One thing is for sure. This isn't the most difficult climp but it's a beautifull walk up with a huge view. The summit ends right above a steep wall which ends in a blue Meditarenean Sea.
The Sierra Helada, better known as the Icecold Mountain (because when the sun or moon reflects on it, it looks like an ice mountain), can be taken from two main starting points.

First ascent is from Benidorm, which is the easiest one on a well marked route. If you really want to have some fun, start in Albir, a small place near Altea, one off he most beautifull and famous Costa Blanca villages.

Routes

The most interesting route starts in Albir. Follow the sign which leades you to Punta Bombarda. If you are by car, there is a parkingplace. From this point you have a good few at the summit. You can see the televisiontransmitter (Repitidor). In stead of following the track to Punta Bombarda (lighthouse), find a small path at your rigt hand. There are a several but you can take any one you like. Keep your eyes on the summit and climb! On a lot of stones you find painted signs, but it's more fun to make your own track. When you are staying in Benidorm, walk to the northern boulevard. From here there is a well marked route which leades you to the summit. Personally I prefer the route from Albir.

When to climb

You can climb the Sierra Helada any time you like, but the best season is the spring and fall. Take attention when you do this one during the summer. It can be very hot. Start at least at 06.30 am and bring yourself lots of water!
If you start early you can see the sun comming up above Calpe and Benidorm.

Red Tape

There are no permits required. Take care of the wildlife and enjoy the smell of thyme and rosemary.

Where to stay

There are a lot of places where you can stay at the Costa Blanca. When you love the crowed, stay in Benidorm. I prefer rest so I always go to Altea.
From here you can do a lot of climbing (Sierra Bernia, Montgo , Penon de Ilfach). There are a lot of mountains surrounding you.
Need a place to stay? Visit the local service shops (Multi Service, right in front of the harbour), or if you have a big wallet, visit Villa Benvenuto
(excelent view on the Sierra Helada!).

Maps and drawings

Getting there

The El Altlet International Airport, just 10km (6 mi) from Alicante's city centre, has flights from major European cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dusseldorf and Rome as well as domestic destinations like Madrid, Barcelona and Ibiza.
Trains run from Barcelona, Valencia City and Madrid to Alicante's main Renfe Estación de Madrid, while the Estacion de la Marina connects to smaller cities along the coast, including Denia, Benidorm and Altea.
You can get to Altea or Benidorm by car, on the A-7 motorway from the French border, and the national route N-332 links Alicante to Barcelona and Valencia City. Passenger ships also run to Ibiza and Algiers.

Related Costa Blanca Mountains

Montgo
Sierra Bernia
Peñon de Ifach
Puig Campaña

External Links

villa with a view
This page is in Dutch, but the owners also speak German, Englisch and Spanisch.
It's a very nice place to stay and a perfect base to recover the area.

Images



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