Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Michel Cruz of Rimontgo

Extending down to the waters of the Mediterranean Sea in Alicante, Costa Blanca, El Montgó stands imposing and proud. Its form can be seen from far in the distance, as Blasco Ibáñez said, “like a giant hand separating the towns of Denia and Jávea.” Its impact on the landscape is spectacular, more for its unusual appearance than its 753m height; a solid massif that plunges towards the sea. From its caves and nature to its paths and history, el Montgó forms a living piece of the Costa Blanca.

El Montgó is a symbol of the Marina Alta region, as well as Jávea and Alicante, and has been inhabited since prehistoric times some 30,000 years ago. Over time, Iberians, Romans and Arabs all left their mark, drawn to the mountain’s location and the fact that it was an idyllic place to live. Its popularity has not faltered since, and the foothills of the mountain are dotted with luxury villas that combine the best of Mediterranean lifestyle with the tranquillity of the surrounding area. The town of Caón was named “delight” by the Arabs due to its outstanding views, sea breezes and fresh air.

Today, the mountain attracts those who enjoy nature and hiking, with three officially approved walking paths that cross the national park. One of these paths leads to the famous Cova de l’Aigua (Water Cave), a natural grotto featuring Roman inscriptions at the entrance and paintings by Iberian settlers. At one time, the grotto was used to supply water to the troops of the Roman army, and was later thought to have been used again by the Moors to store water used for irrigation.

The route leading to the top of the Cova del Camell (Camell Cave) is the most difficult of the three, but also probably the most rewarding. An hour and a half of gentle walking leads to the cave and for those with higher fitness levels (not recommended for children or the elderly), a further 90 minutes’ walking takes you to the top of the cave. At the top, 753m high, is the Creueta de Xàbia. The panoramic views enjoyed leading up to this point demonstrate the immensity of the Mediterranean Sea and the jutting peaks of the Alicante mountains that are often overlooked. The majestic splendour of the Sierra de Bernia, the Puig Campana and the Aitana can be appreciated from here. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Gulf of Valencia (as far as Oropesa) and to Ibiza and Formentera; a great reward for those brave enough to complete the entire walk.

The Jávea Tourism Office organises guided visits to El Montgó from March to December. Each walk varies in route and level of difficulty, from slow rambles that take one and a half hours, to the ascent to the Tangó Cave and the top of the Creueta de Xàbia Cave. There is also a nighttime walk of around seven hours.

Rimontgó has a number of houses for sale in El Montgó and the surrounding area, as well as properties that overlook the region.