Serra Gelada walks from Benidorm

Serra Gelada is the steep headland at the north end of Levante beach, and its walks range from family strolls to a full ridge crossing, all free. Two trailheads are in the Rincón de Loix. It is a top pick in our things to do in Benidorm guide and our free things to do in Benidorm list.

Declared in March 2005, it was the first land-and-sea natural park in the Valencian Community. It covers about 5,654 hectares, mostly sea, including Benidorm Island, and its seaward cliffs drop more than 300 m.

La Cruz is the classic Benidorm walk: a steady climb from the Rincón de Loix to the white cross above town, with Levante and Poniente beaches both in view from the top.

The official route is 5 km out and back, about 3 hours with stops, with a maximum climb of 237 m. It is rated moderate and waymarked white and yellow. Start at the tourist point where Calle Gerona meets Avenida Derramador, at the top of the Strip, follow the extension of Avenida del Mediterráneo to the large crossroads and turn right towards the Sierra Dorada apartments. The first stretch is one-way against cars, so most people walk from the Rincón.

Most of the climb is on a quiet road. At a fork, the right branch goes to a cliff viewpoint; the left runs to the road's end, where a short path reaches the cross. Friars first raised a cross here in December 1961; after a storm destroyed it in 1975, it was rebuilt from railway sleepers. It is lit at night, and on clear days the view reaches Puig Campana.

Torre de les Caletes is the gentlest proper walk into the park: about 4 km return and roughly an hour and a half to an old watchtower on the cliff edge.

Start at the dead-end of Calle Sierra Dorada in the Rincón de Loix. A wide path runs through pine woods along the cliff, with a viewpoint back over the island and Benidorm's skyscrapers; on clear days you can see the Peñón de Ifach. The council lists the round tower as a 16th-century watchtower and protected heritage site (BIC).

Pushchairs can reach the tower, apart from a few short steps near the end. The cliff edges are only partly fenced, there are no drinking fountains, and shade thins out after the first stretch.

The accessible and inclusive route is the one for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs: about 7 km, at low difficulty, from the Old Town to the Punta del Cavall watchtower.

It starts at Plaza del Castell in the Old Town and follows Levante beach on wooden boardwalks, with benches and bars along the way, before entering the park. Visit Benidorm describes the park path as well signposted and suitable for wheelchairs and bicycles. It passes the coves of Cala Almadrava and Cala Tío Ximo, and the tourist board's route page has a free audio guide. Our accessible Benidorm guide and over-60s guide cover scooter hire.

The full crossing between l'Albir and the Benidorm Cross is the serious option: about 8.5 km one way and roughly 4.5 hours of continuous ups and downs.

Tossal de la Cala, at the far end of Poniente, is not part of Serra Gelada but gives a quieter view back over town: about 2.5 km return and an hour at an easy pace from the start of Paseo de Poniente. The 80–103 m summit has Iberian remains and a 1st-century BC Roman fort, with views over Poniente beach and Puig Campana. It is not suitable for pushchairs.

October to May is best for Serra Gelada walks; in summer, go at dawn. July and August average highs reach 30–31°C (see Benidorm weather in July). Winter often brings clear days for the views.