Sierra Helada Natural Park
Rising directly behind the Rincon de Loix district, the Sierra Helada is a dramatic limestone ridge that plunges into the sea as sheer white cliffs — and it is Benidorm's greatest natural surprise. A protected natural park of 5,600 hectares, it sits five minutes from the hotel strip yet feels completely wild.
Hiking the Ridge
The main trail, the PR-CV 371, runs the full length of the ridge from Benidorm to Altea, covering about 9 km one way with 300 metres of elevation gain. The path is well-marked and manageable for anyone reasonably fit, rewarding walkers with vertiginous views down to coves that are inaccessible by road.
A shorter option is the 3 km loop from the car park at Cap de l'Almadrava, which reaches the highest clifftop viewpoint in under an hour. From here you can see Benidorm's skyline, the island of Benidorm (Illa de Benidorm), and on clear days the Sierra Nevada far to the south.
Wildlife and the Coastline Below
The park is home to Bonelli's eagles, peregrine falcons, and a substantial colony of Hermann's tortoises — keep your eyes on the scrubby garrigue as you walk. The marine section of the park includes underwater posidonia meadows that support a rich fish population, making the coves below popular with scuba divers.
The secluded Cala del Tío Ximo, accessible via a steep path from the ridge, is a small pebble cove with crystal-clear water and no facilities — bring water and snacks. It is one of the most beautiful and least-visited spots in the entire Costa Blanca.
More of Benidorm
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Benidorm →
