L'albir: Lighthouse, Coast and Nature Park

L'albir combines coast, natural environment and history. At the northern end of the Serra Gelada Nature Park lies the Faro de l’Albir. The Faro houses an interpretation centre. The lighthouse is therefore both part of the natural environment and a site of maritime history.

Lighthouse and historical traces

The lighthouse was built in 1863 next to the ruins of the 16th-century watchtower at Punta Bombarda. The Ruta del Faro del Albir corresponds to the official red route of the Serra Gelada Nature Park. The historical connection arises from the juxtaposition of the older ruins and the lighthouse built later.

Roman past around the coast

The Museo Villa Romana de l’Albir is located in the vicinity of Playa de l’Albir and offers an insight into the Roman baths in thermae built more than 1,500 years ago. The museum was recognised as the first open-air museum in the Comunitat Valenciana. You can visit it without a guide; along the tour, information panels provide information in Spanish, Valencian and English. The trilingual panels enable visitors to find their own way along the tour.

Coastal protection and cultural heritage

The Torre Bombarda also represents the history of the coast. It formed part of the coastal protection system established in the 16th century to protect the population of Altea from repeated attacks by Barbary pirates. The Torre Bombarda is designated as a B.I.C. (Bien de Interés Cultural).

Nature experiences with different accents

The sustainable recreational area of Cantera de l'Albir features picnic tables, a viewpoint and a 30-metre-high vertical Via Ferrata. Picnic tables and the viewpoint give the area a different character from the 30-metre-high vertical Via Ferrata. The area can be reached by vehicle via Calle Estrella Polar No. 7 in l'Albir. The Centro de Interpretación Paisajística y Medioambiental (CIPM) “Los Carrascos” is an outdoor classroom aimed particularly at children and young people. The centre also includes an area with endemic plants. Thus, in addition to the recreational area, the natural environment also includes a place for learning about the region’s plant life.

Coast, boardwalks and beach

At Playa de l’Albir, wooden boardwalks extend almost to the shore and provide access for both pushchairs and wheelchairs. Playa de l’Albir also has a play area for children. Playa Racó de l'Albir is an urban beach. For planning a day on the coast, both the access close to the shore and the play area at Playa de l’Albir, as well as the distinct character of Racó de l'Albir, are therefore relevant.

Those interested in culture can distinguish between Roman baths, coastal protection and lighthouse history in l’Albir. Those interested in nature will find a range of specific topics in the nature park, at Cantera and in the area with endemic plants. The combination of historical sites, landscape and coast makes l’Albir a versatile starting point for planning the content of a stay.

More destinations at this level

More destinations at this level: Cautivador

To the higher-level travel overview: L'alfàs Del Pi.