Serra Gelada Natural Park
A stunning maritime-terrestrial park with dramatic cliffs, hiking trails, and rich marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Serra Gelada Natural Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning maritime-terrestrial park with dramatic cliffs, hiking trails, and rich marine life.
"Absolutely breathtaking views on this walk. Nice and easy from the free car park too."
👟 Sturdy Shoes Essential
Good footwear is a must for the varied terrain, especially if exploring beyond the main lighthouse path.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities on some trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Faro del Albir Lighthouse
El Albir
Iconic lighthouse offering breathtaking Mediterranean views. A popular, accessible walk for all ages.
Cliffs of Serra Gelada
Coastal areas
Dramatic cliffs soaring up to 300 meters, providing stunning vistas and a sense of wild beauty.
Hidden Coves
Along the coast
Discover secluded coves with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a peaceful escape and enjoying the Mediterranean.
Alt del Governador
Highest point
For the adventurous, this path offers panoramic views at 438 meters, but requires good shoes and a head for heights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Shoes Essential
Good footwear is a must for the varied terrain, especially if exploring beyond the main lighthouse path.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities on some trails.
☀️ Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as much of the park is exposed.
🚶♀️ Easy Lighthouse Path
The main route to the lighthouse is paved and stroller-friendly, ideal for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Shoes Essential
Good footwear is a must for the varied terrain, especially if exploring beyond the main lighthouse path.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities on some trails.
☀️ Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as much of the park is exposed.
🚶♀️ Easy Lighthouse Path
The main route to the lighthouse is paved and stroller-friendly, ideal for families.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Main Path
For a challenge, venture onto secondary trails or the Alt del Governador for spectacular views.
📸 Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial views of the park and coastline with a drone. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Serra Gelada Natural Park for its breathtaking views and accessible trails, particularly the walk to Faro del Albir. While many find the main path easy and enjoyable for all ages, some note that it can be less challenging for experienced hikers. The stunning coastal scenery and the opportunity to explore hidden coves are frequently highlighted as major draws.
"This was a medium level hikes with multiple descents fairly steep. Good footwear a must. Beautiful sights, well marked, took over 4 hours.
Not suitable for young kids."
C Denise E
"Absolutely breathtaking views on this walk. Nice and easy from the free car park too and toilets there if needed."
Arron Hiscox
"Great 5km hike by the blue ocean. The hiking is quite easy and pretty much possible for all ages. Make sure to wear comfy clothes and shoes, a bottle of water and enjoy the journey."
Nathalya Musa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Serra Gelada Natural Park is accessible from several points, including El Albir, Benidorm, and Altea. There are free car parks available near the main trailheads, such as the one for the Faro del Albir. +1
While specific public transport routes directly into the park are limited, buses frequently run to nearby towns like El Albir and Benidorm, from where you can start your hike.
Yes, you can start hikes from Benidorm, including routes that lead towards Alfaz del Pi and Altea, offering dramatic cliffside views. +1
Yes, there are free car parks available, particularly near the popular Faro del Albir trail. Arriving early is recommended, especially during peak season.
The park is best explored through hiking trails and by boat. The lighthouse trail is a popular choice for walking, while boat tours offer unique perspectives of the cliffs and marine life.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Serra Gelada Natural Park is a protected natural area and generally does not require an entrance fee for hiking.
The park is typically open year-round, with access to trails generally available from sunrise to sunset. Specific facilities like visitor centers may have set hours.
As a natural park, visitors are expected to respect the environment. Avoid littering, stay on marked trails, and do not disturb wildlife.
Yes, various tour operators offer guided hikes and boat trips within Serra Gelada Natural Park, providing insights into its flora, fauna, and geology.
The walk to the Faro del Albir lighthouse is free of charge.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The most popular trail is the paved path to Faro del Albir, which is easy and family-friendly. For more challenging hikes, consider the Alt del Governador path or routes connecting Benidorm to Altea. 
The main lighthouse trail is paved and stroller-friendly, making it suitable for families with young children. However, some steeper or more rugged paths are not recommended for very young children.
The park boasts diverse flora and fauna, including marine life visible from the coast and during boat trips. You might spot various fish species, and even dolphins are sometimes seen offshore.
Restrooms are available at the free car park near the start of the Faro del Albir trail.
The views are consistently described as breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, dramatic cliffs, and coastal towns like Altea and Calpe.
📸 📸 Photography
The Faro del Albir lighthouse, the dramatic coastal cliffs, and various viewpoints along the hiking trails offer incredible photo opportunities. Drone shots are also popular for capturing the scale of the park. +2
Drone usage is permitted in many areas, offering spectacular aerial perspectives. Always check local regulations before flying. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the dramatic landscapes. Midday provides clear, bright views of the turquoise waters.
While snorkeling or diving, you can capture images of the diverse marine life. Boat tours also provide opportunities to photograph the coastline and potentially marine animals.
The area around the Faro del Albir lighthouse and the higher points like Alt del Governador offer the most iconic and expansive photographic vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a safe and enjoyable way for the whole family to experience the natural beauty of Serra Gelada. Remember to bring water, snacks, and sun protection for a comfortable outing. While the main path is accessible, some of the more challenging routes with steep descents or rocky terrain might not be suitable for very young children.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the park's status as a maritime-terrestrial reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna, including a rich underwater ecosystem.
Boat tours provide a unique perspective on the coastal geology and marine life, and some visitors have even reported spotting dolphins. 📸 Photographers
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the secluded hidden coves and the vibrant blue waters.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails and Difficulty
For those seeking more adventure, the park provides opportunities for more strenuous hikes. Trails like the Alt del Governador ascend to higher elevations, offering panoramic vistas but requiring good hiking shoes and a tolerance for heights. Some routes also lead down into ravines, past old mines and ruins, adding a historical element to the trek.
When planning your hike, consider the time of day to avoid the midday sun, especially during summer. Bringing ample water and sun protection is essential for any trek within the park.
Marine and Coastal Wonders
Its dramatic cliffs, some reaching up to 300 meters, plunge into the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean, creating a visually stunning landscape. The underwater world of Serra Gelada is equally captivating, with over 50 species of fish inhabiting its waters. Boat tours departing from nearby ports like Altea offer a fantastic way to explore the coastline, discover hidden coves, and potentially spot marine life, including bottlenose dolphins.
The park's rich biodiversity extends to its terrestrial flora and fauna, with unique geological features like fossilized dunes adding to its ecological significance. Visitors can enjoy the coastal beauty through various activities, from leisurely walks along the shore to more adventurous boat excursions. The combination of rugged cliffs and vibrant marine ecosystems makes Serra Gelada a truly special natural destination.
Photography Opportunities
For those with drones, the park presents incredible opportunities for aerial photography. Capturing the vastness of the park, the winding coastline, and the turquoise waters from above offers a unique perspective.
Beyond the main attractions, exploring the less-trodden paths can lead to unexpected photographic gems, from unique rock formations to panoramic viewpoints. Remember to pack your camera and extra batteries to capture the full splendor of this natural wonder.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit