Faro del Albir, the lighthouse of Albir

1. Discover, get to know Faro del Albir

Punta Bombarda and Torre de la Bombarda

Faro del Albir is 112 meters above sea level. Right next to the lighthouse is the Torre de la Punta de l’Albir (also known as the Bombarda Tower), built in 1562 to defend the coast from pirates.

Although the tower made of stone and about 12 meters high has unfortunately been destroyed, its base is still visible at this point, also called Punta Bombarda.

Sierra Helada nature reserve

The lighthouse stands in the Sierra Helada nature reserve, called Serra Gelada in Valencian. This is one of the 9 official natural parks on the Costa Blanca.

This mountain range is a beautiful backdrop to the resort of Albir and separates it from its larger neighbor Benidorm. The park covers more than 5,600 hectares and is the first maritime land park in the Valencian Community. It is known for fossil dunes, caves and ancient ochre mines.

2. Experience, the 3 official hiking trails

The popular hiking trail Camino del Faro

If you want to visit the Albir lighthouse and enjoy the surroundings, follow the Camino del Faro. This is the well-known and popular hiking trail that leads directly to the lighthouse.

It is an easy walk of 5 kilometers (there and back). Along the way you will be rewarded with several beautiful viewpoints of the Mediterranean Sea, the Peñón d’Ifach and the Sierra Helada.

Information about the hike:

The route step by step

The route has been fully paved since 1961. Cars are not allowed there.

• The start: the walk starts from the parking lot Parking Faro de l’Albir;

• Information desk: at the entrance there is an information desk where you can also use a drinking water fountain;

• Picnic area: soon after the flat start you will come across a picnic area with several tables in the shade on the left;

• Viewpoint 1: After three turns, at turn four you will reach one of the first viewpoints, with beautiful views of the coast of Albir and Altea;

• Viewpoint 2: Before entering the tunnel, there is a small path on the left side to this second viewpoint.

• The tunnel: one turn away is a 20-meter tunnel dug into the rock;

• Viewpoint 3: After the tunnel comes the viewpoint Mirador del Racó del Pallarés;

• Cala de la Mina: After viewpoint 3, you can also take an unpaved path down to the secluded cove Cala de la Mina;

• The bay and the ochre mine: the route continues with a long stretch of right turns uphill, overlooking a bay with a historical landmark. This is the Antigua mina de Ocre (an old ochre mine). Ochre was mined here from the mid-19th to the early 20th century as a pigment for paint. The remains of the mine and the overseer’s house can be reached by an unpaved route down the hill;

• Cueva de la Ballena: if you continue the paved route, you will get a view of the lighthouse. Just before that, you can take a look at the “Whale’s Mouth” via an unpaved route .

• Viewpoint 4: The last viewpoint before you reach the lighthouse is called Mirador Alfonso Yébenes Simón. Many say this point offers a more beautiful view than from the lighthouse itself. Be careful, the beginning is a bit steep;

• The lighthouse: after the last 200 meters you reach the Faro del Albir.

Tip for early risers!

If you get up early, I recommend starting the hike just before sunrise. If the weather is clear, you will see the sun rise from the Mediterranean. Check this website to see what time the sun rises in Albir.

3. Visiting, practical info for your visit

Access to Camino del Faro

Bicycling is allowed between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m.. Keep in mind that walkers have the right of way. At the top of the lighthouse is a bike parking area, as you are not allowed to cycle around it. Dogs are allowed, if leashed.

Albir Lighthouse Interpretation Centre

In 2011, the lighthouse and building were renovated into a small “museum,” more accurately an interpretation center. Old photographs and equipment from the early days can be viewed here.

Opening hours:

In Winter:

In summer:

More tips for your visit to Albir