El Mirador de la Cruz

From this point you have the best panoramic views of Benidorm being the source of many photos and postcards of the city. It is located at the top of the Sierra Helada, and it is accessed through the final area of ​​the Rincón de Loix, being able to drive up to almost the same Cruz. This well-known monument of Benidorm was established on top of the mountain due to the initiative of the local clergy. The reason why the Cruz was raised was because Benidorm with the new General Plan of Urban Planning and the consent of the Francoist government to allow the use of bikinis to women, had become, for the friars in a frivolous locality. Even the bishop of Orihuela-Alicante threatened the mayor with putting a sign on the entrance to Benidrom reading "El Infierno". For that reason they decided to create in 1962 a day that would be called the "Day of Forgiveness", which would serve through a procession, climb the heavy and huge wooden cross from the Church of San Jaime to the highest point of the Sierra Helada . All the people wanted to participate and the children disguised themselves to do various recreational activities, while the adults climbed, alternating, the cross on their shoulders. This religious day made Catholics see that the people of the town were not as "frivolous" as they thought. Nowadays, it has become a place for many people to pass, either to enjoy the spectacular views or to make a great day of hiking. As curious facts, a few years ago it was the scene of horror movies and even erotic movies. And in a pink villa even the film of Bigas Luna Huevos de Oro was filmed. You can visit when you want, but it is best to go up to observe the beautiful sunsets at the end of the afternoon. When you get to the cross there are several routes to access other populations on foot. You can also take a path that skirts the cliffs to the repeater of Albir and from there you go down to the lighthouse. This trail has a wonderful route with incredible views of both the Bay of Benidorm and the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains and even Altea. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best options for lovers of nature and the practice of hiking.