Fort de Bernia

The Fort de Bèrnia, built in 1562 by the royal engineer Juan Bautista Antoneli, was a clear and magnificent example of the Renaissance military architecture of the Ottomans on the coast. In 1612, and given its inefficiency, due to its distance from the coast, King Felipe III ordered its demolition.
From the Fort you can still see the arches, the moat, the bastion, the cistern and the remains of the walls. Its extension was 10 meters long by 110 wide. It is declared B.I.C. (Well of Cultural Interest) since 1997.
The explanatory panels show the old operation and use of the Fort.

A great light hike. The trail is easy and short even if you leave on foot from Altea as I did. Just make sure to chosse a shady day, because the part thought the fields is extremely exposed with no shade.

The fort is phenomenal. It is not a well preserved structure and that's exactly what makes it so special. It's mystical and epic at the same time. Usually, there aren't many people, so you will most likely be alone there. And if you are like most explorers at heart you will have a blast.

There are also many picnic spot along the way. Just mind there are no water sources along the way.

A place that transports you to the past with spectacular views.

Fantastic panoramas on both sides of the Forat de Bernia.
However, if you start the tour to the left from the parking lot, the ascent is quite difficult.

It is easily reached from Les Cases de Bernia, and the views are very beautiful.

Always nice to visit the historic ruins with a great view

This is a great hike with varied terrain. I like to go on the side opposite Altea, so keep restaurant on left, and move to the right up the sloping path to the fort directly. I prefer this steep view of the valley, and in February the almond blossoms are amazing... The highlight is the thrill of looping back down through the hole on the other end of the mountain range- just big enough to crawl through! Continue past the fort towards the ocean along the slanted rock field. Worth it, but can be busy on Sundays and it's very exposed to the elements.