Reservation essential and €601 fine for ‘queue jumpers’: Cova Tallada shakes off overcrowding
The sixth summer of visitor limits and access control at Montgó Natural Park’s coastal cave shows hikers are increasingly aware: fragile and valuable landscapes must be protected from tourist overcrowding.
At the beginning of Calle Via Lactea, on the scenic coast of Les Rotes de Dénia, a simple sign now greets visitors: “Reservations Full.” For hikers hoping to arrive on a whim and pay homage to the saint of spontaneity by showing up at the entrance booth at the start of the path leading to the magical Cova Tallada without prior notice, this sign is both a relief and a reality check. The climb, it seems, cannot be improvised. This iconic sea cave demands careful planning and advance booking. And for those tempted to skip the line? Think again. Unauthorized entry comes with a hefty fine of €601, a penalty that is very real and enforced.
The regulations and visitor limits, introduced six summers ago, have significantly improved the experience for both hikers and the fragile environment. Staff at the entrance booth report that the days when tourists, clad in flip-flops, attempted the steep path underestimating its difficulty are long gone. The route has its challenges, and reaching the cave, sometimes clinging to cliffside rocks, can be risky, especially when the sea is rough. Today, anyone making a reservation receives up-to-date information about the sea conditions, so visitors know exactly what they are signing up for.
Reservations fill up quickly. The booth operates daily from 9.00am to 9.00pm, controlling access to an area of remarkable ecological, scenic, and cultural value. Cova Tallada is not only a natural wonder but also an archaeological site, shaped over the years by its use as a tosca stone quarry, carving out the blocks needed to build some of the local iconic buildings in Xàbia and Dénia – and beyond. Limiting visitor numbers helps preserve this delicate environment and reduces accidents, a necessary step after years of overcrowding had led to frequent rescues in the Parque Natural del Montgó.
This system reflects careful coordination between the natural park authorities and the municipalities of Xàbia and Dénia. While the cave itself lies within Xàbia, the path leading to it begins in Dénia, requiring joint management to ensure safety and sustainability.
Excursions start at 9.00am, and visitors, many of whom are eager swimmers, are allowed 90 minutes to explore the cave. The maximum number of hikers at any one time is 71, with an additional 21 kayakers permitted entry by prior reservation. Daily limits are 370 hikers and 112 kayakers, balancing accessibility with conservation.
This year marks the sixth summer of these regulations, which are in effect from June 15th to October 15th. Access had been temporarily suspended during recent heat waves and extreme fire-risk days. Now, with visits resumed, the “full reservation” sign once again serves as a reminder that spontaneity must yield to careful planning.
Cova Tallada remains an essential stop for tourists in the Marina Alta region, drawing hikers and adventurers eager to witness its breathtaking beauty. Carved with chisels over centuries, the cave is a striking testament to human craftsmanship and natural wonder. Thanks to the regulated access, Cova Tallada has finally shaken off the overcrowding that once threatened to damage it, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its rugged charm.
Translated and adapted from an original article by Alfons Padilla (Levante-EMV): Reservas completas y multa de 601 euros a los ‘colones’: la Cova Tallada se sacude la masificación
