The natural surroundings of the province of Alicante have a very unique beauty, with surprising places that allow you to make the most of the good climate and to discover the flora and fauna. Water is one of the most common elements in most places, as is the case in Cova Tallada or Cova Tallá, as it’s also known. This spectacular cave has very unique shapes, because stone used to be extracted from it.
Cova Tallada is one of the wonders that can be found inside Montgó Natural Park. It is located along the coast, at the foot of Cape San Antonio, between the towns of Denia and Jávea. Do you want to discover its secrets and all possible routes?
Cova Tallada, an excursion between Denia and Jávea
The incredible crystal clear waters that surround the Cova Tallada form one of the most beautiful sights to be seen on the Costa Blanca. It was dug out of the cliffs of Cape San Antonio to extract the valuable rough stone. This material, widely used in traditional architecture in Alicante, was used for places such as Denia Castle and the church of San Bartolomé in Jávea.
For this reason, the cave has a natural part and an artificial part (the part dedicated to the extraction of the stone). The visual spectacle created is truly amazing, with spaces that reach 40 metres in height.
There are five “doors” through which both light and seawater enter, making the cave accessible both on foot and by kayak or canoe. It is known to have been used as a quarry at least since the 14th century, and you can still see the cuts in the stone. However, it is very likely that the origins of this place date back earlier, as objects have been found that date from the 11th and 12th centuries, from the Al-Andalus period.
The structure of Cova Tallada is a large main space and several passages that must be accessed with a torch. Pay attention to the inscription carved in the rock that reads: PHILIPUS III HISP REX CAVERNAM HANC PENETRAVIT AN MDXCIX (Philip III, King of Spain, entered this cave in 1599). Among other curious facts, it was also used as a refuge during World War II.
Today it is a protected marine reserve and can be accessed from several routes, in addition to enjoying different activities there. Take note of them all!
Routes to reach Cova Tallada on foot
There are several hiking routes to reach Cova Tallada, so you will have to choose one depending on the time you want to spend and the difficulty you are looking for. In any case, you can only get there on foot or by water. You can’t get there by car. There are two main paths on foot:
- From Denia. It’s the shortest route, but also one of the most complicated. You will have to leave your car in the car parks next to the coves of Les Rotes. The parking area is not very large, so we advise you to avoid weekends in high season. You will begin walking along calle Via Lactea and follow the signs to Cova Tallada, which you will reach in about 30 minutes, passing by the Torre del Gerro, built in the 16th century to control against pirate attacks.
This route is not recommended for children. Although the final stretch is quite demanding, the path is undoubtedly impressive: bordering the Mediterranean with panoramic views that will leave you speechless. In the last few metres you’ll go down between the cliffs, so you have to be careful. In the toughest places, there are ropes and handrails to help you.
- From Jávea. Here you have several options. The first is to start from the port of Jávea and follow a signposted path that goes up to the San Antonio Cape, walking through Les Planes and passing the monastery of Los Jerónimos. It will take you just over two hours to reach Cova Tallada.
The other alternative is to leave the car in Les Planes and start the route from there to make it shorter. On this route there is not much shade, so avoid doing it on overly hot days. As a gift, the views of the coast of Jávea and the San Antonio Cape are wonderful.
Getting to Cova Tallada by kayak
Would you prefer a more refreshing and different way to get to the cave? Then you can take a kayak trip from Les Rotes. It is best to book a place in advance with one of the companies that offer this activity in Denia. The groups are small and usually leave early in the morning to enjoy the area without large crowds, also avoiding too much heat during the summer.
The usual route is about four kilometres long. You’ll have the opportunity to see the mountain cliffs next to the Cova Tallada in all their glory, viewing the Torre del Gerro from a completely different perspective.
Other activities in Cova Tallada
Once inside the cave you can leave backpacks and other things to eat, take a dip in its crystalline waters or explore the darker areas, always using a torch and appropriate footwear. In this way you can check the marks on the rock from the old quarry.
If the sea is calm, take the chance to snorkel. Don’t forget you’re in a marine reserve! The underwater fauna is very diverse and its transparency allows us to see a great number of fish or even octopuses.
This area is frequented in the spring and summer months by families of bottlenose dolphins, so it is possible to spot them too. You can also swim to the islet in front of the cave to relax and sunbathe.
