Inland from Benidorm, barely half an hour from the tower blocks and beaches, the mountains of the Alicante interior rise steep and empty. Morro Carrascal is a rocky height in this country, near the villages of Benilloba, Sella and Benimantell, where the sierras of Aitana, Serrella and Mariola come together. Shelters in these mountains hold prehistoric paintings in both the Levantine and the older Macroschematic styles, and they belong to the World Heritage listing of Iberian rock art.
The landscape here is dramatic. Aitana, the highest peak in the province at over 1,500 metres, dominates the skyline, and the valleys below are terraced with almond and olive trees. The villages cling to hillsides, with white houses, narrow streets and churches. Guadalest, just to the south, is perched on a rocky outcrop with a castle and is one of the most visited villages in Spain, so expect crowds in summer. Penàguila, to the north, is quieter, with a castle and a beautiful garden.
The riding is exceptional. The CV-70 from Benidorm through Polop, Benimantell and over the Port de Confrides to Alcoy is a classic motorcycle road, with endless bends, climbs and views. The roads through Sella and over the Puerto de Tudons are equally fun, with tight hairpins and spectacular scenery. Surfaces are generally good, but watch for gravel, cyclists and tourists in rental cars. In winter, snow can fall on the higher passes.
The area has a long history. The Moors terraced these mountains and built castles on the peaks, and many villages still have Arabic names. After the expulsion of the Moriscos in the seventeenth century, the villages were repopulated, and agriculture continued to be the main activity until the twentieth century. Today, many villages are partly abandoned, but some are reviving with rural tourism.
Benilloba, about seven kilometres away, has limited services. For fuel, Cocentaina and Alcoy to the north, or Callosa d'en Sarrià to the south, are the best options. The mountain villages are known for their olleta de blat, a stew with wheat and pork, and for local sausages and cheeses. Stop in a village bar for a coffee and a slice of torta, and enjoy the views before tackling the next pass.