Azud de Tuéjar

The easiest way to get there is to reach the Azud car park by car and walk from there.

How to get to Tuéjar

From Valencia, take the CV-35 which passes through Chelva, before reaching Tuéjar.

How to get to the Azud de Tuéjar

It’s easy to get to this natural pool. Access is via two very well signposted roads that start in Tuéjar. If you are coming from Chelva, 1 km before reaching Tuéjar, on the right is the house of the Mancomunidad del Alto Turia. At this point, there is a detour indicated with 2 signs. One says ‘Acceso Nacimiento Río Tuéjar 1 km’ and the other ‘Azud de Tuéjar’. Follow this road for 1 km. You’ll arrive at the Albergue de Tuéjar (hostel), where you will find the East Parking of the Azud (the only car park in use). The car park is a 1-minute walk from the Azud de Tuéjar.

The recreation area had 2 car parks. Yet, to avoid crowds and to protect the site, from 2021 they have created:
– single access (from the headquarters of the Mancomunidad del Alto Turia),
– one parking area at the hostel (Parking East)
– fee of €5 per vehicle on busiest days.

It can be visited all year round. In each season, this magical place presents another facet. In autumn, ochre predominates and in spring intense fresh green. From April to October, it’s ideal for a swim.

In summer, it’s usually very crowded, especially on weekends. You can make the most of the place during the week, and it’s also better to protect the place.

There are no opening hours, it’s always open. Yet, on weekends during the high season, the capacity may be controlled. Find out by contacting the Tuéjar Town Hall. 

After the massive influx of recent summers and to develop sustainable tourism, it was decided to establish:
– single access for vehicles (from the headquarters of the Mancomunidad del Alto Turia),
– a regulated car park (car park at the ‘Albergue’) 
– a parking fee (€5 per vehicle during the busiest months).
There is often surveillance by forest rangers and civil guards.

Swimming is forbidden in the area of the river where the bridges are and in the stone pass next to the waterfall. This is due to the current or because it’s a ‘no kill fishing area’ (there may be hooks).

Remember that soap and detergents should not be used in rivers. Also, most sun creams contaminate the water, so make sure you apply them at least one hour before you get into the water.

(Scientists have discovered that sunscreens used by swimmers emit large amounts of titanium dioxide, which damages aquatic life. Soaps have phosphates, are also non-biodegradable and harm the environment).

Things to do near Azud de Tuéjar

Besides cooling off in the natural pool, you can spend a day in the mountains with plenty of things to do.

The ‘Flora Microreserve Nacimiento del río Tuéjar‘ is 350 m from the Azud. The protected flora includes poplars and willows. There are also protected animals in this habitat of Azud de Tuéjar, such as the golden eagle.

Peña del Mediodía viewpoint is at an altitude of 787 m and offers a great panoramic view of the natural area. It’s on the same track as the Microreserve, 300 m away from it.

Continuing along this same track, you will reach the Corrales de Silla cave paintings. It’s an ancient stone wall with cave paintings and fossils over 10,000 years old.

There is a pleasant walk (1 km) from the Azud de Tuéjar to Fuente de Saz, where you will see several waterfalls. Fuente del Saz is another lovely recreational area where you can eat next to the river.

To take a dip in the interior of VALENCIA, near the Azud de Tuéjar, these are the best natural pools:

For an unforgettable river swim, go to Bugarra and Gestalgar. Bolbaite village has 3 beautiful natural pools in the Sellent River. Pou Clar is a series of crystalline swimming holes along the river.

On the outskirts of Chella, is ‘Salto de Chella‘, a beautiful 25 m waterfall that falls into an emerald green pool. The viewpoint offers views of the waterfall, pool, and surroundings.

In the village of Anna, there is a very beautiful and well-known lake. You can also do the route of the 3 waterfalls. ‘Gorgo de la Escalera‘ is the most spectacular waterfall.

The neighbouring village of Chelva has ‘The Chelva water route’ (‘La Ruta del agua del Chelva‘). It passes through the village, a unique river beach, several pools and a tunnel through a mountain (worthy of the Flintstones).

The Azud de Tuéjar recreational area has kiosk ‘La Maña’ in the high season. It has drinks, but not much to eat. The closest place to eat is Camping Hecu. Tuéjar, 2 km away, has many restaurants, and you can eat well and at a good price.

In Tuéjar there is a hotel, a hostel, rural houses and private houses for rent. It’s also possible to stay at the Hecu campsite, 100 m from the Azud de Tuéjar. Chelva and other surrounding villages also have plenty of options.

The natural pool has a length of about 22 m.