Gorgo de la Escalera

You can go to Anna by car, bus, and train. The train stops in Xàtiva and from there you would have to take a taxi. From Valencia, bus lines L1B and L3 have routes that pass near Anna.

From Anna, you can only access the Gorgo de la Escalera on foot.

How to get to Anna

You can reach Anna taking road CV-580.

How to get to the Gorgo de la Escalera

There are 3 ways:
1. Water canyoning (going down the river on foot, swimming and rappelling down the waterfalls).

2. Descending 136 steps
From Pintor Molina Ciges street in Anna, take this detour to the right, which ends in the open field, that serves as a car park. Yet, if you come along CV-580 from the south, after Anna’s gas station take this detour to the right, which is signposted with a sign that says ‘Gorgo de la Escalera’. Follow this garden road and in 1 minute you’ll arrive at the open field that serves as a parking area. You’ll see a kind of factory. On its side, there is a path leading to a descending staircase that will get you to Gorgo de la Escalera natural pool. There is an area where you can see the waterfall from above.

From the pool, there is a steep, narrow path to descend to the big waterfall, but it’s complicated. Most people stay at the natural pool.

3. Route of the Three Waterfalls
This is a linear route of about 6 km starting at ‘Avenida Diputación n.º 65’. Here you’ll see the first signpost and a panel showing the route.

A few minutes from the start, you’ll see Gorgo Gaspar waterfall. It’s the smallest waterfall of the route. It’s very easy to reach and is well signposted. There are some tables and stone benches in the shade of some trees. Continuing down, the road becomes a path that reaches the ruins of the factory Miguelín. From here onwards, the signs disappear. You’ll see the first big drop. Descend the rudimentary wooden stairs with the help of the rope.

Following the trail, you should reach the impressive waterfall of ‘Gorgo de los Vikingos‘ (the pool of the Vikings). This waterfall is in the middle of the route. You have to cross the pool by a wooden plank on stones over the water. Look carefully here, because the trail continues to the left (if you are in front of the waterfall) and it’s hard to see. There is a slightly difficult climb. After a minute, you’ll reach the river bed. Without crossing it, take the path to the right. In a few meters, you’ll have to make a small jump and climb to a parallel path on the right. It takes you over a small cliff (with little danger). Go down this path, go straight and take the second path to the left.

Cross the river over a small bridge made of planks. If you look to the right, about 20 m away, you will see the last waterfall, Gorgo de la Escalera waterfall. The most spectacular one of the route. The water from Gorgo de la Escalera natural pool plunges down this waterfall.

There are 4 options:

The nearest car park to ‘Gorgo de la Escalera‘ is close to the soccer field of Anna and 50 m from the large swimming hole. It’s accessed by crossing some crop fields.

You can also park on the road side next to these crop fields. On the side of a ‘factory’, you’ll see a path leading to some stairs.

You can also park in the village, on ‘Calle Pintor Molina Ciges‘ or along ‘Avenida Diputación n.º 65’. This is the beginning of the Route of the 3 waterfalls. If you park here, you’ll have to pass by the 2 waterfalls before reaching the Gorgo de la Escalera waterfall.

Finally, about 2 km away, you can park at ‘Albufera de Anna‘. During the summer months, there is a fee to visit this area which includes the entrance to Gorgo de la Escalera.

It’s very crowded in summer, especially on weekends. If you can go during the week, you’ll enjoy the place more and also help protect it. It’s open all year round, but in summer there is capacity control.

In high season there is a fee (€2 per person) which is both for the stay and parking. It is also valid for the lake of Anna, which can be visited the same day. It’s paid in cash in access areas.

Swimming in the waterfall and swimming holes
Hiking
Canyoning
Picnic

None. There are no toilets. 

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 it well before taking a dip.

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

Ayuntamiento de Anna – 96 221 01 36 – adl@ayto-anna.org

Suggestions to improve the place: Chemical toilets could be installed here.

What to do near the Gorgo de la Escalera

The village of Anna has the impressive Palace of the Counts of Cervelló. It houses the Ethnology and Water Museums. The Arab courtyard and hall are full of ceramic mosaics (Muslims lived here from the 12th century).

On the outskirts of the town (about 300 m) is the Gorgo Catalán. This natural pool with a small waterfall has a side made of cement and a ladder to enter, perfect for a swim.

About 2 km from Anna is Lake Anna, also known as Albufera de Anna. It’s a large lake with ducks, but not suitable for swimming. Yet, on one side of the lake, they have made a pool with a waterfall where you can swim.

3.3 km southwest of Anna, is ‘Fuente de Marzo‘. It has a small river beach and a stretch where the river passes between rock walls, making it look magical.

Check the following places in the interior of VALENCIA for amazing natural pools and waterfalls

The impressive Salto de Chella is a 25 m waterfall at the outskirts of Chella village. The viewpoint in the village offers spectacular views of the waterfall, swimming hole and countryside.

In the village of Bolbaite, there are 3 beautiful natural pools. Charcos de Quesa has a series of natural pools sculpted in rock. 

Los Chorradores de Navarrés, near the village of Navarrés, is a route with several waterfalls. It’s signposted and can be done perfectly with small children.

Pou Clar has amazing blue crystalline swimming holes. Bugarra and Gestalgar have ideal fluvial beaches.”

At el Gorgo de la Escalera and on the route of the 3 waterfalls there are no bars. The nearest place to buy something is the gas station before reaching Gorgo de la Escalera. Yet you’d have to go back up the 136 steps and walk 200 m.

There are restaurants in Anna, Lake Anna and also in the other surrounding villages.

There are plenty of places for picnics in this area.

A few minutes from the start of the 3 waterfalls of Anna route, there are tables and stone benches in the shade. They are next to the Gorgo Gaspar waterfall.

Remember! It’s forbidden to bring chairs, hammocks, tables or coolers to Gorgo de la Escalera and the route of the 3 waterfalls. This is a hiking area.

Lake Anna has plenty of picnic tables and chairs around it. Also, right next to it, at the exit of the campsite, there are barbecues that can be used free of charge all year round.

Gorgo Catalán (swimming hole) and Font Negra (fountain) are on the outskirts of Anna. Both have picnic tables in a relaxed area.

Finally, 3.3 km southwest of Anna, is the ‘Fuente de Marzo‘ (swimming hole). It has a little river beach with wooden tables and benches.

Fortunately, there are no large hotel complexes in this area of villages. It’s best to stay with locals or in a rural house.

There is a campsite in the Albufera de Anna, about 2 km from Gorgo de la Escalera and about 50 m from Lake Anna. This Municipal Campsite has 90 pitches. It’s normally open in the high season (April to October). 

La Cascada del Salto, being tucked into the canyon, is in the shade from 3 pm onwards in summer. The natural pool of Gorgo de la Escalera is in the sun for longer.