If you’re craving an adventure that reconnects you with nature and leaves you feeling truly accomplished, hiking the Montgó mountain should be at the top of your Costa Blanca hiking bucket list. Reaching the summit will reward you with sweeping views of the Costa Blanca, even stretching to Ibiza on clear days.
This guide covers everything you need to know about tackling this challenging but rewarding hike, from the best routes to take to what to bring and where to start your ascent.
About the Montgó Natural Park
The Montgó mountain sits within the Montgó Natural Park, a protected area that covers 2,117 hectares between Javea and Denia. The mountain itself reaches 753 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in the immediate area.
The park is home to incredible biodiversity, with over 650 plant species and numerous bird species including peregrine falcons and Bonelli’s eagles. The limestone terrain has created fascinating cave systems and unique rock formations that you’ll see throughout your hike. What makes Montgo particularly special is its position jutting out into the Mediterranean. On clear days, you can see as far as Ibiza from the summit – it’s absolutely breathtaking!
Hiking routes up the Montgó
There are several routes up Montgo, but I’ll focus on the two most popular and well-marked trails that most hikers attempt.
Summit hike (PR-CV 355 to Cap Gros de Montgó)
- Distance: Approximately 8-9km return
- Duration: 4-6 hours return (depending on fitness level)
- Difficulty: Hard/challenging – steep sections and scrambling required
- Starting point: Montgo car park
- Markers: Yellow and white (PR route); summit marked by cross
This is the most popular route and the one I’d recommend for experienced hikers wanting the classic Montgó hiking experience. The trail is well signposted and marked with red and white paint marks throughout.
The hike starts relatively gently through pine forests and Mediterranean scrubland. It then becomes much steeper and more demanding.
You’ll encounter several sections that require scrambling over rocks, and the final approach to the summit involves some exposed areas that aren’t suitable if you’re afraid of heights.
The summit itself is marked by a large cross and offers 360-degree views. On clear days, you can see the entire Costa Blanca coastline, the Balearic Islands, and inland mountain ranges. It’s absolutely incredible!
The easier Montgó circular route
If the full summit hike sounds too challenging, there’s a lovely circular route that gives you a taste of Montgó without the extreme difficulty.
Key details:
- Distance: Approximately 5km circular
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starting point: Same car park as the summit hike
This route follows the lower slopes of Montgo and includes visits to several caves and viewpoints. You won’t reach the summit, but you’ll still get fantastic views over Javea and the surrounding area.
The path is much better maintained than the summit route, making it perfect for families with older children or hikers who want to enjoy Montgo without the technical challenges.
Cueva del Montgó
Montgo Eye (Cueva del Montgó)
This trail is only recommended for experienced hikers as it is very steep, and requires scrambling.
This is a linear route begins at the parking lot of the PR-CV 355 trail. The path starts along a wooded path and then without shade to the eye of the Montgó.
Cova de l’Aigua
- Distance: Approximately 11.6kmkm return
- Duration: 5-6 hours return (depending on fitness level)
- Difficulty: Hard/challenging – steep sections and scrambling required
- Very little signposting
The route takes you up to the Ermita del Pare Pere, a small hermitage perched on the slopes of Montgó mountain, and if you fancy pushing on, you can continue to the summit itself. You can see views on both sides of the Montgo throughout.
One of the highlights along the way is the Cova del Camell (Camel Cave), a fascinating cave formation that’s well worth stopping to see. The entrance is quite distinctive and it’s a nice break from the climb.
The trail starts from the base of Montgó and winds its way up through Mediterranean scrubland and rocky terrain. You’ll pass the hermitage roughly halfway up, which is a lovely spot to catch your breath and take in the views.
You can park here for free:
Getting to the Montgó trailhead
The main starting point for both hikes is the Montgo car park, located on the road between Javea and Denia.
Directions from Javea:
- Head towards Denia on the CV-7361
- Turn left and follow the road to reach a car park
Map for Denia parking:
What to bring for your Montgó hike
Proper preparation is essential for the Montgo hike, particularly if you’re attempting the summit route.
Essential items:
- Plenty of water (at least 2 litres per person for the summit hike)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream)
- Hiking shoes with good ankle support
- First aid kit
- Mobile phone (though signal can be patchy)
- Snacks and lunch (please do not litter)
Additional items for summit hike:
- Hiking gloves for the scrambling sections
- Head torch if there’s any chance you’ll be hiking in low light
- Light jacket as it can be windy at the summit
The weather can change quickly on Montgo, so even on hot days, bring an extra layer. The summit can be surprisingly cool and windy even when it’s blazing hot at sea level.
Best time to hike Montgó
The timing of your Montgó hike can make a huge difference to your experience. Best seasons:
- Spring (March-May): Perfect temperatures, wildflowers in bloom
- Autumn (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, clear skies
- Winter (December-February): Cooler but often crystal-clear views
Summer hiking: I wouldn’t recommend the full summit hike during July and August unless you’re very experienced and start extremely early. The heat can be dangerous, and there’s very little shade on the upper sections. If you do hike in summer, start before sunrise and aim to be back down by 10am. The circular route is more manageable in summer heat.
Best time of day: Early morning is always best – you’ll avoid the heat, have better chances of clear views, and the car park won’t be full. Sunrise from Montgo is absolutely magical if you can manage the early start!
Safety considerations
The Montgó summit hike is genuinely challenging and shouldn’t be underestimated. I’ve seen plenty of people turn back because they weren’t prepared for how demanding it becomes. Important safety points:
- Tell someone your hiking plans before you go
- Check weather conditions – don’t attempt the summit in strong winds or poor visibility
- Turn back if conditions deteriorate or if anyone in your group is struggling
- The scrambling sections can be slippery when wet
- Mobile phone coverage is patchy, so don’t rely on being able to call for help
If you’re not an experienced hiker or have any doubts about the difficulty, stick to the circular route or consider hiring a local guide.
