🧨 Cova Tallada in Montgó Parque Natural is an excellent walking trail… the perfect balance of challenge, intrigue and awe!
And everything you need to know about the Cova Tallada walk is here in one post. From the registration permits, dates and links, to the All Trail maps which will help you navigate the way. If you’re wondering how to get to Cova Tallada, whether to take kids, or information related to the safety of the trail… then read on!
The clear water in the knee deep lagoon of Cova Tallada sea caves, will be unlike any cave you’ve ever visited before. Don’t forget to pack a snorkel, mask, underwater camera, and torch for the FULL experience.
The water fills the caves to a knee deep level, meanwhile large fish swim at your ankles with curiosity. And the multiple ocean entry points, and caves towards the back of the main large cavern are super intriguing. Kids will absolutely love exploring Cova Tallada! Read below for more details on the trail and what to expect on the walk.
Cova Tallada is one of my favourite walks near Javea in Spain. I randomly found this one on Google Maps… and SO glad I did! If you found this post via our walks in Javea blog, you’ll know that we have tried them all. Consequently, this is high praise as the quality of the hiking in and around Javea is very impressive.
So if you’re planning a visit to Javea, and looking for fun activities for the whole family then plan a visit to Cova Tallada. The tips we share below will help you plan a successful and stress free visit 💪
Also Get Our: Best EVER Holiday Guide to Javea!
About Cova Tallada
Perhaps one of the best things about this walk, is that you have trail choices! The smallest trail option is only 30 minutes one way, from start to finish. Alternatively, it can be combined with other walks within the Montgó National Park if you want to extend on it.
Secondly, the appeal is in the destination. These caves, both natural and man-made were once the place where tosca or sandstone was carved away in slabs for building and construction. As such, what was once a quarry is now a place of impressive beauty.
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Things to Know Before You Go
Registration Permit Links to Cova Tallada
Firstly, it’s important to note that between the 15th of June to the 30th of September access to Cova Tallada is restricted. This is to manage visitors in the peak of summer, and to protect the sea caves from over-tourism.
However, applying for a pass is very easy. Follow this link to the registration permit website and don’t miss this link for the English instructions for completing the permit. With these two links you can easily apply online, and this process takes no longer than 10 minutes. This permit, or pass, allows entrance to Cova Tallada for the day and hours that you specify.
We completed the online permit on the morning of our walk. However, this was midweek in late September and therefore outside peak season. We recommend if you’re planning a trip in peak season that you book in advance.
The trail isn’t policed at all times, but it is monitored during the peak season. So entering Cova Tallada without a permit could put visitors at risk of a fine. A ranger is positioned at the entrance of the trail in Denia. While he won’t turn you away without a permit, he will strongly advise you against entering without one.
Where to Park for Cova Tallada
Over the summer holiday months car parking at Las Rotas Denia can be at a premium. So, you may want to get there early if you want easy parking.
Parking on Carrer de la Via Lactea is mostly restricted for locals only, but we did find one at the bottom of the street that was public parking.
It’s best to park your car down on the waterfront from restaurant Mena to Cala Denia. But there are several small parking areas along Carretera Provincial Barranco Monyo.
Is the Trail and Walk to Cova Tallada Safe
If you read reviews on Google Maps, you’ll find a myriad of answers to this question. Here are our thoughts…
Primarily, the last section and riskiest part of the walk is the final rocky section into the caves. This part can be a little tricky so be prepared to get wet. It pays to check the tides and swell and if possible avoid two hours before and after high tide.
This said, we arrived an hour before high tide, and left on high tide and there was a moderately strong swell on this day. As a result, there was some strong white wash up onto the rock section that we needed to pass to get to the caves. Because we had our kids aged seven and ten with us, we took our time, waiting for the right moment to cross this section. Yes we got wet, and yes it was a little scary. But at no point were we in any serious danger.
In terms of the trail itself, there are sections that are rather challenging. Given that our kids are experienced with walking and trekking we wouldn’t suggest doing this with kids under six years old.
We have read reviews where parents took children younger than this, but they needed to carry them most of the way. If you feel that your child under six is capable and confident at challenging walks, then we would advise checking that the ocean conditions are suitable. If possible avoiding North Easterly winds and large swells.
🌊 Check the ocean conditions here for tides, swells, and wind directions.
What to Pack and Wear to Cova Tallada
As mentioned the return walk from Las Rotas Denia is not a long one. However based on the type of walk and the conditions then there are a few important things we recommend that you pack.
- Ideally pack your gear in a dry bag and pack light
- Bring torches if you want to explore further into the rear caves
- Pack plenty of water and snacks
- Sun block and hats
- Water proof camera or GoPro
- Snorkel, mask and swimmers if you plan to get in the sea
When it comes to what to wear – a good pair of shoes is essential. But also it helps to have shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Or you could pack a pair of water shoes for the cave.
Other than that, shorts and T-shirt are fine for most of the year. Keep an eye on the weather in case a rain coat might be needed.
Navigating the Walk
The walk is predominantly a medium level trail, however the last section down into the sea cave is difficult. With a chain rope provided to get down to the water’s edge, then a rock traverse that can be tricky depending on the tide and swell.
The overall walk has everything from grand views and historical sites. Some steep sections, with dramatic near vertical drops into the Mediterranean. Chain ropes are available for support on certain sections of the trail. Ending with an epic sea cave and some amazing snorkelling in the marine reserve. But read on for more detail.
