The tower was constructed during the reign of Philip II of Spain to form a communication link using smoke signals by day and fire by night.
The base of the tower is emblazoned with the coat of arms of the Duke of Lerma.
Its construction dates back to the 1550s as a response to the increasing threat of Ottoman and Barbary corsairs.
The interior once contained a storage chamber for supplies and a hearth for beacon fires.
It is one of the few surviving towers of the extensive surveillance network that once stretched along the entire Spanish Mediterranean coastline.
Torre del Gerro is a 16th-century Renaissance watchtower located on the cliffs of Las Rotas in Dénia, Alicante. Built as part of a coastal defense network, it was designed to protect the region from Barbary pirate raids. The structure stands at an elevation of approximately 125 meters above sea level. It features a circular, truncated cone shape with a stone base and masonry upper walls. The tower takes its name from the jug-like appearance of its silhouette, known as a 'gerro' in the local Valencian language. Visitors can access the site via a marked hiking trail that winds through the Montgó Natural Park. The tower remains a significant historical landmark of the Marina Alta region, showcasing defensive architectural styles of the Habsburg era. It is situated near the boundary between the provinces of Alicante and Valencia.
The elevated ridge overlooking the tower from the hiking trail, which captures both the structure and the panoramic coastline.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the path from the base of Las Rotas is rocky and uneven.
Carry sufficient water, as there are no facilities or water fountains at the summit.
Visit during the shoulder season to avoid intense sun exposure on the exposed cliffside path.
Attempting to climb the exterior structure, which is structurally fragile and historically protected.
Stay on the designated trails to protect the surrounding native flora in the Montgó Natural Park.
