Introduction
Hello and welcome to everyone reading this…it’s our first post!
The Montgó Massif will forever hold a special place in my heart—it’s where I embarked on my first-ever trail run. Back then, I wasn’t much of a runner, let alone someone who could tackle rugged trails. My husband, Markus, had other ideas. With his usual gusto, he declared: “This Sunday We’re climbing Montgó!” and dragged me along the Jesús Pobre route to the summit.
(I learned later that this route is the longest of the two most popular trails.)
What followed was a 6-hour odyssey of puffing, sweating, and muttering, “What have I gotten myself into?” By the time we stumbled back to the car, my legs were like jelly. The next day, I was practically immobile. But something about the challenge stuck with me. Now, years later, trail running isn’t just a pastime—it’s our passion.
If you’re looking to combine breathtaking scenery with a great exhilarating workout and easy-access, the Montgó is the perfect place to start.
Here’s everything you need to know about tackling two of its most popular routes.
Background of the Montgó Mountain
The Montgó Massif is a striking natural landmark on Spain’s Costa Blanca. It stands at 753m tall and is nestled between Dénia and Jávea, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean, rolling hills, and picturesque villages.
If you’re lucky—like we were—you can pick out the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca on a clear day.
As part of the Montgó Natural Park, the area is a haven for flora and fauna. You’ll encounter fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary, Mediterranean scrub, and, if you’re lucky, the soaring Bonelli’s Eagle. Living in Dénia, we couldn’t resist the allure of this towering neighbour—it was practically calling our names!
Climbing the Montgó from the Jesús Pobre route. SOURCE: Wikiloc.
Route #1: Climbing the Montgó from Jesús Pobre
The Jesús Pobre route is the longer of the two, spanning about 6.3 kilometers with an elevation gain of 746 meters. For trail runners, it’s a real test of endurance, especially in the initial stretch, which meanders past an fire-fighting watertank before morphing into a steep, rocky ascent.
I remember our first attempt vividly. The trail winds through the remnants of an ancient Iberian wall—a surreal moment as history and nature converge. From there, the path narrows, hugging the mountain’s rugged contours.
The views are a constant distraction—fields of almond trees, the charming village of Jesús Pobre, and beyond that, the rolling hills of the Marina Alta. But don’t get too lost in the scenery; the climb only gets tougher. The final push to the summit involves a narrow ridge, where each step feels earned.
Reaching the top is a reward like no other. At 753 meters, you’re treated to a sweeping view of the coast, with the shimmering Mediterranean on one side and lush valleys on the other. For trail runners, the descent is a thrilling, fast-paced return to the base—but be prepared for your quads to burn!
Climbing the Montgó from the Campo de Tiro route. SOURCE: Wikiloc.
Route #2: Climbing the Montgó from the Campo de Tiro
If you’re short on time, or looking for a more intense workout, the route from the Campo de Tiro (shooting range) is a great choice. At just under 4 kilometers, it’s shorter but steeper, with a challenging elevation gain that will test your stamina.
Starting near the CV-736 road, the trail begins innocently enough on a gravel path before quickly escalating into a steep, stony incline. (NOTE: you cannot see the Campo de Tiro from the road, you will need to drive down a gravel path before discovering the shooting range and car park.) Markus loves this route because it’s no-nonsense—straight to the hard work, no fluff. I, on the other hand, approach it with cautious enthusiasm, making sure to pack extra water and check the weather beforehand.
The zigzagging ascent is relentless, and in some sections, you’ll find yourself scrambling over limestone ridges. But don’t let that deter you—the views are worth every drop of sweat. As you climb higher, the San Antonio headland comes into view, and on a clear day, you can even spot Ibiza shimmering on the horizon.
At the summit, the payoff is the same as the Jesús Pobre route: unparalleled views and an unbeatable sense of achievement. Descending this trail as a runner is like riding a rollercoaster—fast, exhilarating, and slightly terrifying!
I hope you found this post useful.
Look forward to sharing more unique trail running trails with you in future!