Most people hear "Benidorm" and picture cocktails on Levante Beach, not boots on a clifftop trail. But after ten years living on the Costa Blanca, I can tell you that some of the best hiking near Benidorm is right on the resort's doorstep — and almost nobody is doing it. The Sierra Helada Natural Park rises straight out of the sea between Benidorm and Alfàs del Pi, and it's one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away — both from the altitude and the views.
June is, in my opinion, the ideal month to tackle these trails. The crowds haven't peaked yet, temperatures are warm but manageable in the early morning, and the Mediterranean scrub is still green and fragrant after spring. Here's everything you need to know before you lace up.
Sierra Helada Natural Park: What You Need to Know
The Sierra Helada (literally "Frozen Mountain Range", though trust me, it's anything but in June) is a 6-kilometre limestone headland that separates the Bay of Benidorm from the Bay of Altea. It was declared a Natural Park in 2005 and covers around 2,400 hectares, including a marine reserve below the cliffs. From the top, on a clear morning, you can see the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe to the north and the whole arc of Benidorm's skyline to the south — it's genuinely stunning.
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Find rentals →The park is accessed mainly from Racó de l'Oix in Benidorm itself (near the Rincon de Loix urbanisation) or from the L'Alfàs del Pi side near Albir. Most people I know do it as a point-to-point walk from Benidorm to Albir or vice versa, then catch a bus back.
Practical basics: - Entry is free - No dogs allowed (it's a protected natural park) - Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person — there are zero water points on the trail - Wear proper footwear — the limestone is sharp and uneven - Start before 9am in June to avoid the worst of the heat
The Main Trail: Benidorm to Albir (Sierra Helada Ridge Walk)
This is the classic route, and it deserves its reputation. The full trail is around 10 kilometres from the Benidorm access point to the Albir lighthouse (Far d'Albir), with a total ascent of roughly 350 metres. Allow 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace.
The path climbs steadily through pine and carob trees before emerging onto open limestone ridges with sheer drops into an impossibly blue sea. About halfway along, there's a fantastic viewpoint called the Mirador de la Punta del Cavall — take the short detour, it's worth every step. On a good day you'll spot the Benidorm Island nature reserve directly below, along with nesting cormorants and the occasional Peregrine falcon.
The descent to Albir is gentle and well-marked, finishing at the iconic Far d'Albir lighthouse, which dates back to 1863. From Albir beach, the L-9 bus runs back to Benidorm regularly (about €1.45 one way). Simple.
Difficulty: Moderate. The terrain is uneven but there are no scrambling sections. Suitable for reasonably fit adults and older teenagers.
The Shorter Option: The Albir Lighthouse Walk
If you've got kids or you just want a spectacular 90-minute stroll, start from the Albir side and walk up to the lighthouse and back. It's around 4km return, mostly on a well-maintained path, and the views back over the Bay of Altea are spectacular. There's even a small visitor centre at the lighthouse with information about the park's ecosystem. The car park at the Albir trailhead is free and there are usually spaces, though arrive early in June.
Puig Campana: The Big One for Serious Hikers
If the Sierra Helada has whetted your appetite, the next step up is Puig Campana — the dramatic peak with the famous notch cut into its summit (legend says Roland cut it with his sword, which is exactly the kind of story I love about this region). At 1,408 metres, it's the second-highest mountain in the Valencia region and dominates the skyline above Benidorm.
The most popular route starts from Finestrat, about 10km inland from Benidorm. It's a serious full-day hike — around 14km return with over 1,000 metres of ascent. Only attempt this in June if you start at first light (6am is not too early), carry plenty of water, and have proper hiking boots. The summit views — Benidorm below you, the whole Costa Blanca stretching north and south, and on clear days even Ibiza on the horizon — are the best I've seen in this region, full stop.
Getting to Finestrat: Drive or take a taxi (~€15 from Benidorm). There's a small car park near the Urbanización Cami dels Pous.
What to Bring: June Hiking Checklist
- Sun cream SPF 50+ (the limestone reflects UV like a mirror)
- Hat and sunglasses — essential
- At least 1.5 litres of water per person, more for Puig Campana
- Snacks or lunch — there are no cafés on any of these routes
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful on descents)
- A downloaded offline map — I use Wikiloc, which has excellent GPX tracks for all these routes
- Cash for the bus back from Albir
Before or After Your Hike
After the Sierra Helada, I always head straight to La Cala de Finestrat — a small, sheltered cove just east of Benidorm's main beaches, less crowded than Levante and perfect for a post-hike swim. For food, the terrace restaurant at Hotel Restaurante Raco de Toni in Albir does excellent cold beer and solid rice dishes at decent prices.
Planning to spend a few days exploring the hills and coast around Benidorm? Staying in a holiday apartment rather than a hotel gives you the flexibility to head out early without waiting for breakfast service, store your own food and drinks, and come back sandy and sweaty without judgment. Browse our Benidorm holiday rentals and book direct with JV Properties — you'll save up to 18% compared to booking through Airbnb, with no hidden platform fees.
Search available properties in Benidorm for your June hiking trip — the best apartments near the Sierra Helada access points tend to get snapped up fast.
Final Thoughts
Benidorm's natural side is genuinely one of the Costa Blanca's best-kept secrets. The Sierra Helada is a world-class coastal walk that just happens to end next to a beach — and Puig Campana is a mountain that would attract serious attention if it were in the Alps. Don't let the resort's reputation fool you into staying on the sunlounger all week. The boots are worth it.
