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.
This recreational area is the most famous in Tuéjar. It’s located 2 km outside the village.
The Azud de Tuéjar site has its own car park, picnic area, a children’s playground and a natural swimming 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.
The natural pool has a small waterfall and many large fish. The aquatic fauna includes barbels, trout, bass, carp, eels, salamanders, frogs, and toads.
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.
The picnic tables are under some trees right next to the weir.
Enjoy an authentic mountain day. Take a dip in the natural pool with stunning views of the surrounding nature.
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).
The exuberant flora creates ecosystems inhabited by protected species such as the golden eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, the griffon vulture and the eagle owl.
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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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
Coordinates
Villages Nearby
Difficulty Level
Walking Time
Drinking Water Spots
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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
Activities
Facilities
Kids
Dogs
Skinny Dipping
Wheelchair Access
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).
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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 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).
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
Size
The natural pool has a length of about 22 m.
Under Foot
Maximum Water Depth
Minimum Swimming Level
Shade
How Clean is Swimming Spot?
Water
Underwater
Water Temperature
Water Colour
How Clean is Water?
SWIMMING HOLES
IN VALENCIA
Check out the best Swimming Holes & Places to Swim INLAND!
Pou Clar
Salto de Chella
Bolbaite
Chorradores de Navarrés
Salto de Millares
Cortes de Pallás - Reservoir
Cortes de Pallás - River
Gorgo de la Escalera
Charcos de Quesa
Cueva Turche
Bugarra
Gestalgar
Azud de Tuéjar
Pozas del Ral
Barranco Otonel
SWIMMING HOLES
IN ALICANTE
Check out the best Swimming Holes & Places to Swim INLAND!
Algar Waterfalls
Toll Blau
Barranco de la Encantada
Salt de Jijona
Guadalest Reservoir
Keep it Clean!
The Rules
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
Check out the best places to go wild swimming, by the TYPE of swimming spot
Like us on Facebook!
This post is also available in Español.