Sierra Helada Benidorm/Gelada Natural Park

Sierra Helada Benidorm/Gelada Natural Park

Sierra Helada Benidorm (meaning “Frozen Mountain” in Spanish) is a stunning natural park stretching across the municipalities of Benidorm, L'Alfàs del Pi, and Altea. This remarkable landscape offers breathtaking views, rich history, and a unique blend of land and sea biodiversity.

Why is it called "Frozen Mountain"?

The name comes from how the cliffs appear from the sea on moonlit nights—fishermen once said they resembled a floating iceberg. The cliffs' orientation also creates a cooler microclimate, contributing to the park’s unique environment.

Protected Natural & Marine Reserve

• Total area: 5,564 hectares

• Marine reserve: 4,920 hectares, featuring some of the most fascinating underwater habitats in the Mediterranean.

• Islands within the park:

  • Illot de la Mitjana

  • Illot de Benidorm

  • Illots of Olla and La Galera

The terrestrial zone is mostly ancient limestone and includes protected fossil dunes, along with a wide variety of native plant species.

Highlights Within Sierra Helada

• Summit: 439 meters above sea level

• Benidorm Cross (La Cruz): A well-known landmark offering panoramic views

• Albir Lighthouse: A scenic coastal walk with historic watchtowers

• Historic Ochre Mines: Evidence of Phoenician mining activity for ochre, especially around the Cala del Tío Ximo and on the L’Albir lighthouse trail

Why Visit Sierra Helada?

Whether you’re a hiker, nature lover, photographer, or simply want to enjoy stunning sea views, Sierra Helada Natural Park is a must-see. The park combines ecological importance, historical interest, and raw natural beauty—making it one of the Valencian Community’s most treasured coastal landscapes.

Walking & Hiking Trails in Sierra Helada Natural Park

Sierra Helada offers a variety of scenic walking routes for every level of fitness—from gentle strolls to challenging hikes. Here are the three most popular routes:

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Punta del Cavall Route (Benidorm Side)

This walk is not difficult but involves some inclines and uneven paths—not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

• Distance: ~2.5 km (round trip)

• Duration: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours round-trip, depending on stops.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Access: Starts from Cala Tío Ximo in Benidorm

• Highlights: Views of the coastline and coves, military bunkers, and a peaceful lookout point over the Mediterranean. A great short hike away from the crowds.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Water

• Sunscreen & hat

• Camera or phone for photos

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start the tour at the end of the Levante beach, head up hill on the road leading to the Benikaktus hotel on the street Alcalde Manuel Catalan Chana.  You’ll pass a turnoff on the left that leads to Benidorm’s famous Cross (La Cruz)—this is part of Route 2 (yellow). Ignore this for now and continue straight ahead.

2.   (Optional detour) A little farther up, you'll see a signposted detour that leads downward toward the Mirador de la Punta Llisera (viewpoint) and the secluded Tio Ximo Cove.

3. At Tio Ximo Cove, take a moment to explore the peaceful beach and the remnants of the old ochre mines—This is where Tio Ximo himself once worked with donkeys hauling the mineral-rich earth.

4. After enjoying the cove, return to the main road and continue to the right, where you’ll find a restricted-access path (no motor vehicles).

5. Follow this path to reach the Punta del Cavall Watchtower—a 17th-century coastal defense tower built to protect the area from pirate attacks. The views from the cliffside are some of the most breathtaking in Benidorm.

Spectacular Views & History at Punta del Cavall

Once you arrive at Punta del Cavall, take your time soaking in the panoramic views—they’re some of the best in the entire Serra Gelada Natural Park.

From this vantage point, you’ll see:

• The towering cliffs of the Serra Gelada, plunging dramatically into the sea

• The nearby Illa Mitjana, a small, uninhabited island just offshore

• On clear days, views stretching across the bay toward Punta Bombarda in Albir

These elevated points were chosen for strategic reasons in medieval times. Both Punta del Cavall and Punta Bombarda were ideal for spotting incoming threats, particularly pirates approaching the coast. As a result, watchtowers were built here to serve as an early warning system, protecting local communities.

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Sierra Helada Benidorm

The 7 Peaks of the Sierra Helada - Full Ridge Hike (The Adventure Route) 

Feeling Fit? Take On the Sierra Gelada Ridge Walk – From Benidorm Cross to Albir

• Distance: 8 km (one way)

• Duration: 4+ hours

• Maximum height: 438 m

• Difficulty: High

• Route: From the cross in Benidorm to Albir/El Faro

• Highlights: Panoramic views, steep ascents and descents, fossil dunes, native flora, and a real challenge for experienced hikers.

Important: This hike is not suitable for inexperienced hikers or those afraid of heights. Wear proper footwear, bring water, and avoid on hot days.

Start Point Options:

• From Benidorm: Begin at the iconic Benidorm Cross. Many walkers prefer to arrange a lift to the Cross to save energy for the main route.

