The best hiking trails in Jávea and the surrounding area

Do you know the Montgó trail, the route to Cova Tallada or the 8 villages of the Vall de la Gallinera? Do not miss this guide to hiking routes in Jávea and the surrounding areas that we have created with the help of Fernando Prieto from LinkAlicante, who has been promoting the natural areas of the province of Alicante for more than a decade through the publication of routes and photography on their website.

Jávea: Nature in its purest form

Jávea is surrounded by Mediterranean landscapes, nature in its purest form and many places to discover. To delve into its essence and apart from gastronomy and beaches, we also recommend its hiking routes. Fernando Prieto a lover of nature and photography, created the LinkAlicante project in 2007 and since then has devoted himself to relaying the natural spaces with great sensitivity to promote a conscious and respectful approach towards our planet. That is why we have asked him which hiking routes we should not miss in the area:

  1. “The Montgó climb, either from the Plana del Cap de Sant Antoni or from any of its slopes is a route that can be demanding, but provides unmatched views and excitement. On this route, we must highlight the great botanical wealth of the Montgó, one of the reasons why it was declared a natural park and is protected by the Generalitat Valenciana”.
  1. The route to the Cova Tallada, which despite being in Xàbia, is a hike that usually starts at Les Rotes de Dénia. This route allows you to visit a fascinating place, difficult to describe in words, where history and nature combine to the amazement of the visitor. It is a hike with some level of difficulty, so we must be adequately equipped to avoid mishaps. In high season (June to September), it is necessary to make an appointment for the visit. I recommend visiting out of season to enjoy it without crowds. For me it is a very special place, almost sacred”.
  2.  “From the Mirador de la Creu del Portixol (on the Cabo de la Nao road), we can do two very simple              local trails with magnificent views: the SL-CV 98, which takes us to see Cap Prim, and the SL-CV 97,            which leads us to Platja de la Barraca, one of the most beautiful in Xàbia. I have both of them listed              on my website, along with a route that goes from the Arenal to this point”.
  3. “To go with children, I recommend this route on foot (or by bike) as it connects several of the                        viewpoints. It’s great to leave the car parked and practice a more sustainable, healthy and relaxed                  activity. Walking, is much more enjoyable, without a doubt”.

Beyond Jávea

“Denia, Pedreguer, Jesús Pobre, Benitatxell, Gata de Gorgos … Jávea is surrounded by towns that also hide very special natural corners. The Marina Alta is one of my favorite regions of Alicante, it is a land of contrasts where you can find everything from rugged mountains like the Montgó or La Segària, to paradisiacal coves with turquoise waters such as Granadella or Barraca, without forgetting the radiant green of its natural parks and traditional crops, as in the Marjal de Pego-Oliva. I love that it is flooded with Mediterranean light that which makes us fall in love, the hospitality and esteem from its people and of course, its magnificent and varied cultural heritage: riuraus, dry stone walls and sites from different periods…”.

In our region, Fernando Prieto recommends several of the more than 100 that exist:

5. “The Barranc de l’Infern, in the Vall de Laguar. A physically demanding route due to more than 6,000            dry stone steps that must be overcome during the continuous ascents and descents. The route is one of          the most spectacular in Alicante”.

6. “El Sendero de Pedreguer. A route marked with the PR-CV 53 trail markings which, despite being                   relatively unknown, allows us to enjoy exceptional views and invaluable cultural heritage”.

7. “The Route of the 8 Villages of the Vall de Gallinera. This route is the best way to get to know one of              the most beautiful valleys in Alicante. From there, we see there is much more to discover in this little            paradise made up of eight small towns. We’ll come back again and again. Additionally, it is ideal to do          with children, maybe not all of it, because it is quite long, but some of the sections which connect                several towns. Most of it is on asphalt agricultural roads”.

8. “To go with children, I also recommend the nearby Marjal de Pego-Oliva, a natural park with                        exceptional biodiversity and a place where a variety of traditional Pego rice is grown: the bonbon rice.”

9. “The Camí de les Colònies del Montgó, in Dénia is also very nice to do with the family. It is a route              that begins in the Hermitage of Pare and where the first kilometers are very easy with magnificent                  views towards the port and the castle in the town”.

These are just 9 routes to start with but there are many more, and when you have done them all … in LinkAlicante you will find more inspiration. See you in nature!

Written by Marina Vega for The Stay Residences

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