Torre del Gerro
In the 16th century pirates roamed the western Mediterranean. They hijacked ships, ransacked coastal settlements and made off with whatever treasures they could lay their hands on, including slaves.
The most famous was Hayreddin Barbarossa. Born on the Greek island of Lesbos he left to join the Ottoman army, later accompanying his big brother, Oruç, in a life of piracy, for which they both seemed to have quite a flair. Before long they had a fleet of ships and became the scourge of the Mediterranean
Along Spain’s Mediterranean coast there were numerous watchtowers scanning the seas for pirates, like Denia’s Torre del Gerro, pictured above. Built in 1553 it was part of a network of fortifications extending the length of the Costa Blanca. Vicky, John and I walked there today to take a look.
It was a beautiful sunny day. The route, called Les Rotes, hugs the coastal area of southern Dénia, passing rocky coves and some rather splendid villas, such as the one pictured below, called the Sardine.
Along the way there are splendid views out to sea. On a clear day like today you could just make out the hazy, faint outlines of the Balearic islands of Ibiza and Formentera. They’re seventy-seven miles away.
We passed some pretty cottages, such as the ones immediately below, on the other side of which is the sea. There were some more recent, much bigger and luxurious additions too, although I suspect all sizes are probably out of most people’s price range.
After a walk of an hour or so, the tower comes into view. That’s John and Vicky in the second picture, powering on towards it. You can just see the tower there on top of the hill
The climb to the tower is a full on cardio work out but well worth the effort. There are fine views out to sea, of the cliffs and behind towards the Montgo.
On the other side of the ravine in the picture above there’s a deserted village. In the 80s some Swiss people spent loads of money building homes for themselves at a time when the local authority didn’t seem to mind. Eventually they did and sent them packing. The whole village is empty again now. If you’re looking at this on a phone you can just make it out if you enlarge the image with your fingers. That’s the Montgo in the background. I took the picture below some days later from the Montgo, which shows a clearer view of the deserted village from the other side
Here are a few additional pictures of the walk, which was a treat, despite the cardio workout getting up to the tower. We’re off to Denia’s Teatre Auditori this evening to see, Amura, a flamenco performance, which should be a bit less strenuous.
I keep thinking about your Montgo summit hike and am glad you lived to tell the tale.
I hadn’t thought of it until seeing your post but I’m reminded now of the zig zag, cliff side walk to Sweetwater beach, which we beach dwellers sometimes took in the dead of night, often in unfit states and most likely wearing flip flops. I do hope that we can meet up before long and reminisce.
Stunning!
And some stunning stuff awaits you all in India. Only five more sleeps and you’ll be on your way! x
It will happen some how some day I hope!
We were a bit lucky and in better shape back then.
You appear to be in great shape still given your daring sojourns.
Hope so Chuck. We were certainly lucky with youth on our side – not sure I’m in quite the same shape though. We’ll have to hatch a plan!