As I have mentioned in a previous article; the incredible coast of the Costa Blanca has been known to beach users for many years and now walkers and mountaineers are learning from their Spanish friends how beautiful the mountains are for walking.
Rising abruptly from the sea to over 1400m, these mountains provide craggy scenery, deep impenetrable gorges, wild flowers and occasional fleeting glimpses of wild boar and other animals. The going underfoot varies from easy to rough and rocky with limestone being the predominant rock.
Places to stay vary from (from south to north) Benidorm with its hedonistic charms; Altea – an old world village; Calpe – a rival to Benidorm but with a wild buttress guarding its harbour and the twin towns of Denia – an old still working port and ferry station and Javea – a more up market beach resort. All of these give access to the mountains of the interior and within an hour many wonderful and lonely walking areas can be reached.
More information
The mountain in the Denia-Javea area is the Montgo, which viewed from the Javea side has the extraordinary image of an elephant’s head with its trunk reaching out to the sea. There are various routes to the summit, at 925m, both easy and difficult, the swiftest takes about an hour, the longest several hours. The view from the top is well worth the effort, with views to Ibiza, Valencia and Alicante, and is an excellent spot to enjoy your packed lunch. Wear a hat, sensible walking shoes and beware rainy days or midsummer when the heat is too intense. An early start is recommended, never attempt the walk in failing light, and always carry plenty of water. The good starting point is from Les Planes, mid distance along Javea and Denia’s mountain road. There are several routes clearly indicated at the entrance to the National Park in which the mountain lies.
