The Montgo, situated in the Marina Alta in the North of the Alicante province, forms one of the most spectacular landscapes of the entire Valencian coastline.  Rising dramatically above the adjacent plains of Ondara - Denia and Javea - Gata de Gorgos to a height of some 753m above sea level, it dominates the skyline for miles around. 

The mount, which occupies a 2,117 hectare area, was declared an officially protected nature reserve in 1987 for its extraordinary wealth of flora, fauna and ecosystems.

The privileged location the mountain has permitted humans throughout the ages to use it continually: as a home, as an area of defence, a hunting ground, as well as an area of cultivation.  Today, remnants of those past are omnipresent.

Numerous archaeological sites and remains confirm the presense of man on the mountain, with the oldest evidence dating to the Paleolithic period some 30,000 years ago.  During this period, small nomadic groups occupied the caves and hills that faced the sea in the Cabo de San Antonio.  The communities lived a hunter-gatherer way of life, and were able to survive thanks to rich fishing grounds, plentiful supply of animals and mild temperatures.

The significant growth in population during the past three centuries led to more and more areas being cultivated within Spain, and the Montgo was no exception.  At the end of the 19^th century, a high demand for raisins led to the cultivation of the Moscatel grape on its slopes.  Today, these areas have been largely abandoned due to difficulty in accessability and non-profitability.  Yet some vines, which produce the sweet grape variety, mostly the mistela of the Marina Alta, as well as some citrus products, are still grown.

Rain is common on the Montgo, with peak precipitation between September and November.  Humid air from the Mediterranean is forced up towards the summit of the Montgo, where water condenses and falls as rain.  It should not be forgotten, however, that there is a long period of drought during the summer months.

Flora

The Montgo is a veritable botanical gem, which houses a wealth of species, aromas, textures, different forms and colours. If you visit the park during the winter months or at the beginning of spring, you will not leave disappointed, as species seem to be competing, showing off their palette of colours that cover the mountain landscape.

The geology and climate of the park has allowed more than 650 species to flourish. The primitive Mediterranean oak, which would have dominated the mountain before over-exploitation by man, is still present, as is Mount Atlas Pistachio, rosemary, white hellebore, rock lavender, marine juniper and cistus, among others.  In the higher more humid areas of the Montgo, which are isolated and inaccessible, a number of endemic plants such as the Hippocrepis Valentina and the Valencian rock violet have flourished, as well as the blue Mediterranean fan palm on the plains, the only palm species to grow wild in Europe, and is indicative of the mild weather of the coastal area.  In addition, the Carduncellus Dianius or ‘Hierba Santa’ as it is known, is unique and only found here and in Ibiza.

Fauna

The fauna present in the nature reserve is intimately linked to the unique landscape and vegetation.  The perigrine falcon searches for nooks in the rocks to build its nests, and eagles, ravens, seagulls and an abundance of other migratory birds are common.  The Royal Owl is perhaps one of the more famous species of fauna to live on the Montgo, although rabbits, foxes, toads, snakes, badgers and bats are also common.