Cova Tallada

Cova Tallada is a sea cave and former quarry in the cliffs between Dénia and Jávea, within the Cap de Sant Antoni marine reserve, the seaward extension of the Montgó Natural Park. Its galleries are partly natural and partly man-made, and it is reached by a demanding rocky path or by kayak.

Cova Tallada is a sea cave at sea level in the cliffs of Cape San Antonio, between Dénia and Jávea (Xàbia). It lies within the Cap de Sant Antoni marine reserve, the seaward extension of the Montgó Natural Park, so access is regulated at the busiest times. Its galleries are partly natural and partly man-made, as this was a quarry of piedra tosca, a porous limestone valued in traditional architecture. Pottery from the Andalusi period (11th–12th centuries) has been documented on site, and according to covatallada.org the quarry was important from the 18th century. Blocks cut here were used for buildings such as the church of San Bartolomé in Jávea and several towers of Dénia Castle. An old inscription commemorated a visit by King Philip III in 1599. Inside there is a natural pool of turquoise water, and dry chambers lead further in, where you need a head torch. The footpath starts at the end of Vía Láctea street in Les Rotes, a residential area about 6 km south of Dénia. Depending on the source, the route is 1.5 to 2 km each way, and the walk usually takes from 45 minutes to just over an hour. Sources rate it as medium-high to high difficulty: the path follows the cliffs over very uneven, steep and in places slippery ground. At the cave entrance itself you have to scramble, using your hands and a chain fixed to the rock. In rough seas access to the cave is extremely dangerous, and there are no lifeguards or reliable mobile coverage. The route is not recommended for young children, people with reduced mobility or pets; you need hiking boots (flip-flops are not allowed), water shoes for swimming inside the cave and enough water. Alternatively you can paddle there by kayak or SUP from Les Arenetes beach at the end of Les Rotes, on your own or with local outdoor activity companies. In summer, during Holy Week and over the May holidays, both the trail and access by sea require advance booking through the official Natural Parks system of the Generalitat Valenciana. Snorkelling and clear water come up often in reviews, and one visitor describes the complete silence and darkness deep inside the cave. Another visitor advises avoiding the peak season, and a third warns that the weather can change quickly, so check the forecast and sea conditions before setting out.