Benidorm Cross: Route to the Best Viewpoint in the City
The Benidorm Cross is undoubtedly one of the most famous viewpoints in the city. All the bathers who enjoy Levante Beach in Benidorm can see it. It is the immense cross that crowns the city at the top of Serra Gelada. Do you know the reasons why this cross is at that strategic point of the city? Today we will tell you how to get there and who placed the Benidorm cross.
How do I get to the Benidorm Cross viewpoint?
The cross is situated 200 meters above sea level at the top of Serra Gelada. The route starts at the end of Levante Beach, in Rincón de Loix, taking Alcalde Manuel Catalán Street and then continuing along Sierra Dorada Street until you reach Tokio Avenue, which leads to the cross.
As this is a residential area, traffic on these streets is restricted to residents. We advise you, even if you see cars, not to follow them, as you could receive a fine as an unexpected souvenir.
The walking route to the Benidorm Cross
The route itself is practically without any difficulty, and can only be reached on foot. Most of the path is paved, except for a short stretch of dirt track at the final ascent. You'll also find several picnic tables where you can enjoy the sea and the Benidorm skyline.
If you go in the morning, you can witness a beautiful sunrise over the sea, but if you decide to climb in the afternoon - which is the charm of this place - you'll see magnificent sunsets. Thanks to the viewpoint's westerly orientation, it will seem like the sun is setting over the sea, something you can't see from the Mediterranean itself.
Whatever you decide, we know that once you've finished the route, you'll want to enjoy a well-deserved dinner or breakfast at your Servigroup hotel buffet - the perfect ending to a perfect winter day in Benidorm.
History of the Benidorm Cross: A Symbol of Redemption
Have you ever wondered about the significance of the enormous cross that has overlooked Benidorm for over 60 years? It wasn't placed there merely as a tourist attraction. The story goes that the then mayor of Benidorm, Pedro Zaragoza, promoted the city, transforming a small fishing town into a holiday destination for European tourists.
The use of bikinis, popular among tourists, was considered inconceivable by the Church and Zaragoza was threatened with excommunication for allowing it. To avoid this, it is said that the mayor rode his Vespa to El Pardo Palace in Madrid to ask General Franco for permission to allow tourists to wear bikinis, as they couldn't afford to lose tourism in Benidorm. In exchange, they would place a cross at the top of Serra Gelada to atone for the tourists' sins.
According to historian Francisco Armillo, this anecdote is not entirely accurate. The cross, created with two lampposts, was placed in 1961 during a procession organized by the city's residents, together with the Church, and was erected at the top of Serra Gelada as a symbol of redemption, to remind tourists to behave modestly.
Benidorm has evolved tremendously over the years and what began as a religious symbol against modern European tourists has ended up being an attraction that draws even more tourists. Have you visited the Benidorm Cross viewpoint yet, or will you do so the next time you stay at one of our hotels in Benidorm?
