Cova Tallada Route

Length: 2 hours

Observations:
The most recommended period of the year is late spring or early summer when we can enjoy the amazing flora in this environment, with spectacular species, which we’ll name with their local and Latin names: the exclusive Herba Santa (Carduncellus dianius) an endemism of Mount Montgó and Eivissa, the aromatic whiteness of the safanòria marina (sea carrot or Daucus gingidium) or the spectacular milamors (Centrantus ruber) related to valerian and with the same qualities.

The route has two sections with a certain level of difficulty and it is not recommended to those under 16 years of age or people with any sort of physical handicap or vertigo.

The route runs quietly parallel to the coast and, as we advance along the stony path, the company of the Mediterranean and the intensive blue makes us feel at ease whilst making our way all the more pleasant. Although the route is only a few kilometres long it has a certain level of difficulty in two different points with a steeper slope, being the reason why we must be especially careful in the craggier parts of the route.

The access to the cave isn’t simple. Only when the sea is calm will you be able to go down following the wall of the last gully, which takes you to the shore and, if you don’t wish to wet your shoes, you will have to get round some stones, in eastern direction, with a bit of skill, until you reach an opening in the tuff stone wall which leads you to the cave.

Only if you intend to reach the deepest part will you need lighting or a lantern although the most spectacular area in this site is the first part of the cave, with its arches connecting the core of the mountain, with the Mediterranean’s sea and the sky’s dazzling blue, where light floods the visitor’s spirit with peace and quiet. Hundreds of years of tuff extraction, combined with sea erosion, has created a site still quite safe from human pressure, thanks overall to the fact that it isn’t easily reached.

In the warmest months of the year it’s possible (we almost recommend it) to take a bath in the Cova Tallada where, using some simple underwater glasses, you can observe the plentiful maritime fauna found in the Sea Reserve.

Necessary gear: In summer don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, a towel, underwater glasses and a tube.

How to get there: from the last regular bus tine in les Rotes Road (next to Restaurant Mena) we follow the road towards the east some 50 metres up to Via Làctia Street. Going up this street there is a fence that forbids vehicles from passing to the access way to the path, which takes you to the cave.

Handicapped people: the route does not offer the adequate conditions.

Torre del Gerro Route

Length: 1 hour

Description: the route starts in Les Rotes Cove where you visit the shore to observe the coastal ecosystem. After that, you climb up a not very hard but steep path to the Torre del Gerro.

From the 16th c. watchtower you can watch the clear Mediterranean, an arm of rock that goes into the sea and ends in the Cape de Sant Antoni, the impressive Mount Montgó, which rules from land over the whole scene.

Spring is the best period of the year for a visit, when scrub and most associated plants in this system are flowering: rockroses, almond trees, gladiolus, daisies and many more representing the great biodiversity of Mount Montgó Natural Park. You can carry on walking towards les Planes of the Cape of Sant Antoni, following the path leading south behind the tower itself.

Necessary gear: In summer don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and a towel with you.

How to get there: from the last regular bus stop in the les Rotes Road (next to Restaurant Mena) we follow the road towards the east some 50 metres up Via Làctia Street, going up this street we reach a fence where the Cova Tallada route begins; following the asphalted road, with a very steep slope, we’ll reach the tower.

Handicapped people: this route does not offer the adequate conditions.