If you’re looking for active things to do in Benidorm, there are some hiking routes in the local Serra Gelada Natural Park (also known as Sierra Helada). Its a stunning natural area which sits right between Benidorm and Albir, offering some of the most scenic hiking trails on the Costa Blanca. Its also home to la Cruz de Benidorm (Benidorm cross).
This guide will give you all the practical information you need to tackle Serra Gelada’s amazing trails with confidence.
About Serra Gelada Natural Park
Serra Gelada is a mountain range that runs along the coast, creating dramatic cliffs that plunge straight into the Mediterranean Sea.
The park covers both land and sea, making it a unique protected area. On clear days, you can even see all the way to Ibiza from some of the higher viewpoints.
Walking trails in Serra Gelada by difficulty
I’ve added in and organised the trails from easiest to most challenging, so you can pick the one that best matches your fitness level and experience. You can find maps from AllTrails for each trail too.
Note: For security reasons and in the case of any extreme weather alerts, the park may close temporarily the routes through the area.
Moderate trails
La Cala del Tío Ximo – Mirador de la Cruz
This is a lovely shorter route, perfect if you want a taste of Serra Gelada without committing to a longer hike:
- Length: 4.2 km
- Elevation gain: 187 m
- Time needed: About 1 hour 23 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: Out-and-back
- Starting point: Almadraba cove car park
This beautiful walk takes you through the southwestern part of the natural park. Starting from the Almadraba cove car park, you’ll pass through the gorgeous Tío Ximo cove on your way to the Mirador de la Cruz viewpoint.
It’s a brilliant option if you want to experience a natural environment right next to the urban area of Benidorm. The trail is popular with both runners and walkers, and offers excellent views without being too challenging.
Some parts of the path are paved, making it a bit easier than some of the other routes. However, it can get muddy after rain, so check conditions before you go.
Tossal de Vallés route
This is a brilliant circular route if you want amazing views without spending your entire day hiking:
- Length: 4 km
- Elevation gain: 250 m
- Time needed: About 1 hour 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starting point: Arena Blanca campsite
The trail starts at the Arena Blanca campsite and winds its way up towards Tossal de Vallés. I recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, especially in summer.
The path gets quite steep and rocky in places, so good hiking boots are a must! Some sections will have you scrambling a bit, but it’s all part of the fun.
What makes this walk so worth it are the incredible views as you climb higher. You’ll see Benidorm’s skyline from a whole new angle, with the blue Mediterranean stretching out behind it.
The route is a circular one, so you’ll end up back where you started. It’s perfect if you’re staying in Benidorm and want a morning activity before heading to the beach in the afternoon.
Mundomar – Alt de la Montera route
If you’re up for a longer hike with even more spectacular views:
- Length: 7.6 km
- Elevation gain: 418 m
- Time needed: About 2 hours 48 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starting point: Near Mundomar water park
This beautiful route takes you through the heart of Serra Gelada towards Alt de la Montera. You’ll start near Mundomar (the marine animal park) and head up into the mountains.
The trail takes you to some of the highest points in Serra Gelada, with truly breathtaking panoramic views of Benidorm, the bay, and the mountains inland.
On your return journey, you’ll pass the Mirador de la Cruz viewpoint – definitely worth a stop for photos, and a short rest before you descend.
The trail then winds back through some of the quieter streets on the outskirts of Benidorm.
Hard trails
El Rincón del Oix – Alt de la Montera – Faro de l’Albir
This is one of the most challenging route in Serra Gelada as it takes you along the entire ridge of the Serra Gelada– but the rewards are well worth it:
- Length: 11.1 km
- Elevation gain: 771 m
- Difficulty: Hard
- Type: Point-to-point
- Best time to visit: October through May
- Starting point: Either L’Albir or El Rincón del Oix in Benidorm
This trail is for experienced hikers only! The route can be started from either end – L’Albir or the neighbourhood of El Rincón del Oix in Benidorm.
It takes you along the entire ridge of the Serra Gelada, offering the most spectacular views of the Costa Blanca coastline.
The terrain is quite demanding with steep sections and lots of loose rocks, so proper hiking boots are essential. Some parts of the trail involve scrambling, and there are exposed sections that can be dangerous in windy or rainy conditions.
One important thing to note is that this is a point-to-point trail, so you’ll need to plan your return journey. You can either:
- Return the same way (making it a very long day)
- Arrange transport from the endpoint (bus or Benidorm taxi)
Also worth noting – dogs aren’t allowed on this trail, so leave your four-legged friends at home.
Despite the difficulty, this route gives you the full Serra Gelada experience, taking you past transmitter towers, through varied terrain, and offering unbeatable views of the Mediterranean and the “Manhattan of Spain” (Benidorm’s skyline).
What to bring on your hike
For both of these trails, its recommended to bring:
- Good hiking boots (the paths are rocky and can be slippery)
- Plenty of water (at least 1.5 litres per person)
- Sun hat and sun cream (there’s not much shade on these trails)
- If you’re a photographer – a camera (trust me, you’ll want it for those views!)
- A light jacket if hiking in autumn/spring months
- Easy meals such as sandwiches, and easy snacks (please do not litter any packaging)
- Walking poles if you need them (especially for the steeper sections)
Best time to visit
The trails in Serra Gelada can be walked almost all year round, but my favourite times are:
- Spring (March to May): Perfect weather in Benidorm with moderate temperature and wildflowers in bloom
- Autumn (September to November): Pleasant temperatures and clear skies
- Winter (December to February): Cooler but still sunny, with fewer people
I’d avoid the height of summer (July/August) unless you start very early in the morning, as the heat can be intense and there’s limited shade.
Wildlife and nature
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk – Serra Gelada is home to some interesting wildlife and plants. You might spot:
- Seabirds nesting on the cliff faces
- Rare plant species that have adapted to the salty sea air
- If you’re lucky, dolphins in the sea below (bring binoculars!)
The park is an official nature reserve, so remember to stick to the marked paths and take any litter home with you.
Contact information
If you need more information about Serra Gelada Natural Park, here’s how to get in touch:
Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada i el seu entorn litoral
C/ Passeig de la Carretera, 34
03501 Benidorm
Phone: +34 629 321 248 or +34 966 807 879
Email: serragelada[at]gva.es
