Sierra Helada is a national park located in Albir Spain, Sierra Helada means Ice mountain in Spanish .
The park is situated in the region of Valencia. It is a natural protect area for Benidorm and Alfaz Albir.
Therefore both cities and councils have joined their forces to protect but also to promote the Sierra Helada park.
The councils of several cities will be introducing it at first to visitors and locals, through a series of guided tours.
Spain Watchtowers
Throughout the whole coast of Spain there are coastal watchtowers.
During centuries these watchtowers have been used along the coast of Spain, here more specific the coast of Valencia. The watchtowers on the top of the coastline where the light points where the locals stands looking for invaders and pirates.
As high on the coast the light or smoke signals were passed between these watchtowers at the first sign of danger .
Guided Tours through the Sierra Helada
The guide explains guides you throughout the parc and will show you the different kinds of vegetation. Beside this you will also get a historic introduction about the region.
The Guides are made possible by the culture department of both councils in order to put “The Ruta de los Atajadores” more in the picture.
The guides inform the visitor as well of the history of the Sierra Helada, they also give attention to the flora, the plants and the fossilized dunes which are unique to the Sierra Helada .
In fact, geological the Sierra Helada is a part of the so-called Bendidorm syncline. This is a limestone of million years old .
For example, in this area it is no wonder that you find old fossils on the slopes of the Sierra Helada
In fact the walk is very nice and is a must for the nature lover.
The Natural park of Sierra Helada is very unspoiled and there are roads which are semi asphalted so the road is accessible for all kind of hikers.
The lighthouse of Faro.
On the top the Albir lighthouse or Faro is a nice point of view. You can reach it by going into the direction of Albir and then take the path to the lighthouse.
During the walk the views are really are exceptional and some say that with a little luck you can spot dolphins.
Off the coast of Albir, there are lots of fish farms which attract dolphins. These Fish farms help repopulate the fish in the Mediterranean sea by allowing the fisherman to only catch fish from the farms.
Nature park near and under the sea.
The Sierra Helada is a protected nature park with a wide range of fauna and flora.
The coastline is one of the most beautiful in the Valencian region.
This natures park is protect dry land and sea areas .
The Sierra Helada is a high area with a total surface of 5 564 hectares of which 4920 hectares are a marine reserve. A real natural park.
The underwater areas are some of the most interesting of the Spanish coast with an exceptional biological diversity. Therefore for lovers of snorkeling and diving a must
At Punta Bombarda, on the top of the rock, at the Albir lighthouse in Alfaz del Pi there is a new telescope in operation.
The best is that the telescope allow the people to spot dolphins in the Sierra Helada Natural park .
And the telescope is free to use and will help the public not only to see the dolphins but also to identify what kind of dolphins they are. The telescope was paid with public donations.
People see dolphins often nearby the Punta Bombarda, especially in the area of the fish farms.
Also check out our guide to the Top 5 Cities to visit in Spain.
In short the Sierra Helada is Albir Nature Park and is a wonderful park. To combine Mediterranean Sea and the splendid mountains has never been so easier.
Sierra Helada means frozen mountains. The name comes from the way the cliffs look from the sea on a moon lighted nights. Fisherman on the Mediterranean Sea found that the rocks looked like an iceberg.
When you walk the paths on the mountain it is better to wear sunscreen and often you wish there was a little bit of ice around in a bar or cafe to cool your body or to drink a cool refreshment.
Indeed, there are various organised routes. For instance to the summit or to the secrets lovely coves. As a result that flora and fauna is everywhere around you.
The summit of the Sierra Helada is 439 meters above the Mediterranean Sea and more than 5600 hectares of nature.
Once you get there , the point of view is really breath-taking . On the top you can see Moraira and to the south Benidorm.
One walking path leads to the top, another path is less steep but have also very beautiful views
On the summit there is a lighthouse or ” El Faro”.
On the path to the summit there are several picnic areas some with shaded tables.
This is really the best place to relax or to take your picnic and enjoy the very impressing views below.
The view of the bay of Calpe and the “Roch of Ifach” are impressing. And with a little bit of luck, you can spot the dolphins. What do you want more on an unforgettable holiday day ! Calpe see our page on our website
Most important the average walker can make the journey without danger. More specificcaly, railing prevent the walker to the deep of the below Mediterranean Sea .
So a nice day in the Sierra is accessible for everyone.
Sierra Helada cycle path.
By practicing healthy activities as cycling and walking , you will enjoy incredible beautiful views.
First of all from the sea below when you are on the top. But also when you are in the middle of the splendid nature that surrounds the Sierra Helada.
Naturally, thanks to the warm weather of the Alicante region, you can enjoy these activities almost any time of year, during all seasons.
Albir, Alfaz del Pi and Benidorm councils are coordinating together a project to design a cycling path along the Sierra Helada . This cycling path would connect Benidorm with Albir.
Why now ? Due to the increase in more active residents and tourist who are demanding more cycling routes.
The planned routes will go along the nearly already hard-surfaced public roads.
On the cycling path there will of course be a few gradients . As a result that they will be suitable for all cyclist. In the first place for trained cyclist but also for amateur cyclist.
The new cycling path will include several point of interest . One of this stays the before mentioned the lighthouse. several picnic area’s and different overlooking low down to Benidorm.
Till now , the only available route for cyclist and cars is the busy CV 753 road.
The cycling routes are marked according to their degree of difficulty. Besides the difficulty also the length and the steepness.
Visit the Sierra Helada, you will be awarded with some impressive views.
How to get there ?
First, by taxi from Albir .
Then, by bus from Benidorm a 15 minutes drive.
at last, by car follow the N 332 direction Sierra Helada.
Tip :
First: wear proper shoes.
Second: take something to drink.
At last: use sunscreen.