Parque Natural del Montgó

The Parque Natural del Montgó covers the isolated limestone massif that separates Denia from Jávea, declared a protected area in 1987 across just over 2,000 hectares. The mountain rises to 753 metres only four kilometres from the Mediterranean, and includes more than three kilometres of coastline that drops in cliffs toward the sea.

A refuge for biodiversity

The massif's isolation from other nearby ranges has favoured the appearance of its own distinct species, and the park catalogues up to 650 different plant species, alongside varied wildlife that includes birds of prey. The limestone that forms the mountain is heavily karstified, pitted with sinkholes and small caves left by centuries of rainwater dissolving the rock, a texture that shows up in the uneven, rocky ground found along much of the trail network and in the small caves dotted across the massif. Several hiking routes cross the park at different levels of difficulty, from short walks to the ascent to the summit, a circular route of several hours with considerable elevation gain, best left to hikers with mountain experience.

From Denia to Jávea on foot

On the Denia side, the park's trails connect with the Les Rotes coastal stretch and continue toward Cabo de San Antonio, on the boundary with Jávea. It's a route that pairs well with the Mirador del Cap de Sant Antoni and any of the area's best viewpoints, though water and proper hiking shoes are worth carrying, since much of the route has little shade.