Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada

The Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada was declared under Decree 129/2005, of 29 July, by the Consell de la Generalitat, becoming the first mixed land-and-sea natural park in the Comunitat Valenciana. It covers land in Benidorm and l'Alfàs del Pi, along with the stretch of sea in front of both municipalities and Altea, adding up to several thousand hectares of land and sea combined, with the marine section making up by far the larger share.

The park's most recognisable feature is its cliffs, which rise more than 300 metres above the sea at some points along the ridge. Vegetation adapted to salt spray and wind grows on top, including species specific to this stretch of coastline, while the deep waters around the ridge support an especially rich marine life, with seabeds that draw divers from across the province.

What's inside the park

Within its boundaries are archaeological sites such as Tossal de la Cala and watchtowers such as Torre de les Caletes, along with the Illa de Benidorm offshore and several coves reachable only on foot. From the Altea side, the same protected area is known locally as Serra Gelada, with its own access points and trails. A network of signposted routes covers much of the park on foot, mixing coastal sections with climbs to the ridge's viewpoints, though it's worth carrying water and sun protection, since the higher stretches have almost no shade.