When people picture sea-carved caves, images of cliffs from Portugal, the Algarve, Sardinia, or even Thailand come to mind. Yet a similar view is closer than imagined. Along the coast of Alicante province sits a remarkable site known as Cova Tallada in Xàbia, a place where natural forces have sculpted beauty into the landscape.
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Xàbia beach, with its numerous magnificent corners, hosts the striking Cova Tallada—an ancient quarry now carved by the sea. This cave sits at sea level on the shore, inside a marine nature reserve between Cape San Antonio and the coast. It feels almost magical, a testament to how human touch bent to nature’s will, leaving behind a place that enchants visitors with its limestone walls and glistening water.
Where is Cova Tallada?
The Carved Cave lies along Xàbia’s coast, very near the boundary where the town meets Dénia and the Cape San Antonio Marine Reserve.
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Discovering the coast there means stepping into a world of blue inlets and rugged beauty. The Carved Cave stands out, but many other sea-carved formations invite exploration, and each offers its own quiet wonder amid the waves and wind.
Cova Tallada: how to reach it?
Access to the cave is by land or on foot. Motor boats are not allowed to approach the cave directly. Two popular hiking routes lead to the site: one begins in Xàbia and the other in Dénia. The route from Dénia is the more commonly used option because it tends to be easier and more accessible for most visitors.
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Explorers will find an array of coastal caves and rocky grottos along the Alicante coast. Each site offers a unique perspective on the sea and the land, with clear waters and dramatic light that shifts with the sun.
How to visit the cave
Visitors should know that Cova Tallada has welcomed travelers for many years. Access varies by season, with peak months sometimes limiting entry to prevent crowding. To avoid busy periods, it is wise to request permission ahead of time during summer. Outside of peak times, access remains free.
In summer, visiting on weekdays is generally preferable to weekends when crowds peak and paths become jammed.
Once a visit date is chosen, it is important to select a suitable day with proper footwear for both the outdoor path and the cave interior. Wet rocks can be slippery, and some sections lie just beneath the water.
The cave interior remains quite dark, so a headlamp helps illuminate the way and leaves hands free. Outdoor hiking calls for a hat and sunscreen, and a bottle of water should be a standard part of the backpack.
Respect for the environment is essential along both the path and inside the cave. Visitors should stay on marked trails, avoid disturbing plants or animals, and not leave litter behind.
Is it dangerous to go to Cova Tallada?
With proper precautions and a reasonable level of fitness, Cova Tallada can be enjoyed safely. The route suits walkers who are comfortable in rugged terrain. There is no lifeguard service and mobile reception can be limited in parts of the area.
The cave sits among natural rock formations near Cap de Sant Antoni. It is neither a beach nor a bay, so access can be tricky. In 2024, the Valencia regional government regulated visits on specified dates: late March to early April, late April to early May, and mid-June to mid-October.
On those days, reservations must be made ten days in advance. A printed or electronic authorization, along with a form of identification, is required. The maximum stay inside the cave is one hour and thirty minutes from the time stated on the authorization.
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Access to Cova Tallada follows regulations meant to protect visitors and the natural environment. Following guidelines helps ensure a safe and environmentally friendly experience for everyone.