Barranco de la Encantada

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Barranco de la Encantada

Barranco de la Encantada (Ravine of the Enchanted) has a stunning swimming hole with a waterfall next to a huge stone wall. Located in the interior of Alicante (Spain).

Barranco de la Encantada is a ravine in a mountain range stretching from the interior to the coast. It has many small swimming holes and cascades. Gorg del Salt is the biggest and most famous swimming hole in this ravine. The huge, almost vertical mountain at the left of the waterfall makes Gorg del Salt so unique.

Around it, you will find many small villages (see the Useful Information section below). Gorg del Salt is closest to the village of Planes. From here you can start a circular hike of 12 km to Gorg del Salt.

This swimming hole is large enough to swim short laps. It gets pretty deep when you get close to the waterfall. This swimming spot is popular with hikers, but you will also find families and groups who gather to spend the day and picnic.

how-to-get-to-Gorg-del-Salt-(Barranc-de-la-Encantada)

This sideroad of the CV-700 gets to Gorg del Salt. Some water of the river Serpis may overflow the road.

Gorg-del-salt-(swimming-hole)-in-El-Barranc-de-la-Encantada

Gorg del Salt is amidst the nature of the Barranco de la Encantada ravine. If you look carefully, you’ll see the road on the right side.

Places to swim as Gorg-del-salt-(swimming-hole)-in-El-Barranc-de-la-Encantada

The road is next to the swimming hole. There are parking places at the side of the road. Descending via the staircase you’ll have this view.

Gorg del salt (swimming-hole) seen from above

When you have almost reached the bottom of the staircase you’ll see Gorg del Salt swimming hole, between the bushes and trees.

Front view of waterfall of Gorg del salt (swimming-hole) in El Barranc de la Encantada

Gorg del Salt has green-brown water, but it’s very clean. The water is more transparent where the natural pebbles beach is.

Places to swim at Gorg del salt (swimming-hole) in El Barranc de la Encantada

It’s very inviting to take a dip at the Gorg del Salt. The water is cold but refreshing.

wildswimming in Gorg del salt (swimming-hole) in El Barranc de la Encantada

Some people jump from the top of the cascade. Others just take a swim and relax. The swimming hole is large enough to swim short laps.

wildswimming Gorg-del-salt-(swimming-hole)-in-El-Barranc-de-la-Encantada---Alicante---Spain-8

The natural beach with pebbles has an impressive huge stone wall to the left, making this swimming hole so unique.

wildswimming in Gorg del salt (swimming-hole) in El Barranc de la Encantada

This natural spot is a perfect place to go wild swimming, picnic, hike and enjoy nature.

Village of Planes, to start hiking route to Gorg del Salt

Planes village has an unmarked circular hiking route to Gorg del Salt. In spring you can enjoy the cherry blossom.

Wild-swimming-and-Swimming-Holes-About-

Take the plunge!

Discover the most mind-blowing places to swim in nature.

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DIFFICULTY LEVEL
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

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

Keep it Clean!

The Rules

Clean the swimming holes!

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HOW TO GET TO - Barranco de la Encantada

Getting There

Getting There

From Planes take the CV-700 direction Margarida. After about 2km, you’ll see a signpost for the ‘Barranco de la Encantada’ ravine. You need to turn left before crossing the bridge. This road has no name. After 1 km driving, you’ll have reached Gorg del Salt (the famous swimming hole in this ravine).

You can park a couple of m away from Gorg del Salt, at the side of the road. There is also another place to park near road CV-700. From there, it’s an easy 5-minute walk on a flat surface. The roads are in good condition. There is no signpost showing the exact location of the swimming hole. Stop when you see cars parked on the edge of the narrow road. Many people arrive hiking.

Transport Options

There is no public transport to Barranco de la Encantada. The closest bus stop is Planes which is 3.4 km away from the swimming hole. Hence most people arrive by car or walking.

