Barranco Otonel

The easiest way to get to the village of Cortes de Pallás is by car. You can also get there by bus. From Cortes de Pallás the only option is to go by car or on foot.

How to get to the village of Cortes de Pallás

From Valencia city take the A-3 and then the CV-425 followed by the CV-428. You’ll reach the village of Cortes de Pallás in approximately 1 h 17 min.

How to get to Chorrador de Otonel

From Cortes de Pallás it’s 19.7 km along the ‘Vía Pista’ road, passing through the village of Otonel. Follow the same road until you reach the fork in the road at this point.

Keep an eye out because it is easy to miss. If you are coming from Millares or Dos Aguas look for the same fork in the road mentioned above.

From here you will be on a thin, forgotten road, which is the old road to Cortes de Pallás. It goes along the impressive canyon of the Júcar, which is not suitable for people with vertigo. There are large drop heights and stones on the road that you will have to remove. After 2 km, you’ll see the bridge of La Cávera, which crosses the ravine. This is where the walking route starts.

The path down is to the left of the bridge. It’s not so easy to reach the first swimming hole, as at some spots you have to keep balance with the help of your arms. After 4 minutes, you’ll arrive at the first natural pool. You can either stay there or swim across it, and climb over the small waterfall to reach the main waterfall of 70 meters.

There is space for 2 or 3 cars on the side of the road, next to the Cávera bridge. Be careful because the space is very limited. The road from here onwards is very dangerous and we do not recommend continuing.

It’s beautiful and open all year round. Between April and October and the temperature is usually between 14 and 23 °C. In July and August, the highest temperatures reach 31 °C.

Swimming in the natural pools
Hiking
Picnic (on the ground or rocks)
Water canyoning

The descent to the swimming holes is difficult and very steep, even the first one. The access to the other natural pools to reach the big waterfall can be a bit dangerous, even for adults.

It’s forbidden to make fires, litter, and park in non-authorized areas.

Avoid carrying coolers (and chairs, hammocks, tables) and playing loud music.

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). 

Things to do near Barranco Otonel

The best views of the canyon and the village are from the Castle of Chirel (part in ruins). It’s located next to the reservoir at an altitude of 654 metres. The access to the castle is indicated here and from this point, it is about a 2 km walk.

Cueva Hermosa is the deepest underground gallery in Cortes de Pallás. It is near the Castle of Chirel. You enter through a narrow mouth that leads to a gallery with stalactites, stalagmites and columns. It’s advisable to use caving equipment to visit it.

The village of Cortes de Pallás is a small village with a medieval Islamic layout. Its narrow, winding streets, with steep stairs and slopes offer beautiful views. The Church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Baroque with Rococo) and the mosaics scattered around the village explain the history of this village. Don’t miss the views of the village and the reservoir from the ‘Tierra Colorá’ viewpoint.

The stream in Cortes de Pallás runs through the Barranco de la Barbulla ravine. It flows through the village before plunging into the reservoir. This stream has the clearest water you have ever seen. Just 1 km from Cortes de Pallás is La Fuente Corbinet, a waterfall with a postcard-perfect turquoise blue pool. There are several tables where you can eat, some of which are tucked into a half cave. To the left of the waterfall, there is a path, along which you can follow a route next to the Arroyo de Cortes. This leads you through crystal clear pools to the amazing Cascada San Andreu and Cascadas del Manantial de San Vicente (not always with water). At some points, you may have to get your feet wet to cross.
Access to the Corbinet Spring by car is only authorised for residents, so it is best to walk from the village.

The Cortes de Pallás Reservoir is 250 m. from the village, tapping into the river Júcar, the largest river in the Valencian Community. The most used access to the reservoir is further away, crossing the 281-metre-long bridge to the jetty. From the jetty, you can practice water sports such as swimming, kayaking, paddle surfing or taking a ride on a boat.

The natural pools of Pozas del Ral are relatively close to Barranco Otonel. Their location, amidst nature, makes them unique.

Enjoy a cruise along the Júcar River, between Cofrentes and Cortes de Pallás. Many say that it is the most beautiful river cruise in Spain. A boat with a capacity for 50 passengers travels the 14 km of the Cortes reservoir in one hour. To sail, contact ‘Su Aventura‘ which has stops at Embarcadero Júcar Cofrentes and Embarcadero Cortes de Pallás.

The National Hunting Reserve (36,000 hectares) was created to protect mountain goats, mouflon, wild boar, wild rabbits, red-legged partridges and golden eagles. It is very common to see wildlife in this area.

Check out other amazing natural pools in the province of VALENCIA!

You can have a picnic in the jetty area of the Cortes de Pallás Reservoir or at the ‘Tierra Colorá’ viewpoint. You’ll find here several tables with magnificent views of the reservoir.

When we went to Cortes de Pallás there was only one restaurant open in the ‘Plaza de la Iglesia’ town square (Bar Emiliano). You can eat very well, at a good price and it has a good atmosphere.

In the neighbouring village Venta Gaeta, ‘Restaurant Venta Gaeta’ is very popular with locals, bikers, hikers and cyclists. Millares has a bar/restaurant on the road through the village, but it’s often closed.

In the village of Cortes de Pallás, there is only one hostal and one rural house. There are rural houses in the surrounding villages (El Oro, Castilblanques, Venta Gaeta). It is also an option to sleep in Cofrentes, Buñol or Valencia.

The first natural pool has a diameter of about 7 m.

In the first swimming hole where we were, you don’t have to know how to swim. You can walk the first few meters when you get into the water.