The best kayak route in Denia – COVA TALLADA

Without any doubt the best route to do in kayak from Denia is the crossing to Cova Tallada.

The Cova Tallada is a cave located between Dénia and Jávea, at sea level and embedded in the cliffs of Cabo de Sant Antoni. . Its origin is not natural, but was made by the hand of man. It was an old stone quarry coarse or sandstone used for construction. The shapes that were sculpted by removing these blocks of stone give this place an incredible beauty and spectacularity that is greatly increased by entering through one of its holes with our kayak.

To start the kayak route from Denia you can choose any of the coves that we find in the area of Les Rotes. El Trampoli, Punta Negra or Arenetes (known by the locals as Playa del Fresquito) are very good options depending on the distance you want to paddle your kayak (7 Km, 4 Km and 2 Km round trip respectively).

As soon as we arrive at the spectacular cliffs of Cap de Sant Antoni, the first thing that will catch our attention at the top of the first of these immense stone walls is the Torre del Gerro (Gerro Tower).. Its name comes from its curious form of “gerro” (jar or jug in Valencian). It is a watchtower built in the 16th century to defend against the frequent attacks of the Barbary pirates of the time. It also serves to delimit the boundary that separates the municipalities of Dénia and Jávea.

At the foot of the tower we find a small and hidden cove. This is the Aigua Dolç Cove (Fresh water). It is the only nudist beach in Denia and owes its name to the freshwater springs that flow through several cavities that open in the cliff walls mixing with the salt water of the sea. Mediterranean Sea.

As you advance towards Cova Tallada, you will probably see people walking along the path that runs along the edge of the mountain. This trail also leads to the cave. It is a path of medium difficulty due to some somewhat complicated sections, mainly in the access to the Cova Tallada in which there is an area of climbing with the help of a chain. It goes without saying that if you choose this option you should wear appropriate hiking shoes.

If you go to the cave on your own, either on foot or with your own kayak, you should know that during the busiest times of the year (summer, Easter and some long weekends) there is limited capacity. So before you go you must reserve your places through the website of the Montgó Natural Park: https://parquesnaturales.gva.es/es/web/pn-el-montgo

When you arrive at Cova Tallada with your kayak you must be careful with a stone breakwater that is just in front of the entrance. In that area there is very little depth and on a day of waves you can get a scare. This breakwater delimits the natural pool that has formed at the entrance of the cave and is an ideal area for snorkeling. So don’t forget your mask and snorkel on this little trip if you want to enjoy the abundant marine fauna that you will be able to observe. This great biodiversity is due to the fact that we are located in The Cap de Sant Antoni Marine Reserve was declared in 1994 due to the importance of its seabed.

When you enter the cave for the first time navigating with your kayak through the stone archway, you can’t help but be amazed by this marvel carved in the middle of the cliff. Its shapes and angles in the stone make this a magical place. It is worth getting out of the kayak and take a walk through the different cavities that you will find.

Finally, a few small tips and observations:

1. Be careful where you leave your kayak. Don’t leave it “parked” in passing areas or other places where it may disturb other visitors.
2. Please pick up your trash before you leave.
3. Be careful not to run over the swimmers on your way back out of the cave with your kayak.
4. If you don’t want to miss any detail of the interior of the cave, don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp, since artificial light is necessary in the innermost part of the cave since it is completely dark.
5. Be careful when embarking and disembarking in the area of Les Rotes. If you see the Balearia ship (especially when coming back from the islands) in ten minutes big waves will arrive at the shore, around a meter that if you get caught right on the shore you can get a good disappointment. So if you see the boat pass by, stay out of the water or if you are at sea do not approach the shore until the waves pass. Offshore you won’t even notice the waves.
6. If you want to make the most of your visit to the Cova Tallada you can book your organized excursion with AVENTURA PATA NEGRA. . In addition to the security that we offer as a specialized company, the fact that a guide will be telling you all the history and anecdotes of the place will give a plus to your experience. You can click on the following link to book your excursion to Cova Tallada with us: Kayak Dénia. Kayak Cova Tallada. Kayak Costa Blanca. Kayak Excursions (aventurapatanegradenia.com)