La Cruz de Benidorm Viewpoint

La Cruz de Benidorm is a scenic viewpoint set on the slopes of Sierra Helada (Serra Gelada), the mountain range that rises at the eastern edge of Benidorm. A tall cross gives the spot its name, and the panorama from up here is one of the most rewarding on the whole Costa Blanca.

How do you get to La Cruz de Benidorm?

The trailhead sits by the Rincón de Loix Tourist Information Point, right at the far end of Levante Beach. From there, a path marked with white-and-yellow hiking signs climbs the flank of Sierra Helada. The round trip covers roughly 5 km and takes about 3 hours depending on pace and photo stops. The route is rated moderate — no climbing gear needed, but proper trekking shoes and water are worth bringing, since this stretch of coast gets strong sun for most of the year.

Driving up has become more restricted in recent years: only residents of the houses along the access road are allowed to drive to the top. Everyone else parks at the base and continues on foot or by bike. The rule keeps the narrow road from getting overloaded and preserves the quiet character of the area.

What will you see up there?

From the viewing platform by the cross, Benidorm opens up from an angle you simply don't get at beach level. On one side stretches the city itself, with its unmistakable skyline of high-rise towers; on the other rises Puig Campana, one of the signature peaks of the wider Marina Baixa region. From here you also get a clear view of Benidorm Island out in the Mediterranean, along with the curving line of Levante and Poniente beaches below.

The cross itself was put up by local residents in 1961. According to local tradition, it was meant to symbolically "protect" the town and counterbalance its growing reputation as a nightlife-driven party destination. Whatever the truth of that story, today the spot is simply one of the favourite lookout points for locals and visitors looking for a break from the crowded seafront promenade.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the trail has very little shade, early morning or late afternoon is the best window — both for comfort and for the light. La Cruz de Benidorm is considered one of the best spots in the city to catch sunrise over the sea, and the same viewpoint delivers a completely different, equally striking scene at sunset over the mountains. Spring and autumn make for the most comfortable hiking conditions; the midday heat in summer can make the exposed climb feel considerably harder.

Who is this route for?

This is a destination for anyone who wants to see Benidorm from above and doesn't mind a multi-hour walk to get there. The trail runs through Serra Gelada Natural Park, so besides the views you get typical Mediterranean scrubland scenery and a genuine sense of quiet, a sharp contrast to the buzz of the resort centre below.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive up to La Cruz de Benidorm? Road access is now mostly limited to residents of the houses along the route. Most visitors leave their car at the base of the hill and continue on foot or by bicycle.

How long does the hike take? The full round trip is around 5 km and takes roughly 3 hours, at a moderate difficulty level.

Where does the trail start? It starts at the Rincón de Loix Tourist Information Point, at the far end of Levante Beach, following a path marked with white-and-yellow signs.

Why is there a cross on the hill? Local residents erected the cross in 1961; tradition holds it was meant to symbolically protect the town and soften its image as a party-focused destination.