Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada
Rising dramatically just south of Altea, the Serra Gelada Natural Park is a 5,600-hectare protected coastal massif of sheer limestone cliffs, fragrant maquis scrubland and hidden pebble coves that feels a world away from the resort hotels of nearby Benidorm — yet is reachable on foot or by bike in under 30 minutes from Altea's old town.
The Best Trails and Lookouts
The most rewarding route is the Sender Litoral, a waymarked coastal path that hugs the cliff edge from Altea's northern beach (Platja de l'Espigó) southward toward the Cap de l'Horta lighthouse, a 7 km one-way trail with constant sea views and several signed miradors over vertical drops of up to 300 metres into turquoise water below.
A shorter, family-friendly alternative is the 3 km loop to the Cova dels Arcs sea cave, where wave erosion has carved a cathedral-like arch into the limestone that is best appreciated from a kayak or paddleboard rented from operators in Altea port.
Wildlife and When to Visit
The park is an important nesting site for Audouin's gull, Eleonora's falcon and the rare Eurasian eagle-owl; birdwatchers should bring binoculars and visit between April and June for peak activity. Bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted offshore from the cliff-top miradors.
Spring (March–May) is the finest season: wildflowers — including endemic sea lavender and yellow-horned poppy — carpet the scrubland, temperatures are ideal for walking (18–24°C) and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person; there are no facilities on the trail.
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