Exploring the rugged landscape
NESTLED amidst the picturesque backdrop of Albir, in the protected area of the Sierra Helada natural park, is El Faro lighthouse walk. It is a popular activity with locals and tourists alike, especially at weekends, when many families enjoy a stroll to the top, accompanied by children on bikes or scooters, taking advantage of the fresh air and beautiful scenery along the way. New Year's resolutions are evidently still being followed, as there are plenty of lycra-clad walkers and runners checking their pace on smart watches.
There are a number of signposted routes, with the most popular, the 'easy' path, heading straight up to El Faro - although in reality the 2.5 kilometre path follows the contours of the mountain. You will see some of the most spectacular and varied landscapes along the way. There are useful information boards in English and Spanish on the way, as well as designated viewpoints for photo opportunities. The park itself is a testament to the town's commitment to preserving its natural wonders, boasting a diverse flora and fauna that will captivate nature enthusiasts. The crisp sea breeze and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore set the tone for an invigorating adventure. One of the highlights of the hike is the panoramic views, where walkers can pause to absorb the breathtaking scenery and diverse landscape.
One thing you will need to bring on this hike is a bottle of water as there are no facilities at the top - although there is a tap with drinking water just past the picnic area.
Once at the top, you can enter the lighthouse, which is now an information and exhibition centre, open weekdays from 09.00 to 14.00 and weekends from 10.00 to 13.30. There are some incredible black and white photographs of the original lighthouse keeper and his family.
Known as the Altea lighthouse until the mid20th century, it was designed by Antonio Molina in 1855. It was inaugurated on April 20, 1863, when its fixed white light could be seen at a distance of nine nautical miles. The original lamp produced light by burning olive oil and was replaced in 1921 by a lamp that burned acetylene gas. The lighthouse was automated in 1960 and solar panels were installed in 1984, when its light was visible at a distance of 17.2 nautical miles. Strategically located 112 metres above sea level at Punta Bombarda, next to a 16th century watchtower, the Albir lighthouse illuminates the bay of Altea.
Originally, Albir lighthouse was manned by two keepers - a chief technician and a second technician. The building was designed to house two families, but had no electricity and two cisterns provided water. Keeping the lighthouse was hard work and involved many tasks throughout the day, such as maintaining the lamp and building, taking meteorological readings, keeping all correspondence and records up to date and turning the lamp on and off.
The last technician to live there was Francisco Garcia Limiñana, who made his last entry in the service book on
June 30, 1960. Since then the lighthouse has been automated and connected to the Cabo de las Huertas signal in Alicante. There are 212 lighthouses in Spain, most of which are uninhabited because they work automatically.
At the back of the lighthouse there is a great viewpoint with breathtaking views, where bottlenose dolphins are often spotted out at sea.
The return journey always seems quicker and easier, but then it is mostly downhill, with a few inclines and large stone markers indicating the 1km and 2km points. At the bottom there is a picnic area - always busy with families at weekends - and toilets at the start.
Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this trail caters for all tastes and, depending on your fitness, takes an hour to go there and back - with a good rest at the top. www.benidormallyearround.com