Benidorm is not just a sun and beach destination. While it is true that the sea provides an incomparable setting for any activity, the mountains also play an important role. And, unlike other areas where there is sun and beach, this beautiful town is surrounded by pine forests, high peaks and paths with a lot of history. We’ll show you the best hiking routes in Benidorm.
5 must-do hiking routes in Benidorm
There are many hiking routes in Benidorm that you can do as a couple or with friends. If you’re spending a few days on holiday, consider doing some of the ones we recommend. You’ll get to know a different Benidorm, far removed from the stereotypes attributed to it as a holiday town.
Sierra Cortina
The Sierra Cortina is one of the most popular routes for visitors to Benidorm. It is very easy to access and does not involve any difficulty. It is perfect for a pleasant walk and a quiet chat. As it is a single path, you can turn back whenever you want, you don’t have to do the whole route to enjoy the beauty of the place. If you choose to do it in its entirety, you will cover about 7 km.
You have to choose clear days, without mist, to enjoy some very special views. In addition to the charm of the Mediterranean Sea in its splendour, you’ll see the Terra Mitica park at your feet and the entire city of Benidorm in the background. Many paragliding enthusiasts choose this place to jump.
Puig Campana
Benidorm is an area of contrasts. On one side you can see the sea and on the other an imposing mountain called Puig Campana. This is responsible for the well-known microclimate of the city. This elevation can hold back the clouds and when it is raining in the surrounding area. It is not unusual to see lightning and rain in the surrounding area while bathing peacefully on the beaches of Poniente or Levante in the sunshine.
This mountain belongs to the municipality of Finestrat, next to Benidorm. There are several alternatives to climb to the top, 1400 metres above sea level. It is necessary to have a clear idea of the itinerary and be in good physical condition. It is also necessary to calculate the time well so that it does not get dark during the journey. There are between 12 and 15 km of trekking.
Serra Gelada
If you had to vote for the best route in Benidorm, this would probably come out as the best rated by its visitors. The Serra Gelada or Sierra Helada has everything you could wish for when walking a trail. It has spectacular sea views, impressive cliffs and wonderful coves, some only accessible by sea.
But that’s not all. In the full five hours of one-way travel you will find many points of interest. Here are just a few.
- The lighthouse of El Albir
- 17th century watchtower
- Alto del Governador (440 metres high)
- Roman ochre mines
- Cova Gelà. Prehistoric settlement.
- Benidorm Cross
Cala Finestrat to Playa del Torres
From the well-known cove of Finestrat you can reach the beach of Torres de Villa Joyosa along a path with a slight slope. On the way you can see some points of interest of Roman origin. You will also pass the Torreón del Aguiló, of defensive origin and built in the 16th century by order of Felipe II. Another attraction are the little-frequented coves along the way where you can swim.
The Forat de Bernia
We include this route because of its proximity to the city of Benidorm, although you will have to use the car to travel in the direction of Bernia. In just over half an hour you will have reached the starting point. The reward of the views is well worth the effort.
The Sierra de Bernia mountain range covers some 10 km of paths that run parallel to the sea, providing some really beautiful views. On clear days you can see the island of Ibiza with the help of binoculars. This is the reason why there used to be a fort on the top to defend against attacks by the Ottomans and Berbers who came from the sea. Today only a few ruins remain.
The recommended route, of the different ones, is the one that leads to the Forat or hole. This is a passage that starts narrow and 20 metres further on leads to a wide mouth with views of the immensity of the sea. It is one of the best panoramic views you can find along the entire Mediterranean coast.
As you can see, these hiking routes in Benidorm are designed for all tastes and physical conditions. The best thing about all of them is the views of the Mediterranean Sea. We recommend you include some of them in your holiday plans.
