Azud de Tuéjar

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Azud de Tuéjar

Recreational area next to the Tuéjar river with a beautiful crystalline blue weir, surrounded by mountains with lush vegetation. Located in the interior of Valencia (Spain).

El Azud de Tuéjar is a weir located 2 km from Tuéjar (1137 inhabitants). It’s also known as the ‘Municipal Natural Area of ​​the Source of the Tuéjar River‘. It has lush vegetation, crystal clear waters and is ideal for enjoying nature. The most special part of this recreational area is the ‘Azud de Tuéjar’ (‘Pozo de las Escaleras’). Its transparent waters are kept at a constant temperature of 18 °C all year round. It’s cool and ideal for bathing in summer and other seasons. It also has a small waterfall.

The word ‘Azud’ means weir in English. Weirs are barriers in watercourses. They allow the water level to rise and channel the flow into a canal, usually for irrigation. It’s a simple and very effective infrastructure that has been used for millennia. The El Azud de Tuéjar natural pool was created in the Tuéjar river, a tributary of the Turia. For many years, in the recreational area of the Azud de Tuéjar, there was a dam that collected water for the main irrigation channel of the village to irrigate the vegetable gardens. The Azud gets its name from this old dam.

Today there is a land esplanade and vegetation on this spot. Trees provide shade for the picnic tables, making them perfect for a picnic next to the weir. It’s an ideal place to spend a wonderful day. There is also a children’s playground and a car park 100 m from the weir. Locals and travellers come here to take a dip and enjoy this special spot.

how to get to Azud de Tuéjar

This recreational area is the most famous in Tuéjar. It’s located 2 km outside the village.

how to get to Azud de Tuéjar natural pool

The Azud de Tuéjar site has its own car park, picnic area, a children’s playground and a natural swimming pool.

Azud de Tuéjar natural pool

From this section onwards, the river runs dry except during times of rain. Hence, this area is considered to be the source of the river Tuéjar.

cascade and fish in Azud de Tuéjar

The natural pool has a small waterfall and many large fish. The aquatic fauna includes barbels, trout, bass, carp, eels, salamanders, frogs, and toads.

crystalline water in Azud de Tuéjar

The area of ‘Pozo de las Escaleras’ has a protected micro-reserve of flora of great natural value. It includes sequoias, willows, ash trees, junipers, and poplars.

area recreativa Azud de Tuéjar

The picnic tables are under some trees right next to the weir.

cascade en Azud de Tuéjar

Enjoy an authentic mountain day. Take a dip in the natural pool with stunning views of the surrounding nature.

services Azud de Tuéjar

There are options for many routes around the Azud. Some pass by the cave paintings of ‘Corrales de Silla’ or the viewpoint (See the What To Do section below).

road to Azud de Tuéjar

The exuberant flora creates ecosystems inhabited by protected species such as the golden eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, the griffon vulture and the eagle owl.

que hacer en tuejar

Bathing in the crystal-clear, cool waters of the Pozo de las Escaleras is a great experience at any time of the year.

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Swimming Holes
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HOW TO GET TO - Azud de Tuéjar

Getting There

Transport Options

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

Getting 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.

Parking

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.

Location

Spain, Valencia

Coordinates

Villages Nearby

Tuejar (2.4 km), Chelva (7 km), Calles (11.2 km), Chulilla (25.7 km)

Difficulty Level

It's easy to get there as it's very well signposted.

Walking Time

1 minute, the parking is right next to the recreational area of the weir.

Drinking Water Spots

None

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USEFUL INFORMATION - Azud de Tuéjar

Handy Things to Know

When to Go

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. 

Entrance Fee

None, but there is a parking fee (€5 per vehicle during the busiest months).

Activities

Swimming in the natural pool
Walking along the riverbank
Hiking
Picnic

Facilities

The Azud de Tuéjar site has a car park, picnic areas, recreation areas and a children's playground.

Kids

It's a perfect place to visit with the little ones. There are picnic areas and a children's playground. The picnic tables are right next to the natural pool, so you can keep an eye on the children. From the car park (which is very close), you can walk down a path ideal for strollers.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed. On the grassy esplanade, they have plenty of room to run around, but they are not allowed to swim.

Skinny Dipping

No

Wheelchair Access

Access to the water is difficult but the picnic area is fairly flat. Contact the town hall.

Restrictions

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).

Managed by

Ayuntamiento Tuéjar – 96 163 50 34 – administracion@cortesdepallas.es – Contact them for latest news & Covid

Things to Do – Azud de Tuéjar

Things to Do

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 GestalgarBolbaite 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).

Where to Eat

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.

Accommodation

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.

Geography

Altitude

587 m. (1925 ft)

Size

The natural pool has a length of about 22 m.

Under Foot

Grass and soil

Maximum Water Depth

There are areas where you can not stand.

Minimum Swimming Level

If you do not stay on the shore, you must know how to swim.

Shade

There are several trees under which you can shelter from the sun. The picnic area has several tables in the shade.

How Clean is Swimming Spot?

Very clean

Water

Underwater

Visibility is medium (3 m). There are large fish.

Water Temperature

Cold

Water Colour

Crystalline blue

How Clean is Water?

Clean
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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