Cova de l'Aigua

Cova de l'Aigua is the most visited cave in Dénia, tucked into the north face of Montgó at around 350 meters above sea level. It's a rare combination of easy hiking, scenic views, and centuries of layered history, all packed into one of the shortest routes in the Montgó Natural Park.

What will you find inside?

The cave has two chambers, with a small pool of water collecting at the bottom. Rainwater filters down through Montgó's limestone and drips from the ceiling — after a rainfall, the effect inside genuinely resembles rain falling indoors. This water-collecting ability is exactly what gave the cave its name and its long-standing practical value for the people who once lived nearby.

At the entrance, a Roman inscription dated to 238 AD is still visible. Archaeological finds show the site was already in use during Iberian times. The Romans used it as a place of worship, and later, under the Taifa of Dénia, the cave served as a water reservoir. This layered past turns Cova de l'Aigua into more than just a geological curiosity — it's a physical record of several successive civilizations passing through the same spot.

How do you get there?

The trailhead starts within Dénia itself, along Avenida del Montgó, following the Pou de la Muntanya path. At a certain point the route branches to the right, marked with signs pointing toward the ascent to Montgó and on to the cave. Access is straightforward, and the route is rated low difficulty, making it a solid choice for families or anyone without serious hiking experience.

For those wanting more, there's a circular route linking Cova de l'Aigua with Racó del Bou — 5.4 km long and rated medium difficulty. It extends the walk to another notable spot on Montgó, adding more varied scenery along the way.

What else should you know about the area?

The path to the cave crosses a shaded section of Montgó that has been designated a micro-reserve. It shelters a range of endemic plant species, some of them endangered, adding real ecological weight to the walk. Despite the short distance, the route delivers panoramic views over Dénia and the surrounding coastline — one of the main reasons this short hike keeps drawing visitors back.

The mix of easy access, scenic reward, and historical depth makes Cova de l'Aigua one of the first stops recommended to anyone exploring the Montgó Natural Park.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach Cova de l'Aigua? The route is short and marked as easy, so getting there takes relatively little time and doesn't require special fitness preparation.

Is there always water inside the cave? The amount depends on rainfall — after rain, water drips steadily from the ceiling into the pool at the bottom, while drier periods bring noticeably less.

Is it worth combining with a longer route? Yes, the circular route to Racó del Bou (5.4 km, medium difficulty) lets you cover more of Montgó for only a modest increase in effort.

What can you see right at the cave entrance? A Roman inscription from 238 AD, evidence that the site was used as a sanctuary in ancient times and later as a water reservoir.