Parking

There are a few places to park your car at the side of the road from Gorg del Salt. It gets crowded on busy days. You can also park where the CV-700 road crosses the local road (around 500m from the swimming hole).

Location

Spain, Alicante

Villages Nearby

Planes (3,4 km), Benialfaquí (5,9 km), Benissili (5,9 km)

Difficulty Level

Very Easy. Whether you park next to the swimming hole or a bit further away, the walk is on a flat, paved road. Once at the swimming hole, there is a stone staircase to descend.

Walking Time to Swimming Spot

1-minute walk if you leave the car just next to the swimming hole or 6-minute walk if you leave the car where the CV-700 road crosses the local road.

Drinking Water Spots

None

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DIFFICULTY LEVEL

USEFUL INFORMATION - Barranco de la Encantada

Handy Things to Know

Entrance Fee

None

When to Go

It’s a great place to visit any time of the year. It may get busy on summer weekends.

Activities

Swimming, and jumping from the top of the waterfall to the swimming hole. Make sure there is enough water and it’s deep enough. If it has not rained in months it’s not advisable to jump.

Facilities

None

Kids

Families often come here to spend the day at the small pebble beach. 

Dogs

Yes, people like to take their dogs here who also enjoy the swim

Skinny Dipping

No

Wheelchair Access

None

Restrictions

None

Managed by

City Hall of Planes – 965610300 – Call for latest news & Covid

Things to Do – Barranco de la Encantada

Things to Do

Alicante city has a castle, a harbour and an old neighbourhood which are definitely worth visiting.

 

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

Guadalest Reservoir is the ideal lake to take a refreshing dip in an amazing natural setting.  The views from the lake to the mountains and its turquoise colour will surprise you.

Algar Waterfalls, close to Benidorm are possibly are the most beautiful waterfalls in Alicante. The crystalline natural pools are ideal to take a dip. There are picnic areas.

The most impressive swimming holes in Alicante are Pou Clar (group of small swimming holes) and Salt de Jijona (swimming hole).

To swim on the coast, Cala Granadella, Cala Portixol, Cala Ambolo and Cala Moraig are all amazing. They will remind you of Ibiza! To the south of the city of Alicante is Playa del Carabassí, a beach with golden sand protected by big dunes and pine trees.

Where to Eat

There are no places at Barranco de la Encantada itself to buy food. It’s a great place for picnics but there is little shade.

There are bars and restaurants in Planes.  

Accommodation

Barranco de la Encantada is surrounded by villages so it’s best to stay at a rural hotel or with locals. The village of Bocairent and the town Ontinyent are a good option too. Their old centres and walls speak stories and are an authentic place. You could also stay in bigger cities on the coast such as Gandia, Denia, Xavea, Benidorm and Alicante.

Geography

Altitude

435 m. (1427 ft)

Size

Medium-sized swimming hole

Under Foot

Rocks and pebbles on the tiny ‘beach’. 

Maximum Water Depth

The depth is more than 2 meters when you get around 2 meters into the waterhole.

Minimum Swimming Level

The local road passes very close (20m) to the swimming hole. There are some places to park your car on the side of the road. However this gets crowded easily on busy days. You can also park where the CV-700 road crosses the local road (around 500m from the swimming hole).

Shade

At around 1pm the shade covers half of the swimming hole and by 2pm the the whole swimming hole is covered in shade as there is a huge rock formation on one side of the swimming hole which stops the sun early.

How clean is the swimming spot?

The water and surroundings of Gorg del Salt are very clean.

Water

Underwater

There is poor visibility under the water in this swimming hole (15 cm). There is not much to see underwater.

Water Temperature

Cold

Water Colour

Green-brown

How clean is the water?

Very clean and fresh

Similar Swimming Holes in Alicante

Similar Swimming Holes

in Alicante

El Salt de Xixona swimming hole!

El Salt de Jijona

El pou clar swimming holes

El Pou Clar

natural pools -alicante

Algar Waterfalls

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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