If you've spent any time in Albir, you've almost certainly looked up at the Sierra Helada and thought: I want to walk up there. That dramatic limestone ridge rising straight out of the Mediterranean, separating Albir from Benidorm, is one of the most visually striking natural parks on the entire Costa Blanca — and the hiking is genuinely excellent. After ten years of living here, I've walked these trails in every season, in every kind of weather, and May is honestly my favourite month to do it.
Here's everything you need to know before you lace up your boots.
What Is the Sierra Helada Natural Park?
The Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada (to use its Valencian name) covers around 5,600 hectares of protected land stretching from the lighthouse above Albir all the way down to the northern edge of Benidorm's Poniente beach. The cliffs on the seaward side drop almost vertically 400 metres into the water — some of the highest coastal cliffs in the whole of Spain. On clear days from the ridge, you can see from the Peñón de Ifach at Calpe all the way south towards Alicante.
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Find rentals →The park is home to a surprising amount of wildlife. Audouin's gulls nest on the cliffs, Eleonora's falcons hunt over the sea in summer, and if you're lucky you might spot a monk seal far below (rare, but it happens). The flora in May is spectacular — wild rosemary, lavender, thyme, and poppies splashing red across the pale limestone.
The Main Trail: Albir to the Lighthouse (Faro del Albir)
This is the classic route and the one I recommend to anyone staying in Albir for the first time. The Faro del Albir trail is well-marked, approximately 7km return, with around 280 metres of elevation gain. Allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the round trip depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to take photos (spoiler: you will stop a lot).
Starting point: The easiest place to start is from the car park at the northern end of Playa del Albir, right where the beach meets the rocks. There's usually free parking here early in the morning, though by 10am in May it fills up fast. Alternatively, park in the centre of Albir and walk down — you'll only add 15 minutes.
The route: The path follows a well-maintained track through pine forest and Mediterranean scrubland, climbing steadily with a few steeper sections near the top. The lighthouse itself dates from 1863 and still functions — standing next to it with the whole coastline spread out below is one of those moments that makes you remember why you chose the Costa Blanca. There's a small exhibition about the park's ecology near the lighthouse, which is worth five minutes of your time.
My honest advice: Start before 9am in May. The sun gets strong by 10:30 and there's very little shade on the upper sections. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person, wear proper footwear (the limestone can be slippery), and take sunscreen seriously. I've seen people attempting this in flip-flops and it's always a bad idea.
The Longer Route: Albir to Benidorm on Foot
For more experienced hikers, you can continue past the lighthouse and descend all the way to Benidorm's Playa de Poniente. The full one-way distance is around 12km and takes 3.5 to 5 hours. You'll need to arrange a taxi or bus back from Benidorm (the ALSA bus runs regularly and costs about €2).
This route takes you along the clifftop with breathtaking drops to the sea on your right, through more remote sections of the park where you're unlikely to meet many other people. In May, the wildflowers along this section are extraordinary. There's a mirador (viewpoint) above the Punta del Cavall that is, without question, one of the best views I've ever seen in Spain.
Practical Information for Hikers
- Best time to hike: May and October are ideal. July and August are possible but brutal — start at 7am if you attempt it in summer.
- Difficulty: The lighthouse route is moderate. The full Benidorm route is moderate-to-challenging.
- Dogs: Allowed on leads.
- Cost: Free entry to the park.
- Facilities: There's a small information point at the park entrance near the beach car park. No cafés or water points on the trail itself.
- Nearest café: Bar-Restaurante La Caracola, right at the start of the trail — great for a post-hike cold beer and a plate of patatas bravas.
Getting to Albir for Your Hiking Holiday
Albir sits between Altea and Benidorm on the AP-7 motorway, about 50km north of Alicante airport. By car it's around 40 minutes from the airport. The nearest train station is Altea on the TRAM coastal line, about 4km away.
The town itself is wonderfully walkable, with good restaurants, a relaxed atmosphere, and the kind of authentic Spanish village feel that Benidorm left behind decades ago. It's the perfect base for combining hiking with beach days — the Sierra Helada in the morning, Playa del Albir in the afternoon.
Stay in Albir and Book Direct
If you're planning a hiking trip to the Sierra Helada, you'll want to be based in Albir itself — ideally somewhere within walking distance of the trailhead. JV Properties has a range of holiday rentals in Albir that put you right at the heart of everything, from seafront apartments to spacious villas with pools.
One thing worth knowing: booking directly through JV Properties saves you up to 18% compared to booking the same property on Airbnb or Booking.com. That's a significant saving — especially over a week's stay, that money is better spent on cold drinks at the top of the Sierra Helada.
May is a beautiful month to visit Albir. The trails are green, the crowds are manageable, and the sea temperature is just warm enough for a post-hike swim. If you're thinking about it, stop thinking and start booking.