Far de l'Albir

Far de l'Albir is a lighthouse in l'Alfàs del Pi, on the Costa Blanca, perched on the Punta de l'Albir headland inside the Serra Gelada Natural Park. It stands between Altea and Benidorm and holds a unique status: it's the only lighthouse in the whole Valencian Community that visitors can actually go inside.

How do you get there?

The trail starts in l'Albir, the coastal district of l'Alfàs del Pi. It runs for roughly 5-6 km round trip along a mostly flat, paved path, which makes it manageable for strollers, wheelchairs, and casual walkers alike. Cyclists are only allowed on the trail before 10:00 and after 20:00; during the rest of the day it's reserved for pedestrians.

What will you see along the way?

Heading toward the lighthouse, the path passes the remains of mines first worked in Phoenician times and later by the Romans to extract ochre, along with an old cistern. Further along stands the Torre Bombarda, a 16th-century watchtower built to spot pirate raids along the coast. The lighthouse itself sits at around 112 metres above sea level, with views stretching over the Mediterranean, the Benidorm skyline, and the hills of the Serra Gelada.

What's the history behind the lighthouse?

The lighthouse was built in 1863, right beside the ruins of that older watchtower. Until the 1960s it was staffed by two lighthouse keepers, who reached it along a narrow, steep path cut into the mountainside. Today the building houses an interpretation centre, opened to the public in 2011, which tells the stories of the fishermen, lighthouse keepers, farmers, and soldiers who shaped this stretch of coast — and it's this centre that makes the lighthouse open to visitors in the first place.

When's the best time to visit?

The trail is walkable year-round, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, since summer heat can make the exposed sections tough going. The route has also picked up environmental recognition: it holds the Sendero Azul (Blue Trail) distinction, reconfirmed again in 2025, awarded to routes that combine natural value with well-kept infrastructure. Starting early in the morning is a good idea — it avoids both the heat and the crowds, and still leaves time to see inside the lighthouse during the interpretation centre's opening hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the walk to Far de l'Albir? The round trip covers about 5-6 km on a mostly flat, paved path. Most visitors need between one and one and a half hours, depending on how many stops they make for the views.

Can you actually go inside the lighthouse? Yes — Far de l'Albir is the only lighthouse in the Valencian Community open to visitors. It houses an interpretation centre covering the history of the lighthouse keepers and the surrounding area.

Is the trail suitable for bikes or wheelchairs? The path is mostly paved, so it works well for strollers and wheelchair users. Cyclists, though, can only use it before 10:00 and after 20:00.

What else is there to see on the way? Along the trail you'll pass the remains of ancient ochre mines worked first by Phoenicians and later by Romans, an old cistern, and the 16th-century Torre Bombarda watchtower, built to defend the coast against pirate attacks.