Cape Sant Antoni, Spain

Cape Sant Antoni is a protected area on the Alicante coast stretching roughly 900 hectares between Denia and Xabia. The location features steep limestone cliffs that rise about 150 meters straight up from the Mediterranean Sea.

The cape took its name from a 16th-century hermitage dedicated to Saint Anthony. The lighthouse at this location started operating in 1855 and has marked the spot for passing ships ever since.

The reserve functions as a place where researchers study Mediterranean marine life and conduct environmental monitoring. For visitors, it offers insight into why these coastal zones matter for ocean biodiversity.

Non-motorized water activities like sailing are allowed in the protected area, while fishing and diving require special permits. These restrictions help protect the fragile environment and marine life here.

Beneath the water surface, the area holds underwater meadows of seagrass and coral formations that provide habitat for lobsters and groupers. This hidden structure is what makes protection of the entire ecosystem so important.