Gazing at the coast of the Serra Gelada Natural Park from the sea is a delight for any seafarer. This mountainous relief that runs between Benidorm, l’Alfàs del Pi and Altea offers views of breathtaking vertical cliffs that are over 400 metres high.
The Serra Gelada Natural Park covers 5,564 hectares, of which 4,920 are in the marine environment. The park protects the entire mountain range and three iconic islets: the Illot de la Mitjana, the Illot de Benidorm and the Illots de l’Olla and the Galera, which are true paradises for snorkle and tank diving.
Its name, Sierra Helada, comes not only from its orientation, which creates a colder microclimate, but also from the optical effect of white light produced by the moon reflecting on the limestone walls.
It houses exceptionally valuable remnants of vegetation. Although the Mediterranean forest abounds on the slope facing inland and the one overlooking the sea, where the hanging fossil dune is located, only species survive that can withstand saline soils and the abrasive effects of the wind. In the marine environment, the oceanic Posidonia meadows dominate and, as regards the fauna, its main riches are seabirds.
Here are some suggestions of what to do in this Natural Park so you can start planning your visit to the Region of Valencia: