Secrets Rural House
Cova Tallada excursion
Difficulty: high
Estimated round trip duration.
Three hours.
On the steep coastline between the towns of Dénia and Xàbia (Jávea), to the north of the province of Alicante, we find the spectacular Cova Tallada: an astonishing cave excavated at the foot of the cliffs, bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Marine Reserve of the Cap de Sant Antoni. A place full of history and mysteries, where you will feel like traveling to the Center of the Earth.
The route to the Cova Tallada is not complicated, but it is advisable to wear mountain shoes, bring enough water and food and, if we go in summer from June 15 to September 30, make a prior reservation. Link for prior appointment:
COVA TALLADA CAVE APPOINTMENT LINK
Route through Denia:
Leaving Secrets Rural House at 20 meters take the extension of the Camino del Tío Adriano, at 200 meters we will arrive at the Cova Tallada road, turn right, at a fork 200 meters take the left, we will arrive at a crossroads, left.
On the way to the cave, we can visit the magnificent Torre del Gerro, located on top of the cliffs and named for its vase shape. This defensive tower was built in the 16th century to monitor the attacks of Berber pirates, who used to frighten the inhabitants of the coastal towns in the period after the expulsion of the Moors from the Kingdom of Valencia.
Route through Jávea: leaving the Rural House towards the CV-7362 road, take the road to the left for about 700 meters there is a salmon-colored wall with 3 parallel horizontal lines of red white and yellow, take the road with the route indications.
Follow the parallel indications of white and yellow line (correct path) white and yellow cross lines (wrong path)
The Cova Tallada ("carved" or "cut" would be the translation from Valencian) receives this name because centuries ago it was an important quarry of rough stone, which was extracted by cutting it into large blocks. Being built at sea level, the stone could be transported more easily by ships.
Some emblematic buildings of the Marina Alta, such as the church-fortress of Sant Bertomeu de Xàbia, the Castle of Dénia or the windmills of Cap de Sant Antoni, were built with the rough stone extracted in the Cova Tallada.
In a more modern age, some accounts speak of the use of the Carved Cave as a hiding place for submarines during the Second World War.
The Cova Tallada is, therefore, a partly natural and partly artificial wonder, the result of its use as a quarry. The total route of the cave is about 400 meters, finding different rooms and galleries, from some very spacious and with high ceilings - between 12 and 15 meters - to others that are narrower and “claustrophobic”. The outer rooms are open to the sea through a series of "doors" and partially flooded, forming a kind of "inner lake".
To visit the deepest part of the cave it is necessary to use flashlights or other means of lighting. If you remain silent, you will be able to hear a drip of water, coming from different leaks that are collected by stone basins. Not in vain, fresh water has always been a scarce commodity in these lands, and centuries ago its inhabitants learned to use any source of it.
La Cova Tallada is a very, very impressive place. We are undoubtedly facing one of the most spectacular enclaves on the Costa Blanca, which is why in recent years it has become popular and visits in summer are currently regulated (since 2019).
Therefore, my proposal is that you try to visit the Cova Tallada out of season and, if possible, on a weekday. I suggest you access it for what it is: a magical place, with a lot of charm, full of history and mysteries.
Try crossing its threshold in silence, letting the murmur of the waves be the only sound that resounds in the high vaults of the cave. Listen in silence, let yourself be invaded by the history of its rocks, which will transport you to past centuries, when stonemasons carved the stone with the sweat of their brow ...
Estimated round trip duration.
Three hours.
On the steep coastline between the towns of Dénia and Xàbia (Jávea), to the north of the province of Alicante, we find the spectacular Cova Tallada: an astonishing cave excavated at the foot of the cliffs, bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Marine Reserve of the Cap de Sant Antoni. A place full of history and mysteries, where you will feel like traveling to the Center of the Earth.
The route to the Cova Tallada is not complicated, but it is advisable to wear mountain shoes, bring enough water and food and, if we go in summer from June 15 to September 30, make a prior reservation. Link for prior appointment:
COVA TALLADA CAVE APPOINTMENT LINK
Route through Denia:
Leaving Secrets Rural House at 20 meters take the extension of the Camino del Tío Adriano, at 200 meters we will arrive at the Cova Tallada road, turn right, at a fork 200 meters take the left, we will arrive at a crossroads, left.
On the way to the cave, we can visit the magnificent Torre del Gerro, located on top of the cliffs and named for its vase shape. This defensive tower was built in the 16th century to monitor the attacks of Berber pirates, who used to frighten the inhabitants of the coastal towns in the period after the expulsion of the Moors from the Kingdom of Valencia.
Route through Jávea: leaving the Rural House towards the CV-7362 road, take the road to the left for about 700 meters there is a salmon-colored wall with 3 parallel horizontal lines of red white and yellow, take the road with the route indications.
Follow the parallel indications of white and yellow line (correct path) white and yellow cross lines (wrong path)
The Cova Tallada ("carved" or "cut" would be the translation from Valencian) receives this name because centuries ago it was an important quarry of rough stone, which was extracted by cutting it into large blocks. Being built at sea level, the stone could be transported more easily by ships.
Some emblematic buildings of the Marina Alta, such as the church-fortress of Sant Bertomeu de Xàbia, the Castle of Dénia or the windmills of Cap de Sant Antoni, were built with the rough stone extracted in the Cova Tallada.
In a more modern age, some accounts speak of the use of the Carved Cave as a hiding place for submarines during the Second World War.
The Cova Tallada is, therefore, a partly natural and partly artificial wonder, the result of its use as a quarry. The total route of the cave is about 400 meters, finding different rooms and galleries, from some very spacious and with high ceilings - between 12 and 15 meters - to others that are narrower and “claustrophobic”. The outer rooms are open to the sea through a series of "doors" and partially flooded, forming a kind of "inner lake".
To visit the deepest part of the cave it is necessary to use flashlights or other means of lighting. If you remain silent, you will be able to hear a drip of water, coming from different leaks that are collected by stone basins. Not in vain, fresh water has always been a scarce commodity in these lands, and centuries ago its inhabitants learned to use any source of it.
La Cova Tallada is a very, very impressive place. We are undoubtedly facing one of the most spectacular enclaves on the Costa Blanca, which is why in recent years it has become popular and visits in summer are currently regulated (since 2019).
Therefore, my proposal is that you try to visit the Cova Tallada out of season and, if possible, on a weekday. I suggest you access it for what it is: a magical place, with a lot of charm, full of history and mysteries.
Try crossing its threshold in silence, letting the murmur of the waves be the only sound that resounds in the high vaults of the cave. Listen in silence, let yourself be invaded by the history of its rocks, which will transport you to past centuries, when stonemasons carved the stone with the sweat of their brow ...
VIEWS ON THE ROAD TO COVA TALLADA
INDICATORS DISTANCE AND TIME IN EXCURSION
TORRE DEL GERRO ROAD TO COVA TALLADA
Mills excursion
Difficulty: low
Estimated time for the round trip excursion: 40 minutes
Leaving the Casa Rural Secrets, reach the road and turn right, after 70 meters turn left onto a paved road, continue 400 meters on a dirt road and climb until you reach the adult forest; You will enjoy unparalleled views of the Bay of Jávea, continue until you see Windmills and route indicators, arriving at Los Molinos you can extend the excursion bordering Cabo de San Antonio until you reach the Cuesta de San Antonio that takes you directly to the port of Jávea . (1 hour and 30 more minutes) Located at the top of Cabo de San Antonio and strategically placed, the Windmills of Jávea were of great importance for the economy of a time when wheat was a very important product, there is written evidence of the existence of the mills in adocument from 1391.
From the access road to the Windmills of Jávea there are impressive views of Cabo la Nao and Cabo San Antonio. With dimensions of 7 meters high by 6 wide, a robust wood mechanism and large blades, its Its function was to grind the wheat, taking advantage of the constant power of the southwest wind in this area called “llebeig”. Inside, they kept all the machinery and massive mechanisms that made the heavy stones turn to crush the wheat and obtain the flour.
The passage of time is relentless and the blades of any of the mills are no longer preserved, some of the mills are in poor condition but the Jávea City Council is trying to restore at least 3 of them and thus safeguard this beautiful historical heritage.
From the Department of Tourism of Jávea a 3-hour guided route is organized. 30 min. duration in which you visit the Monastery, Los Molinos de Jávea, the Hermitage, the Lighthouse and the Montgó Natural Park, from where you can enjoy incredible views and a pleasant hiking route.
Estimated time for the round trip excursion: 40 minutes
Leaving the Casa Rural Secrets, reach the road and turn right, after 70 meters turn left onto a paved road, continue 400 meters on a dirt road and climb until you reach the adult forest; You will enjoy unparalleled views of the Bay of Jávea, continue until you see Windmills and route indicators, arriving at Los Molinos you can extend the excursion bordering Cabo de San Antonio until you reach the Cuesta de San Antonio that takes you directly to the port of Jávea . (1 hour and 30 more minutes) Located at the top of Cabo de San Antonio and strategically placed, the Windmills of Jávea were of great importance for the economy of a time when wheat was a very important product, there is written evidence of the existence of the mills in adocument from 1391.
From the access road to the Windmills of Jávea there are impressive views of Cabo la Nao and Cabo San Antonio. With dimensions of 7 meters high by 6 wide, a robust wood mechanism and large blades, its Its function was to grind the wheat, taking advantage of the constant power of the southwest wind in this area called “llebeig”. Inside, they kept all the machinery and massive mechanisms that made the heavy stones turn to crush the wheat and obtain the flour.
The passage of time is relentless and the blades of any of the mills are no longer preserved, some of the mills are in poor condition but the Jávea City Council is trying to restore at least 3 of them and thus safeguard this beautiful historical heritage.
From the Department of Tourism of Jávea a 3-hour guided route is organized. 30 min. duration in which you visit the Monastery, Los Molinos de Jávea, the Hermitage, the Lighthouse and the Montgó Natural Park, from where you can enjoy incredible views and a pleasant hiking route.
Difficulty: medium
Duration:
3 hours round trip
Leaving the Casa Rural Secrets get to the road and turn left, 1 km after the Monastery continue on the road until 300 meters ahead of the Monastery on the right, you will find the Cuesta de San Antonio, turn left now 80 meters there is a dirt road turn right. You will have unbeatable views over the cliff, continue 15 minutes until you reach a picnic area and rest area, turn right until you reach the road and then left. Further on you will find a parking area where the
indicative of white, yellow route until descending to the port of Jávea. You can also visit the Cabo de San Antonio lighthouse beforehand.
The Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve is one of the most beautiful corners of the Levantine coast, it is formed by ravines and large cliffs that precipitate abruptly into the sea. It is located between the towns of Denia and Javea where this spit of land with a height of 170m above sea level and an area of 250 hectares, forms a spectacular landscape of great environmental wealth.
At one end, in the highest area is the San Antonio Lighthouse that began to guide sailors with its first flashes in 1855 and has been signaling the coast to sailors and fishermen for 161 years along these rugged coasts. At the top there is a viewpoint from where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the coast of Javea and Denia, some of the most beautiful views in the area.
23 years ago this extraordinary place was declared a marine reserve and since then it has enjoyed excellent health, the population of marine life has grown and the very important posidonia meadows are increasing, a fact that notably favors the richness of life underwater for the purity of its waters.
Go scuba diving in the Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve
This is an area especially appreciated by scuba diving enthusiasts who come here from all over the world to enjoy one of the richest sea beds on the Spanish coast. The waters in this area are incredibly crystalline and a large number of species live in them, making this place an ideal place to practice this sport, although remember that before we must request the relevant permits since it is a protected area and its access is not free. There are many companies that organize these fantastic outings.
Duration:
3 hours round trip
Leaving the Casa Rural Secrets get to the road and turn left, 1 km after the Monastery continue on the road until 300 meters ahead of the Monastery on the right, you will find the Cuesta de San Antonio, turn left now 80 meters there is a dirt road turn right. You will have unbeatable views over the cliff, continue 15 minutes until you reach a picnic area and rest area, turn right until you reach the road and then left. Further on you will find a parking area where the
indicative of white, yellow route until descending to the port of Jávea. You can also visit the Cabo de San Antonio lighthouse beforehand.
The Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve is one of the most beautiful corners of the Levantine coast, it is formed by ravines and large cliffs that precipitate abruptly into the sea. It is located between the towns of Denia and Javea where this spit of land with a height of 170m above sea level and an area of 250 hectares, forms a spectacular landscape of great environmental wealth.
At one end, in the highest area is the San Antonio Lighthouse that began to guide sailors with its first flashes in 1855 and has been signaling the coast to sailors and fishermen for 161 years along these rugged coasts. At the top there is a viewpoint from where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the coast of Javea and Denia, some of the most beautiful views in the area.
23 years ago this extraordinary place was declared a marine reserve and since then it has enjoyed excellent health, the population of marine life has grown and the very important posidonia meadows are increasing, a fact that notably favors the richness of life underwater for the purity of its waters.
Go scuba diving in the Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve
This is an area especially appreciated by scuba diving enthusiasts who come here from all over the world to enjoy one of the richest sea beds on the Spanish coast. The waters in this area are incredibly crystalline and a large number of species live in them, making this place an ideal place to practice this sport, although remember that before we must request the relevant permits since it is a protected area and its access is not free. There are many companies that organize these fantastic outings.
Route to the top of Montgó mountain
Difficulty: high
Duration from Casa Rural Secrets round trip: 4 hours
It is recommended in the months of October to May and trekking shoes with a hard sole on stony and rocky terrain.
Likewise, a windbreaker jacket is recommended due to changes in temperature and wind at the summit. Water and food to regain strength for the descent are recommended.
Leaving the Casa Rural Secrets, get to the road and take the route to the right, after 300 meters you will reach the CV-736, take a right towards Denia, be careful on the road as there is no hard shoulder. We pass the shooting range and a little further on we will find a path to the left where we will see the route indicators.
From here we start the route through La Plana de Jávea between pines and palm trees and along a path that is usually marked as PR; until we find the sign indicating the climb to the top.
We begin the ascent by an obvious and marked path that, after a long continuous course with a gentle slope, has to lead us to near the top. Only when we reach a part of the crest of the sierra, walking becomes a little more difficult and sometimes we have to help ourselves with our hands to give us greater security in the climbs. Without major problems we soon reached the geodesic vertex of Montgó at 754 mt. altitude asl.
From the crowning of the top the views are spectacular towards all the cardinal points.
We can see most of the peaks and mountains of the Marina Alta and Baja, we can also see those of La Safor, the Mediterranean Sea and the spectacular coasts of Denia and Jávea.
the mountains of La Marina: Oltá, Bernia, Puig Campana, Aitana, Serrella ... Once we have crossed the esplanade of the summit and visualized all the corners of the surrounding landscape, we begin the return by the same path of the ascent.
The path is disturbed by the slippery stones, some sharp and unbalancing, together with the red dust of the terrain, its aridity and the blazing sun that burns our body. Route, therefore, that I recommend doing it especially in the green of autumn or the colors of spring with a pleasant temperature modeled by the proximity of the Mediterranean.
Duration from Casa Rural Secrets round trip: 4 hours
It is recommended in the months of October to May and trekking shoes with a hard sole on stony and rocky terrain.
Likewise, a windbreaker jacket is recommended due to changes in temperature and wind at the summit. Water and food to regain strength for the descent are recommended.
Leaving the Casa Rural Secrets, get to the road and take the route to the right, after 300 meters you will reach the CV-736, take a right towards Denia, be careful on the road as there is no hard shoulder. We pass the shooting range and a little further on we will find a path to the left where we will see the route indicators.
From here we start the route through La Plana de Jávea between pines and palm trees and along a path that is usually marked as PR; until we find the sign indicating the climb to the top.
We begin the ascent by an obvious and marked path that, after a long continuous course with a gentle slope, has to lead us to near the top. Only when we reach a part of the crest of the sierra, walking becomes a little more difficult and sometimes we have to help ourselves with our hands to give us greater security in the climbs. Without major problems we soon reached the geodesic vertex of Montgó at 754 mt. altitude asl.
From the crowning of the top the views are spectacular towards all the cardinal points.
We can see most of the peaks and mountains of the Marina Alta and Baja, we can also see those of La Safor, the Mediterranean Sea and the spectacular coasts of Denia and Jávea.
the mountains of La Marina: Oltá, Bernia, Puig Campana, Aitana, Serrella ... Once we have crossed the esplanade of the summit and visualized all the corners of the surrounding landscape, we begin the return by the same path of the ascent.
The path is disturbed by the slippery stones, some sharp and unbalancing, together with the red dust of the terrain, its aridity and the blazing sun that burns our body. Route, therefore, that I recommend doing it especially in the green of autumn or the colors of spring with a pleasant temperature modeled by the proximity of the Mediterranean.
