1. Discover, get to know El Montg\u00f3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span>A mountain with sea views and unique biodiversity<\/span><\/h2>\nGeologically, the Montg\u00f3<\/i> is an offshoot of the Betic Cordillera<\/i>, the mountain range that runs through southern Spain and disappears into the sea here, only to reappear further out at the Balearic<\/i> Islands. This explains its interesting botanical connection to Ibiza<\/i>. Due to its altitude and location directly on the sea, the Montg\u00f3<\/i> has acted as a natural lighthouse<\/b> for sailors for centuries. <\/p>\n
The park is home to more than 650 different plant species<\/b>, including many endemic species found only here, such as Carduncellus dianius<\/i> (a type of thistle). The diversity is great, from dense pine forests and scrub(garrigue<\/i>) with rosemary and lavender to the special plant communities on the cliffs that are resistant to salt and wind. The fauna is also rich, with birds of prey such as the hawk eagle and peregrine falcon, various reptiles and small mammals. <\/p>\n<\/span>Traces of a rich past<\/span><\/h2>\nMontg\u00f3 and its surroundings have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Important archaeological sites have been discovered in the park: <\/p>\n
\n- Cave paintings<\/b>: prehistoric paintings have been found in the Cova del Barranc del Mig<\/i>;<\/li>\n
- Iberian settlements<\/b>: such as Alto de Benimaquia<\/i>, which testify to early trade with the Phoenicians;<\/li>\n
- Roman influences<\/b>: the proximity of the important Roman port city of Dianium<\/i> (now D\u00e9nia) is palpable;<\/li>\n
- Islamic period<\/b>: the Arabs called the mountain Gebal-K\u00e2un<\/i> (Mont Caon);<\/li>\n
- Middle Ages and later<\/b>: the construction of hermitages, windmills(Molins de X\u00e0bia<\/i>) and watchtowers such as the Torre del Gerro<\/i> for defense against pirates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
2. Experience, the routes and special places<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>The Montg\u00f3 invites discovery, whether you are an avid hiker or prefer to enjoy the views with minimal effort.<\/p>\n
<\/span>The climb to the top: Cim del Montg\u00f3 (the challenge)<\/span><\/h2>\nThis is the best known and most challenging trail, taking you to the highest point of the mountain (753 m). The route is part of the official trail PR-CV 355. <\/p>\n
\n- For whom<\/b>: experienced hikers with good fitness and gait security. The last stretch requires scrambling; <\/li>\n
- Starting point<\/b>: parking lot at the Campo de Tiro Les Planes<\/i> shooting range, on the road CV-736 between D\u00e9nia and J\u00e1vea;<\/li>\n
- Characteristics<\/b>: a well-marked trail (white-and-yellow stripes), but rocky and steep, especially the last part. Little shade; <\/li>\n
- Distance<\/b>: approximately 8-9 km (there and back);<\/li>\n
- Duration<\/b>: count on 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and breaks;<\/li>\n
- Highlights<\/b>: the cross(La Creueta<\/i>) just below the summit and the breathtaking 360-degree view from the top over the coastline, inland and, on a clear day, even Ibiza.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Other hiking trails<\/span><\/h2>\nIn addition to the climb to the summit, there are several other marked trails of varying difficulty:<\/p>\n
\n- Cova de l’Aigua (Water Cave)<\/b>: a shorter but steep walk from the Ermita del Pare Pere<\/i> (near D\u00e9nia) to a cave where water used to be collected. Magnificent views over D\u00e9nia; <\/li>\n
- Cova del Gamell<\/b>: a relatively easy route from the Cam\u00ed de la Col\u00f2nia<\/i> to another interesting cave;<\/li>\n
- Route to Les Planes<\/b>: a walk through the flatter part of the park, known as Les Planes<\/i>, with beautiful views and the old windmills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Cape San Antonio and the marine reserve<\/span><\/h2>\nThe elephant’s “trunk” ends at Cap de Sant Antoni<\/i> (Cape San Antonio). This part of the park is easily accessible by car via road CV-736. <\/p>\n\n- Viewpoints<\/b>: from the promontory you have a spectacular view of the bay of J\u00e1vea and the Mediterranean Sea;<\/li>\n
