail, along the residential street — don’t park below, as access is restricted.
• The loop takes 40–60 minutes at a relaxed pace.
• The trail is easy, doesn’t require any special fitness, and we even walked it with a small dog — no problem at all.
• Wear good shoes (some rocky spots), and bring water — no shade on sunny days.
Highlights:
• Breathtaking views of the bridges stretching above the canyon.
• Walking through narrow stone corridors between dramatic cliffs.
• A unique mix of natural beauty and old engineering marvels."
Julia
"Short hike, but the canyon is stunning. It is temporarily closed part way up, due to the risk of falling rocks, I guess caused by the drilling going on up above on one side. 🤷🏼♀️
Still well worth the little walk to see the bridges together. The oldest bridge is the prettiest. We visited at the beginning of August and managed to find a street parking large enough to park our 7.4m motorhome, 5 minutes or so away, up the hill.
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook for more.intwresting places to visit, or to park a motorhome. We travel full-time, living in our motorhome.
Finding XANADU Official 💜🤟"
Alison Farrow (FindingXANADU)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mascarat Gorge is located between Altea and Calpe on the Costa Blanca. You can drive to the area and park on the residential street above the gorge. Some visitors have managed to park larger vehicles like motorhomes nearby.
Yes, parking is available along the residential street above the trail. Avoid parking below, as access is restricted.
While specific public transport routes directly to the gorge entrance are not widely detailed, it's best to check local bus schedules for Altea or Calpe and consider a short taxi ride if needed.
The most common access is via the trail starting from the residential street above. This allows for easy navigation to the bridges and the start of the gorge.
One TikTok creator mentioned that the roads to get to the bottom have very big curves and advised bringing an appropriate car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mascarat Gorge is a natural attraction and generally does not require an entrance fee. Access to the hiking trail and viewing the bridges is typically free.
As a natural gorge, there are no official opening or closing hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No, there is no admission fee to explore the Mascarat Gorge and its surrounding trails.
One review mentioned the gorge was temporarily closed part way up due to the risk of falling rocks. It's advisable to check local conditions before your visit.
While not as common as for larger attractions, local tour operators in Altea or Calpe might offer guided excursions that include the Mascarat Gorge. Inquire locally for options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is a short, easy loop taking about 40-60 minutes. It involves navigating over and around rocks and boulders, offering spectacular views of the deep gorge and bridges.
The main attractions are the three historic bridges (masonry, cement, and railway), the dramatic cliff formations, and the unique experience of walking through the narrow canyon.
Yes, the trail is considered easy and suitable for families, even with small children or dogs, provided they are supervised and wear appropriate footwear.
While the gorge itself is narrow and rocky, reviews mention nearby beaches accessible from the gorge. The crystal-clear waters near the coast are suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
Capture the scale by photographing the bridges from below and the dramatic cliff faces. Wide-angle lenses are great for the gorge, while telephoto lenses can highlight details on the bridges.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the Mascarat Gorge itself. You'll need to visit nearby towns like Altea or Calpe for restaurants and cafes.
Nearby towns offer a range of Spanish cuisine, including fresh seafood, tapas, and traditional Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy local specialties with sea views.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can find spots along the trail to enjoy a packed lunch, provided you clean up thoroughly and take all your trash with you.
The parking area is along a residential street, so dining options are limited. It's recommended to eat before or after your visit in Altea or Calpe.
Altea has many charming restaurants, particularly in its old town, offering everything from casual tapas bars to more upscale dining experiences with local ingredients.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic shots are of the three bridges spanning the gorge. Also, capture the dramatic, towering cliffs and the unique rock formations within the canyon.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer shadows and a more dramatic effect on the cliffs. Midday sun can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the gorge and bridges. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on rocks and enhance the blue of the sky.
Be mindful of your footing, especially when navigating rocky areas. Keep your gear secure and avoid leaning too far over edges for a shot.
Drone regulations vary by location. It's essential to check current Spanish and local drone laws before flying near protected natural areas like Mascarat Gorge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a part of a larger coastal day trip. After exploring the gorge, you can head to nearby beaches in Altea or Calpe for some swimming and sandcastle building. This combination of a mild hike and beach time makes for a well-rounded family outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Bring your camera and enjoy the solitude or the chance to chat with fellow explorers. The relatively short duration means you can easily fit it into a day of exploring the Costa Blanca, perhaps combining it with a visit to Altea's old town or a walk along the Calpe promenade.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Park your vehicle on the residential street above and spend an hour or so exploring the gorge and its bridges. Combine this with a visit to the charming towns of Altea or Calpe, or a relaxing afternoon at a nearby beach, to create a fulfilling day trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvels: Bridges of Mascarat Gorge
These bridges, now largely disused for their original purposes, offer a unique juxtaposition of nature and man-made structures. Visitors can walk beneath them, marveling at their scale and the ingenuity required to build them in such a challenging terrain. The cement bridge, in particular, is notable as it's a popular spot for bungee jumping, adding an element of extreme sport to the historical site.
For photographers and history enthusiasts, the bridges provide compelling subjects. Their weathered textures and imposing presence against the rugged cliffs create striking visual narratives. Exploring the area around these bridges offers a glimpse into the past and a deeper appreciation for the landscape's transformation over time.
Navigating the Terrain: What to Expect on the Trail
However, the terrain is characterized by numerous rocks and boulders, requiring visitors to clamber over, around, and back. This is why sturdy footwear is highly recommended to ensure stability and comfort. While there's little shade along the path, especially on sunny days, bringing water is crucial to stay hydrated.
Despite the rocky sections, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of the deep gorge, the towering cliffs, and the impressive bridges overhead. The experience is a unique blend of natural beauty and historical engineering, making it a memorable stop for anyone traveling between Altea and Calpe.
Beyond the Gorge: Coastal Charm and Adventure
For those who enjoy hiking, the area around the gorge offers further trails with panoramic views of the sea and coastline. The nearby towns of Altea and Calpe also provide a charming contrast to the ruggedness of the gorge. Altea, with its picturesque whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets, exudes a timeless Spanish charm, while Calpe is famous for the majestic Peñón de Ifach, a prominent rock formation that serves as a symbol of the region.
Adventure seekers can also find thrills in the vicinity. As mentioned, bungee jumping is available from the cement bridge within the gorge itself. Additionally, exploring the coastal waters by kayak or paddleboard can offer a different perspective of the dramatic cliffs and hidden inlets.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit