A walk in a natural reserve

Part of the territory of Benidorm belongs to the Sierra Helada marine-terrestrial natural reserve, which occupies more than 5,600 hectares. One of the most interesting features of it is that part of this natural park is found in the sea. From the rocky 300 meter cliffs of the Sierra Helada mountain to the island Benidorm, also known as journalists’ island.

Our choice of where to start

The walking route begins in the Rincon de Loix with a downwards path to reach and see the Tío Ximo Cove and the Ocher mines. At the beginning of this path, there is a small field for you to park your car. This is a rocky area so be aware of the underside of your car. You can also decide to park your car at the parking lot of the Tio Ximo cove.

After the mines, the path is made up of an old road that leads to a watchtower. They constructed this tower in Punta de Cavall in the seventeenth century.

Be prepared

This path over the hills borders the coast and there is no natural spring water available. Come prepared and bring your own bottles and some food. The path receives lots of sunlight because of its location on the east side of the hills. It is best to bring enough sunscreen or do the route in the late afternoon to be sure to be protected.

Signposts are clearly visible on the route. And it is a unique road that takes us directly to the Vigía Tower and to the viewpoint there. The entire path is very easy and convenient with a fairly smooth slope. Because it is paved it can be done perfectly on foot, by bike, or in a wheelchair. A roundtrip is only about 3,5 kilometers so it is a recommendation for the whole family.

Soon after advancing along the route, we walk to reach Punta de l’Escaleta. An explanatory panel explains that in this area of the natural park an endemic plant grows. They consider this plant a micro-reserve of flora. From the viewpoint there are perfect views, We see the cliffs, El Albir and the Mitjana island.

From this area of the Sierra Helada natural park, another unique element also catches the eye. The hanging dunes, rock formations lashed by the sea that, once, were sand dunes that became fossilized over the years.

At the end of the walk, we can relax beside a lookout tower, that they built in the 17th century. On a clear day, you may see the Santa Pola cape in the south. After the break and the same way back, you still have enough time to spend the rest of the day in Benidorm.