- Lighthouse<\/b>: the lighthouse itself is not accessible, but the area around it is beautiful;<\/li>\n
- Marine reserve<\/b>: the waters around the cape are a protected marine reserve(Reserva Marina del Cabo de San Antonio<\/i>). Diving is limited here and requires a permit, but snorkeling is a great way to discover the rich underwater world. It is also a good place for spotting dolphins and seabirds. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>The Molins de X\u00e0bia (Mills of J\u00e1vea)<\/span><\/h2>\nOn the plateau of Les Planes<\/i>, along the road to the cape, stand the silhouettes of eleven old windmills<\/b> from the 18th and 19th centuries. Although they no longer have sails, they are a photogenic landmark with a beautiful view. <\/p>\n<\/div>3. Visits, practical information<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span>The gates: D\u00e9nia and J\u00e1vea<\/span><\/h2>\nThe towns of D\u00e9nia<\/b> and J\u00e1vea (X\u00e0bia)<\/b> are located on either side of the natural park and are the ideal bases of operations. Both offer plenty of accommodation, restaurants and other amenities. <\/p>\n<\/span>How to get there.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- By car<\/b>: the main road through the park is the CV-736, which connects D\u00e9nia and J\u00e1vea. Along this road you will find the exits to the starting points of the hiking trails, the Cape San Antonio and the mills; <\/li>\n
- Starting point summit ascent<\/b>: navigate to the Campo de Tiro Les Planes<\/i> shooting range. Turn into the narrow gravel path by the brown sign indicating the hiking trails. At the end is the parking lot; <\/li>\n
- Visitor center<\/b>: for maps, up-to-date information and advice, visit the Centro de Interpretaci\u00f3n del Parque Natural del Montg\u00f3<\/i> in D\u00e9nia (Finca Bosc de Diana, Cam\u00ed Sant Joan 1).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>The ultimate packing list (for the summit climb)<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Sturdy hiking boots<\/b>: absolutely essential for the rocky terrain;<\/li>\n
- Sufficient water<\/b>: at least 1.5 to 2 liters per person; there is no water on the road;<\/li>\n
- Sun protection<\/b>: cap, sunglasses, sunscreen (little shade);<\/li>\n
- Snacks<\/b>: for energy during the climb;<\/li>\n
- (Windproof) Clothing<\/b>: layers are recommended, it can be chilly at the summit;<\/li>\n
- Charged phone<\/b>: for emergencies (but note: range is not optimal everywhere).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>A day trip from the area<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Parc Natural del Montg\u00f3 is perfect to visit from several places:<\/p>\n
\n- D\u00e9nia and J\u00e1vea<\/b>: the park is literally in their backyard;<\/li>\n
- Moraira and Benissa<\/b>: within 20-30 minutes drive you are at the foot of the mountain;<\/li>\n
- Calpe, Altea, Albir and Benidorm<\/b>: a nice 30-45 minute drive will take you to this beautiful natural area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
<\/span>Montg\u00f3 facts & figures<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Status<\/b>: protected natural park since 1987;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Area<\/b>: 2,117 acres;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Highest point<\/b>: Cim del Montg\u00f3<\/i> (753 meters);<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Flora<\/b>: more than 650 plant species, including many endemics;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Fauna<\/b>: important populations of raptors, reptiles and bats;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Marine Reserve<\/b>: Reserva Marina del Cabo de San Antonio<\/i> protects the rich underwater world;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Municipalities<\/b>: the park is located in the territories of D\u00e9nia and J\u00e1vea (X\u00e0bia).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span>Question & Answer<\/span><\/h2>\n
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