🏔️ Puig Campana – Benidorm’s Iconic Mountain
Anyone visiting Benidorm will notice the spectacular Puig Campana mountain, famous for its distinctive notch or “hole” known as El Portell (the Gate), locally called “el Tajo de Roldán” (Roldán's Cut).
🔔 What does Puig Campana mean?
Puig Campana translates to “Bell Hill” in English. This impressive mountain is part of the Prebaetic System, standing at 1,406 metres (4,613 ft) – the second highest peak in Alicante Province. Located in Finestrat, just 10km from the coast, it’s also known as the Sleeping Giant.
🗻 Two Peaks, One Notch
From below, it looks like a single peak, but Puig Campana actually has two peaks. The taller peak is less visible from the base, while the western peak features the famous notch. This gap inspired the name of nearby Finestrat, as ‘finestra’ means window. Fishermen historically used this “window” to guide them home from the sea.
🔥 The 2009 Forest Fire
In January 2009, a devastating forest fire burnt the Northeastern side of Puig Campana. The fire began when strong winds toppled a high voltage pylon, burning over 1,000 hectares and forcing 15,000 people to evacuate from 25 urbanisations.
✨ Legends of Puig Campana
💭 Is Benidorm Island a piece of Puig Campana?
Despite popular belief, scientific studies in 1987 by Professor B. Granier showed Puig Campana’s rocks are Late Jurassic, while Benidorm Island is Early Cretaceous (Albian), making the island 5 million years younger than the mountain.
If you want a closer look, a guided walking tour is available with Downhill Bike Ride
🧙♂️ Legend 1: Roldán and His True Love
In ancient times, Roldán, a peaceful giant, lived near Benidorm. Though kind-hearted, locals feared him, forcing him to live alone tending his flocks. One day, he met a fearless woman who fell in love with him. They married and built a cabin on Puig Campana.
🌅 One day, a wanderer told Roldán his wife was dying and only sunlight could keep her alive. As the sun set behind the mountain, Roldán tore a piece from the peak, throwing it into the sea to extend the light, creating Benidorm Island. Sadly, the sun still set, and his wife passed away. Heartbroken, Roldán carried her to the rock in the sea and drowned himself beside her. 💔
🌄 2. Roland and Charlemagne
This legend is linked to the French hero Roland (Roldán), nephew of Charlemagne, and echoes myths found across Europe:
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Roland was in a battle near Puig Campana and fought a Moorish giant.
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During their fierce duel, Roland swung his sword Durandal (or Durandarte) with such force that he cut a piece from the mountain, creating the notch.
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The rock landed in the sea, forming Benidorm Island.
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In some versions, Roland cut the gap deliberately to see his beloved one last time before dying.
This story parallels the famous Roland’s Breach (La Brèche de Roland) in the Pyrenees, suggesting a merging of medieval myths along old pilgrimage routes.
🗿 3. The Angry Giant
Another legend tells of a giant who fell in love with a woman from Finestrat. Knowing she could never love him, he kidnapped her. The villagers rescued her, and in his rage, the giant kicked the mountain, creating the notch and forming Benidorm Island with the fallen rock.
🗻 4. The Witch’s Curse
Another local tale says:
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A Moorish witch lived on Puig Campana.
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When Christian armies advanced, she cursed the mountain to break apart and drive them away.
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Her curse created the notch but backfired, as the falling rock formed Benidorm Island, giving the Christians a strategic lookout and refuge.
💔 5. The Sleeping Giant
This is not a story about the notch but about the mountain’s silhouette resembling a sleeping giant. It is said:
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The giant was once a powerful protector of the coast.
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He fell into an eternal sleep after losing his beloved, his body forming the mountain.
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Local fishermen say his spirit still watches over them, guiding them home through the “window” gap.
🏹 6. The Archer’s Arrow
A lesser-told variation says:
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An ancient archer, defending his village from pirates, shot an enchanted arrow with such force that it pierced the mountain, creating the hole to scare invaders.
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The arrow flew out to sea, becoming Benidorm Island, where it still lies “guarding the coast.”
🚶♂️Climbing Puig Campana Mountain - Routes and Safety Tips
There are guided tours and three main routes:
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🥾 Volta de la Serra – the most common route.
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🧗 Ascension Puig Campana – slightly more complex.
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🌳 Cami de la Cove del Roget – another scenic route.
The most direct ascent starts at Font del Molí in Finestrat, heading towards the south face. You can ascend the steep scree slope directly (tough) or follow the trail on its right. Both are marked with faded red paint. The trail is easy to lose in mist, so only climb in clear weather.
At the top, the trail turns east towards the summit with many criss-crossing paths, making navigation tricky without experience.
✅ Essential Climbing Tips
🔆 Routes: Low to medium difficulty, 4–6 hours duration.
⏰ Timing: Allow enough daylight hours – mountain rescues are not uncommon.
📞 Safety: Leave your name, route, and contact details with someone before climbing.
🚫 Never hike alone.
🧥 Weather: It can get very cold at the summit.
💧 Supplies: Carry plenty of water and food.
🥾 Gear: Wear proper hiking boots and clothing.
⚠️ If too difficult, turn back – safety first.
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Have you climbed Puig Campana yet? Share your experience below! 👇