The Trail Options to Cova Tallada
Recommended Trail – Short Option
🥾 Walking Level – moderate
🪧 Walking Route – PR CV-355 / yellow and white
🏹 Straight Track
⏱ Trail Time – 1 hour return
👣 Distance – 1.6 km return
🚗 Car Parking – Las Rotas Denia – Parking on Carretera Provincial Barranco Monyo
👨👩👧👧 Kid Friendly – 7+ years – younger children could go with parent help
Alternative Trail – Long Option
🥾 Walking Level – moderate
🪧 Walking Route – PR CV-355 / yellow and white
🏹 Straight Track
⏱ Trail Time – 3-4 hour return
👣 Distance – 6 km return
🚗 Car Parking – Carretera del Cap de Sant Antoni – Parking in Montgo Natural Park
👨👩👧👧 Kid Friendly – 7+ years – younger children could go with parent help
Trail Instructions from Denia
For the trailhead you can either start at the carpark in Cap Sant Antoni, which we mention in our post on the Molinos walk. Alternatively, you can start in Las Rotas, Denia, which is the track we took. Denia is a pleasant 20 minute drive from Javea’s old town, through Montgo Parque Natural.
From the waterfront, walk up Carrer de la Via Lactea towards the trailhead. Where the road bends hard to the right, continue straight to the entrance point of the PR CV 355 trail. This is where the ranger is stationed, and where permit checks are made. From this point, follow the white and yellow trail markers to Cova Tallada.
From the entrance point of the walk it’s a gradual walk up and down to a lookout point. Browse carefully as to the left is the nudist sunbathing area of Cala de Aigua Dolç. Next are a set of steps leading down and around the headland. The track then levels out somewhat, with sections including a short chain rope support. After which follow the second set of steep steps leading down into the ravine.
The track again levels off, the rest of the walk mainly keeping the same elevation throughout. It does however include a couple of chain rope sections and can get rather narrow, requiring hikers to give way to each other. And then comes the sign post for the caves. At this point the walk is complete and the entrance into the cave begins.
The walk is less than a kilometre one way and takes about 30 minutes. So, while it’s a one hour return trip, it’s easy to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour in the cave area.
Navigating the Caves
Walking down into the cave entrance is divided here into three sections –
The first part is gradual but still has some rope sections for those that need a little help.
The second part takes a hard left down a steep embankment, almost to the waters edge. This part has some rock steps and a chain rope that provides support on the way down and up for the return. Neither of these sections are long, a few metres at most.
Once at the bottom of this section there is a very tiny flat section of rock. This is where visitors can prepare for the last section, or wait for others who might be exiting the caves.
This third section requires you to drop down to the rocky water line, turn right and make your way around an overhanging boulder. Once clear of the boulder make your way up to the entrance of the cave which is around the rocks a few metres ahead. The cave entrance is small but once you enter it opens up into two main caverns. Congratulations… you made it!
Visiting the Caves of Cova Tallada
The First Cavern
The cave is both natural and man-made. As mentioned above, the man made section of the cave is an old sandstone quarry dating back to the 12th and 13th century.
As you climb through the smaller opening, the cave opens up into the first of two larger caverns. This cavern is above the high tide line so it’s dry underfoot. To the left is a large opening looking out onto the ocean. To the left of the opening is a cool set of arches great for photographing and exploring. Below these arches is a small carved pool giving easy access out to the sea.
The Second Cavern
Continuing on straight ahead, from the first cavern is the entrance to the second cavern. This one is predominantly man-made. And it’s easy to see where large sections of tosca was once carved out of the rock.
This cavern has a large section that is below the tide line so forms a natural pool. It’s mainly knee deep but does have a couple of deeper sections. This makes it great for a dip or wade through and out to the three large sea openings. There is also a small shoal of sea bass that were super inquisitive and seemed familiar with having people walking through.
At the far side of this cavern there is a cave that can explored further back. However, to do this a torch or light of some sort is necessary. It has an upper and lower section, but we followed the lower cave to see how far we’d get. We didn’t make it all the way as it got very slippery, with steep sections to navigate. At a guess, we followed the cave back some 70 to 80 metres. There were high caverns which then narrowed, with a couple of natural water points dripping along the way.
From the second cavern on the lower tide you can also access the small rocky outcrop. If you take the sea opening at the furthermost point and follow your nose you can get out to this section for a great view back onto the caves.
Snorkelling at Cova Tallada
If you like to check out what’s underwater, then Cova Tallada is an amazing spot for this. The cave is located in the Sant Antoni Marine Reserve. So the fish life in this area is protected and untouched.
The section in front of the caves is also well protected and calm due to a rocky outcrop and reef. This protects the bay to form a small natural lagoon. You can enter and exit the water from numerous points.
If you’re interested check out this link for a small snorkelling map and gives you an idea as to what you might see.
Gerro Tower
On your way back if you have time, check out Gerro Tower. The tower was one of three built in Sant Antoni Reserve and dates back to the 16th century. It was built as part of a defensive and warning system, due to ongoing attacks along the coast from Berber pirates.
Getting to Gerro Tower is easy. Turn left after exiting the trailhead, past the ranger’s hut and onto Carrer de la Via Lactea. Follow the road winding all the way to the top of the hill. At the tower you’ll also find some great views along the coastline.
More on Javea, Spain
We are a family that really enjoy the great outdoors, we love to hike and explore new places. Cova Tallada is definitely one that rates highly on our list and is one that we will remember fondly. It does have a couple of difficult sections but if you’re up for a little challenge then the end result is well worth it.
But there is more where that came from… click through to other content that we share from our months living in Javea.
🥾 Read here how to summit Montgo – that majestic mountain and iconic backdrop of Javea
🏖 Visit the best 8 beaches in Javea – we cover everything you need to know
👣 Get our tips on the best walks and hikes in Javea – we tried them all
🛶 Choosing the best kayaking tour in Javea – which is the best spot to kayak
👀 Don’t miss our complete guide to 21 things to do in Javea!
💎 Find the best hotels and accommodation options in Javea with our full guide
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