SIERRA HELADA NEAR BENIDORM

Benidorm is sheltered to the north by the Sierra Helada, the ice hills, a mountainous promontory so-called for its lower temperatures and the optical effect of moonlight on its rocky slopes. Riddled with caves used by the Iberians, the headland was mined by the Phoenicians and Romans, and two watchtowers bear witness to its role as a lookout point during the 17th-century pirate raids. The 21 st century has left the Sierra untouched, and within a ten-minute bus ride from downtown Benidorm you can find a variety of beautiful hill walks. Tracks lead out to the headlands of Punta de la Escaleta and the lighthouse at Punta Bombarda, while a magnificent path runs along the crest of the ridge, overlooking the sea and coastline.