• From Albir: Start at the recreational area and Visitor Centre in Albir, climbing the red-marked path in a zigzag stone-stepped route.

• One-way only: Make sure to arrange transport at the other end.

Trail Highlights:

• Seven Peaks: The trail follows the ridge of seven limestone peaks between the two towns, with constant elevation changes. Some sections are steep and require careful footing.

• Alt del Governador: The highest point of the Sierra Gelada at 438 metres, crowned with a telecommunications station. Near here is a clifftop trig point, a perfect spot for photos and eagle-eyed views over the sea.

• Clifftop Views: The views are jaw-dropping, with sheer drops to the Mediterranean and yellow-legged gulls soaring far below your feet.

• Illa Mitjana: Midway through the hike, stop at a small shaded pine area for a rest and admire the view of this small island, just off the coast.

• Historic Ruins: Along the way, you’ll pass the remains of an old coastguard house and a small valley well, remnants of the area’s strategic maritime past.

This is not just a walk—it’s an adventure along one of the most spectacular natural parks on the Costa Blanca. If you're up for a challenge, the Sierra Gelada ridge hike delivers unforgettable scenery and a true sense of achievement.

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Albir Lighthouse Walk (Faro de l’Albir)

• Distance: ~5 km (round trip)

• Duration: 1.5 hours

• Difficulty: Easy

• Surface: Paved trail – stroller and wheelchair accessible

• Highlights: Coastal cliffs, Mediterranean views, interpretive signs, and the historic lighthouse at the end. Ideal for families and casual walkers.

Albir Lighthouse Route – Scenic Coastal Walk with History & Views

Begin your journey at the Information Point in Albir (Alfàs del Pi) and make your way up Cami de la Cantera—a road named after the old quarry it leads to. Continue left along the streets Syrio and Neptuno, which will bring you to a designated parking area. This marks one of the main entrances to the Serra Gelada Natural Park and the start of the Albir Lighthouse Trail.

A few metres into the trail, you’ll find a small recreation and picnic area. From here, two routes begin:

• The main paved path to the lighthouse

• The yellow trail, a more demanding route that ascends to the crest of Serra Gelada

Caleta del Metge & First Viewing Point
As you follow the paved path, you’ll soon pass a small dirt track to the left—this leads down to the secluded Caleta del Metge (Doctor’s Cove), a hidden gem for those who want a detour into nature.

Shortly after, you’ll arrive at a circular viewing balcony, offering breathtaking views across the Bay of Altea, with the iconic Penyal d'Ifach (Calpe) in the distance, framed by a backdrop of rugged mountains.

As you approach the tunnel carved through the mountain, you’ll find another smaller viewing platform—perfect for capturing photos or simply soaking in the tranquil coastal landscape.

Ocher Mines Cove “La Mina” & Natural Wonders

Continue along the paved path toward the Albir Lighthouse. Around 300 metres further, you’ll notice a gently sloping trail descending to the right—this leads to the historic ochre mines, known as La Mina.

These mines have Phoenician origins and were later exploited by the Romans. The ochre extracted here was used as a natural dye for centuries, until industrial pigments eventually rendered the practice obsolete in the 20th century. It’s a remarkable glimpse into the area’s archaeological and industrial past.

"Boca de la Balena" – The Whale’s Mouth

Roughly 500 metres after passing through the tunnel, the path curves sharply. Look up and to the right—you’ll see a shaded natural cavity in the rock known as the “Boca de la Balena” (Whale’s Mouth) or “Cova de Bou.” This impressive formation resembles the open mouth of a giant sea creature and adds a mythical touch to your walk.

El Faro del Albir – Lighthouse & Final Viewing Point

At the end of the road lies the El Faro del Albir (Albir Lighthouse). While entry into the lighthouse itself is not permitted, just before reaching it, you'll find one final scenic viewing platform on the right. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, the Sierra Helada cliffs, and—on clear days—the distant Penyal d’Ifach.

Marine Life & Conservation

Off the coast, you may spot fish farms—floating circular pens visible from the shore. These play a key role in sustainable fishing practices, helping to replenish fish stocks in the Mediterranean. They also attract dolphins, so keep your eyes on the waves—you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these graceful creatures.

Safety & Essentials:

• There are no drinking fountains in the Nature Park.  Please ensure that you bring sufficient water and food.
• During the winter months it may be necessary to bring a woollen hat and sun screen.
• Wear special footwear for hiking.
• Sunscreen & hat
• Camera or phone for photos
• Although it is a coastal range, do not underestimate the challenges of the Sierra Gelada Mountain.
• Before embarking on a route calculate the unevenness, slope or gradient and geography or orography of the area.
• If you take a dog with you it must be kept on a leash.
• Please respect the flora and fauna in the area at all times.
• Be extremely careful if it is raining in case of landslides.  
• Keep an eye on the local weather forecast.

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