Algar Waterfalls

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Algar Waterfalls

Series of waterfalls and stunning crystalline swimming holes in an area with lush vegetation. Located in the mountains, 19 km inland from Benidorm (Spain).

Algar Waterfalls (‘Fonts de l’Algar’ in Valencian Language) are located 3 km from the village Callosa d’en Sarrià. This ‘Protected Humid Zone‘ running along the Algar river has a high ecological value. It’s also a theme park.

The visit consists of a 1.5 km circuit along the Algar (‘cave’ in Arabic) river bed. It consists of a landscape resulting from the karst modelling of limestone rock. You will see waterfalls, springs flowing from rock and swimming holes where you can take a dip. These natural pools were considered a source of health. You will also see the old dam, canal and old ditches that are still in use today.

Algar Waterfalls are very popular. They charge a small fee (between €2 and €5). It has several free and also paid car parks, restaurants and 2 free toilets once you enter.

During summer you will enjoy a refreshing swim in the waterfalls and most of the swimming holes. The water is so transparent you can see the riverbed. The bottom of the pools is rocky. Wear comfortable shoes and watch out for slippery areas and stones. Some people like to wear booties. These are available in stores here, but you will find them at half price in Benidorm. There is a lifeguard service at Easter and during the summer season.

bridge in fron to main waterfall at Algar Waterfalls

The wooden building on the left is the entrance to these spectacular waterfalls in Alicante.

main waterfall at Algar Waterfalls

Straight after, you’ll cross a cute narrow bridge. From it, you’ll see the largest waterfall.

main waterfall at Algar Waterfalls

It’s very popular, so in high season there are many people.

waterfall at Algar Waterfalls

The swimming holes have breathtaking crystalline water. Most of them are shallow.

deep swimming hole at Algar Waterfalls

This is one of the few deep natural pools.

walking route along riverbed at Algar Waterfalls

The 1.5 km route along the course of the Algar river is beautiful and well signposted.

turquoise water at Algar Waterfalls

The colour of the water, its transparency and the vegetation around make this place so unique.

turquoise water at Algar Waterfalls

You can take an unforgettable dip anywhere along the route in the Algar river!

crystaline water at Algar Waterfalls
The water is chilly and reinvigorating.

small cascades next to main waterfall at Algar Waterfalls

This area of ​​Alicante is quite dry. In contrast, the area around Algar Waterfalls is very humid.

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Swimming Holes
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The Rules

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HOW TO GET TO - Algar Waterfalls

Getting There

Transport Options

Car, bus, taxi

Getting There

How to get to Algar Waterfalls

It’s very easy to get to ‘Fuentes del Algar’ and there are plenty of parking areas.

From Benidorm by car, the journey takes about 25 minutes through picturesque villages and rural areas.
Take the exit onto CV-70. Go straight through all the roundabouts and go through La Nucia and Polop. Enjoy the beautiful view of Polop on the right-hand side. It’s one of the most beautiful towns in Alicante. In Polop take the second exit from the roundabout towards CV-715, Callosa d’en Sarrià road. This is the town where Fuentes del Algar is located. Look at the trees on the road! In Callosa d’en Sarrià take the second exit from the roundabout onto the CV-715 de Bolulla road. Follow this road for about 2 km and turn right. Continue on the CV-7531 for approximately 1 km. You will see signs at the roundabout showing ‘Las Fuentes del Algar’ (‘Les Fonts de l’Algar’ in Valencian).

By bus from Benidorm take number 18 Llorent. It takes over an hour. There is only one bus per day, so check the pick-up time at each location. In Benidorm you catch it at the top of Avda Mediterraneo (usually around 10 am). The bus drops you off at Fuentes del Algar and returns around 5:10 pm (confirm these times with the driver as they are subject to last-minute changes). You can also get there by taking the ALSA bus line that reaches the centre of Callosa d’en Sarrià. From there you can take a taxi (around € 7) to Fuentes del Algar (3 km).

By taxi from Benidorm, it takes about 35 minutes (the price will be around € 25-30).

Parking

Parking should be easy as there are several parking lots along the way. The restaurants also have a parking (paid or for customers). You can park for free if you park in the first parking lot after the main entrance (where the tourist office is). From there to Algar Waterfalls it's a short downhill walk (1 km).

Location

Spain, Alicante - Address: Partida Algar, s/n, 03510 Callosa d'en Sarrià, Alicante

Villages Nearby

Callosa d’en Sarrià (3 km), Altea (15 km), Benidorm (19 km)

Difficulty level

Easy

Walking Time to Swimming Spot

It's a few minutes walk on a paved road from where the car, bus or taxi leaves you.

Drinking Water Spots

There are vending machines and toilets in the picnic areas.

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USEFUL INFORMATION - Algar Waterfalls

Handy Things to Know

When to Go & Opening Times

This place to swim gets very crowded in the high season, so if possible avoid this time.
Opening times have shifts during the high season (from 9 am – 2 pm or 2 pm – 6 pm).

Entrance Fee

Low season (October 16 – June 14): Adults €4, Children over 3 years €2 and disabled free.
High season (June 15 – October 15): Adults €5, Children over 3 years €2 and disabled free.

