Benidorm Cross

The Benidorm Cross (La Cruz de Benidorm) is an impressive monumental cross that stands proudly atop a mountain in the picturesque Serra Gelada Natural Park. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Benidorm and the azure Costa Blanca coastline in Spain. This attraction has become not only an important symbol but also an integral part of the city's skyline, drawing travelers from all over the world.

Originally installed as a religious symbol, the Benidorm Cross has over time acquired the status of one of the city's most recognizable and visited tourist spots. It attracts not only pilgrims but everyone who wishes to enjoy the peace, tranquility, inspiration, and incredible views from this height.

The monument looks especially striking after dark when the lights are turned on, making the cross appear to float above the lights of nighttime Benidorm. For many locals and visitors, it symbolizes protection and patronage. A visit to the Benidorm Cross is an opportunity not only to experience a symbol of the city but also to take stunning panoramic photos to remember your trip.

Since the Benidorm Cross is a monument located at the top of a mountain within the Serra Gelada Natural Park, it does not have specific contact details such as a phone number or email address. You can reach this iconic Benidorm landmark on foot, enjoying the park's scenic trails, or by car/taxi by following the signs. For the most up-to-date information on routes and accessibility, we recommend contacting local tourist information centers or official Spain tourism resources dedicated to the Costa Blanca region.

The main reason visitors head to the Benidorm Cross is, without a doubt, the Mirador de La Cruz viewpoint. From this point atop the mountain, there are truly breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Benidorm area, its famous Poniente and Levante beaches, and the endless expanse of the Mediterranean Sea. Many tourists specifically make the climb to catch the sunrise or sunset—in good weather, these moments become especially picturesque and unforgettable.

In addition to contemplating the magnificent scenery, the area surrounding the Benidorm Cross offers other activities. The path to the monument passes through the scenic Serra Gelada Natural Park, which features well-maintained hiking trails. Such a walk is a pleasure in itself, as there are numerous viewpoints with beautiful vistas along the way. This location is also perfect for photo shoots, romantic dates, or a quiet picnic in nature, allowing you to enjoy the silence and beauty of the surrounding landscape.

You can reach the Benidorm Cross in several ways, and the choice depends on your preferences. You can either take a hike or go by car. Both options start from the Rincón de Loix district, which is part of the city of Benidorm.

For those who love hiking and want to enjoy the views, the climb to the cross is a pleasant adventure. The route begins in the Rincón de Loix area and takes about 45 minutes. The trail is well-maintained, has a moderate incline, and is suitable for most people. The entire path is well-signposted, so you can easily find your way.

If you prefer a more comfortable option or have limited mobility for long walks, you can drive there. A paved road leads almost to the very top, leaving only the final 100 meters to be covered on foot. Free parking is available for private vehicles at the start of the pedestrian trail.

The Rincón de Loix district, where the routes to the cross begin, can be reached by city buses. This is a convenient option if you do not plan on using a private car. You can also always use taxi services to reach the starting point of the hiking trail or directly to the car access point.

The history of the Benidorm Cross (La Cruz de Benidorm) is inextricably linked to a key moment in the city's development. The monument was first installed in 1961, and this event had a curious background. It was during this period that the authorities in Benidorm made a rather bold decision for the time—to permit the wearing of bikinis on city beaches. This move sparked a strong reaction and debate in conservative Spanish society, and it is believed that the cross was erected as a symbol of "atonement for the sins" of a city striving to become a modern European resort.

The original cross was made of wood. Its installation was a truly significant event for local residents: parishioners of the Church of San Jaime (Iglesia de San Jaime y Santa Ana) carried parts of the structure on their shoulders to the summit of the Serra Gelada mountain with great diligence and faith. This act symbolized not only religious fervor but also the unity of the community around Benidorm's new spiritual landmark.

The wooden cross stood until 1975, when it was destroyed by a severe storm. Following this event, the decision was made to replace it with a more durable and weather-resistant structure—the one visitors see today. Since then, the Benidorm Cross has become more than just a reminder of interesting pages in the city's history and a symbol of its spiritual protection; it is now one of the most popular attractions, drawing both tourists and residents of Spain who wish to enjoy the magnificent views.

To fully enjoy a visit to the Benidorm Cross, you should plan for approximately 1.5-2 hours. This time is generally sufficient to leisurely climb to the top of the mountain where the monument is located, admire the panoramic views of Benidorm and the coast, take souvenir photos, and rest for a while at the viewpoint.

Of course, the duration of your visit may vary. If you plan a longer hike along the trails of the Serra Gelada Natural Park leading to the cross, or if you want to spend more time contemplating the scenery and having a small picnic, more time may be required. However, for a standard visit and to gain lasting impressions, the specified timeframe will be quite enough.

The Benidorm Cross is an attraction accessible for visiting at any time. According to available information, access to the monument is open 24 hours a day, year-round. This means you can climb up to the cross to admire the panoramic views of Benidorm both during the day and under the starry sky, when the city is particularly beautiful lit up.

Visiting the Benidorm Cross is free of charge, and no advance reservations or ticket purchases are required. You are free to come and enjoy this iconic spot without any restrictions on the length of your stay. This makes it an ideal stop for a spontaneous visit during your trip to Spain.

Visiting the Benidorm Cross is undoubtedly a highlight of any trip to Benidorm, but exploring its surroundings can make your experience even richer and more diverse. Discovering nearby attractions will allow you to immerse yourself deeper into the atmosphere of this popular Spain resort and discover new interesting places, whether they be scenic natural spots, entertainment venues, or cultural sites.

There are several notable places near the Benidorm Cross that can complement your walk. This is a great opportunity to expand your itinerary and see more than just one, albeit iconic, point on the map. Below is a list of some of these attractions, along with their approximate distances.