Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
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“Wild camping” in this article refers to sleeping in a tent (or bivvy bag / bivouac sack) in a natural environment, away from an official campsite and civilisation.
It involves carrying everything that you need in a backpack, hiking to a remote location, then setting up your tent to spend the night under the stars.
This article refers to ethical wild camping following “leave no trace” principles, and it focuses on immersing yourself in the natural world.
There are no facilities in nature (e.g. no bathrooms, no cooking facilities, no supermarket, no drinking water, no waste bins, etc).
Therefore, you must be self-sufficient and manage these activities yourself in a responsible way that minimises the human effect on the environment.
If this is your vibe, then official campsites with designated cooking areas would be more suitable
It is not a campsite
Wild camping is a completely different experience to camping on an official campsite or at a recreation area with minimal facilities.
On an official campsite there are people, children and dogs creating noise potentially 24 hours a day!
Wild camping allows you to escape from civilisation, leaving the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind.
Connect with nature
You can truly connect with nature, and relax in a tranquil environment with only the sounds of nature to accompany you.
With the absence of light pollution in a remote location, you can see the night sky like never before.
In the right mountain location, you can enjoy full daylight hours, watch the sunset in the evening, and wake up to the sun rising the following day.
Empowerment through new experiences
Every night in the wild is a new adventure that offers an immense sense of freedom and reinvigorates the soul.
Wild camping can also be an empowering experience, enhancing your feeling of independence and self-sufficiency.
The great outdoors
While out in nature, you can explore new areas and enjoy stunning landscapes.
You can also enjoy outdoor activities, engage in activities in your tent, or simply allow yourself some time to relax and recharge.
Many people enjoy wild camping alone to enjoy the peace and solitude.
It is also nice to do this activity with an intimate group of close friends.
However, it should not be carried out in big groups.
If you prefer doing outdoor activities with an expert, then check out my handpicked guided tours.
You can enjoy wild camping for as many nights as you wish…but not in the same location.
It is acceptable to stay at a particular camping spot for one night only, so you must either walk or drive to find a different location for the following night´s wild camp.
Ideally, wild campers should set up their tent late at night, and pack up again early morning. This is to maintain discretion and minimise impact on the environment.
In reality, if I am in a particularly remote or well-hidden location, then I might arrive a little earlier to watch the sunset, or stay in bed a little longer the following day.
However, if it is necessary to leave early, then I might pack up and move to another location where I will make my breakfast and enjoy a coffee there instead.
You can potentally go wild camping any time.
However, the ideal time to go can depend on several factors such as:
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Check out some of my Essential Outdoor Gear for your outdoor adventures.
Summer
My favourite time to go wild camping is during hot weather, because I can travel light, enjoy long days, sunbathe, and swim in mountain water.
However, it is not practical to do very strenuous hikes while carrying camping gear in the mid-summer heat in the south of Spain.
Consequently, I am limited to camping locations involving shorter and easier hikes, ideally with some shade enroute.
Winter
I also enjoy wild camping in winter months, despite my dislike for the cold!
Adverse weather
I sometimes like to enjoy wild camping during harsh weather.
I am able to do this comfortably because I have a technical sleeping bag, warm clothing, and a tent that can withstand extreme conditions, such as 80mph winds, heavy rain and snow.
However, beginner wild campers should definitely avoid these conditions!
I love falling asleep to the sound of heavy rain on my tent. However, I don’t like actually hiking in the rain, or being in a tent with my wet outdoor gear, so I only go wild camping if I can reach a suitable location before the rain begins.
“Don´t you get scared wild camping on your own?” …This is a question that I am often asked, and it is always with reference to wild animals.
There are no bears in the Costa Blanca!
There are animals such as deer, foxes, snakes and insects, but they don´t usually pose a threat.
There was one occasion, howveer, when I felt unsafe because I had inadvertently set up for wild camping in a wild boar foraging area. These animals don´t normally pose a threat either, but due to their size, strength and tusks, they could cause serious damage, even accidentally.
In Spain, wild camping is largely prohibited! You can read more about this here.
In the places where it is prohibited you could receive a big fine (if you get discovered).
There are some more wild camping blog posts coming soon, relating to topics such as:
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If you are ready to go wild camping in the Costa Blanca, then you can take a look at this List of wild camping locations in the Costa Blanca
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