Tickets can be purchased online (recommended) or at the entrance.

For more details (prices for groups or retirees),  any changes or buying tickets check the link above. 

Activities

Swimming in waterfalls, walking along the riverbed, picnic, eating out

Facilities

There is first aid, an arboretum, various picnic areas, toilets and 5 restaurants nearby. There is a lifeguard at Easter and during the summer. The Tourist Office of the Algar Waterfalls is about 700 meters from the main entrance (Tel - 96 588 0153 / callosadensarria@touristinfo.net).

Kids

Yes, if they can swim or they are supervised during the walk along the riverbed.

Dogs

No, unfortunately dogs are not allowed

Skinny Dipping

No

Wheelchair Access

In summer, when the secondary entrance is open, the main bathing area is easy to access. Otherwise, wheelchair access is difficult. There are many steps and steep slopes (this is a mountain setting).

Restrictions

It’s forbidden to eat outside the picnic areas, bring glass containers, camping, light fires. Jumping or diving from the rocks. Fishing. Entry with roller skates, bicycles and other recreational vehicles.

Remember that soap and detergents should not be used in rivers and pools. Also, most sun creams contaminate the water, try to apply them well before taking a dip.

(Scientists have found that sunscreen releases significant amounts of titanium dioxide, which damages aquatic life. Soaps have phosphates, are also non-biodegradable and harm the environment).

Managed by

City Hall of Callosa – 965 88 00 50 – Call for latest news & Covid

Things to Do – Algar Waterfalls

Things to Do

Things to see near Algar Waterfalls

Children that like dinosaurs, will enjoy Dino Park Algar. It consists of six hectares, with robotic and static models of the most characteristic dinosaur species. It’s 1 km from the Algar Waterfalls, near the Algar Cactus Botanical Garden.

For hiking, we recommend the route to the Fort of Bernia in the Sierra de Bèrnia i Ferrer. It has impressive views over the coast.

Guadalest is one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in Spain. It’s 15 km away from Algar Waterfalls on top of a large rock. It has fantastic views over the villages in the valley, the mountains and the reservoir.

 

Check out these amazing natural pools & places to swim in the province of ALICANTE.

Guadalest reservoir (300 m from Guadalest) is an ideal lake in an amazing natural setting.  The views from the lake to the mountains and its turquoise water will surprise you.

The most awesome swimming holes in Alicante are Barranco de la Encantada (swimming hole with waterfall), Pou Clar (group of small swimming holes) and Salt de Jijona (swimming hole).

To swim on the coast we recommend Cala Granadella, Cala del Portixol, Cala Ambolo and Cala Moraig. They are jaw-dropping and might remind you of Ibiza! To the south of Alicante city is Playa del Carabassí, a beach with golden sand, big dunes and pine trees.

Where to Eat

There are 5 restaurants on the way to the entrance of Algar Waterfalls. They serve typical food, such as rice dishes.

You can also bring your food to Algar Waterfalls. There are several picnic areas with tables in the shade, cold drink machines, snacks and toilets. Remember not to bring glass bottles, as they are not allowed, in case they break.

The loquat fruit (‘nisperos‘) is grown in this area. They are orange and packed with vitamin C. You should try them!

Accommodation

This natural paradise is near Benidorm, Villajoyosa and Altea. You will find countless hotels in these places.
There is a campsite called Camping Fonts de l’Algar 1 km away from Algar Waterfalls.

Geography

Altitude

111 m. (364 ft)

Size

The pool with the main waterfall is small and has little space to swim. There are several smaller waterfalls. The swimming holes have various sizes, some are very big. Most are very shallow, except one.

Under Foot

Soil and rock

Maximum Water Depth

The large waterfall and the deepest swimming hole are more than 2 m deep.

Minimum Swimming Level

The water is very shallow in many places, so you can take a dip in them. You will be safe even if you can't swim. It's easy to spot the shallow places as the bottom of the river is visible.

Shade

The sun shines on Algar Waterfalls all day, but you can find shade under the trees.

How Clean is the Swimming Spot?

Very clean.

Water Quality

Underwater

It’s shallow in general but there is good visibility underwater (around 5 m). You can see tiny fish and rocks.

Water Temperature

Very cold even in summer

Water Colour

The water of the swimming holes in Algar Waterfalls is crystal clear and turquoise.

How Clean is the Water?

Very clean and transparent
WILD SWIMMING
IN ALICANTE

 Wild-swimming-in-the-ocean--beaches-and-coves

Check out the best Wild Swimming spots on the COAST!

Cala Granadella
Cala Portitxol
Playa del Carabassí

Keep it Clean!

The Rules

Clean the swimming holes!

Swimming Safety

Read these Tips
&
be Safe
when Wild Swimming

DESTINATIONS

UK
Spain
Bali
Belize
Mexico
Trinidad and Tobago
Costa Rica
India
Martinique

SWIMMING SPOTS

Best places to swim in nature in the world

Check out the best places to go wild swimming, by the TYPE of swimming spot

Swimming Holes
Lakes
Rivers
Waterfalls
Sea

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