The Sierra Helada
Altea, Albir and Alfas where the sun shines for us all – most of the time and the “International Spirit” that emanates from the inhabitants makes it one of the most wonderful place to live and be part of in the area of Valencia. Today we tell you about something we take for granted every day as we go about our business – It’s there when we wake: and when we sleep and maybe we just “Take it for Granted”. It is of course The Sierra Helada.
The Sierra Helada is a small mountainous outcrop known to most locals as “where the Lighthouse is”, or “The Hill with the Antennae’s on it”! It is a NE-SW orientation that separates the bays of Benidorm and Altea. It is a protected natural area which has been part of the network of natural parks of the Valencian Community since July 29, 2005.
From a distance it doesn’t appear to be “much of a “Hill” but as you move closer to it one can appreciate its impressive size and its steepness, which rises abruptly from the plains of Benidorm and Alfaz del Pi. This “small mountain range” has cliffs of more than 300 m in height on the coastal side and is home to an abundance of vegetation and wildlife with exceptional “Eco” value.
Know more about The Sierra Helada
From the top towards the land side of this small mountain range one can see the amazing Puig Mountain towering above the skyline and looking down on the towns of Albir and Alfas. Looking out to the sea one is mesmerized by the rich deep blue and silver tipped waves of the Mediterranean Sea containing numerous species of fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates that all prosper in these perfect conditions below the sheer cliffs.
The Sierra Helada is characterized by its asymmetric profile, which is evident throughout its 6 km length. The highest point is the Alto del Gobernador where the radio antennas (seen from below) are located at an altitude of 430 m above the sea.
Most of the Mountain Ranges here about including the Island of Benidorm were formed from the beginning of the Pliocene Period (5.333 million years ago) and like many rock formations they contain many different types of rock with varying resistance to erosion, giving this outcrop its own personal craggy features.
Also of interest on the seaward side are the caves of Karst, which can only be seen by boat if you are lucky enough to be on one. (Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves).
The Sierra Helada is a Horticulturists “Pot of Gold”, with a strong presence of rare and threatened plant species, many of them protected to different degrees by current legislation. There are many varieties of Seabirds too. Among them are the European Petrel, the Shag, and the Audouin's Gull. And if you are really lucky you may even see a Peregrine Falcon or two.
If you have the opportunity of walking/hiking up The Sierra Helada, do it without hesitation. Wear the appropriate footwear and enjoy the path. Even if crossing the Sierra Helada is not your thing, the walk to the Lighthouse on the Albir side is very pleasant and well paved so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The ruins of the old Red Ochre Mine are clearly visible along the path as it winds across the Mountain. It functioned well into the 20th century, was founded by the Romans but was possibly in use long before their arrival.
