Discover the untouched beauty of Montgó and Cabo de San Antonio, where the splendor of Spain's Costa Blanca coastline remains as it was half a century ago. This region offers a glimpse into the pristine landscapes before the tourism boom, with its rich biodiversity, historical sites, and breathtaking vistas.
Montgó, nestled in the Marina Alta region in the northern part of Alicante province, stands as a testament to the natural beauty of Spain's Costa Blanca. This impressive massif, spanning over 2,000 hectares, soars to a height of 753 meters (2,470 feet) and is a stone's throw away from the popular holiday resorts of Jávea to the north and Denia to the south. The mountain is not only a striking feature of the landscape but also serves as a natural divider between these two towns.
In 1987, Montgó was declared a natural park, a status granted in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity. The park is home to over 600 species of wildflowers, including several unique indigenous sub-species. The rich flora and fauna make Montgó a hotspot for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Adjacent to Montgó is the promontory known as 'les Planes,' which slopes down to Cabo de San Antonio. This cape is named after Saint Anthony, the patron saint to whom a 14th-century hermitage was dedicated. The ruins of this hermitage are a historical treasure that visitors can explore today.
The park is a sanctuary for a diverse array of marine birds and birds of prey. Documented breeding species include:
Additionally, species such as the Perdicera Eagles, Short-toed eagles, Buzzards, and Eleanora’s Falcon are believed to breed in the park, although definitive evidence is yet to be confirmed.
The true magnificence of Montgó is best appreciated on foot. Hiking through the park, one is enveloped by the aroma of lavender and wild rosemary, with a kaleidoscope of floral hues lining the trails. The adventurous can undertake a four-hour ascent to the peak, where, on a clear day, the view extends to Ibiza across the Mediterranean. However, the summit is often enshrouded in clouds, so hikers are advised to carry waterproof jackets due to the frequent precipitation near the peak.
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, several lower-level routes offer equally enchanting scenery. One such path leads to Los Molinos, a series of ancient windmills overlooking the picturesque town of Jávea. These windmills, last operational in 1911, provide a unique historical perspective on the region's past.
Whether you're on a leisurely beach holiday or a business trip in the region, a visit to Montgó Nature Park is an opportunity to witness the unspoiled natural beauty of Spain. It's a chance to connect with the land as it was before the rise of hotels and overdevelopment—a rare and precious experience.
For more information on the natural parks of Spain, you can visit the official Spanish National Parks website.
To learn about the diverse bird species in the region, the SEO/BirdLife provides extensive resources and conservation efforts in Spain.
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