Salto de Millares
Jaw-dropping 60 meters high waterfall, with a tiny swimming hole at its feet. Located in the depth of Júcar canyon, in the interior of Valencia (Spain).
‘Salto de Millares’ is also known as Tollo Jorge or Monster of Millares. It’s called this way because after it rains, you can hear the roar of the water down the waterfall from Millares village (2 km away!).
The hiking route to this place is unique. It passes ‘El Castillet‘, which are the ruins of a castle with 360 degrees views of Júcar canyon. Then you cross a small arched wooden bridge and the ‘Molino de los Moros’ (ruins of a mill). From there, the Samson Path starts taking you down through ‘La Pedrera‘. This is a hillside composed of stones that move when you step on them. The route is difficult and dangerous in its last section. Hence it’s not advisable for inexperienced hikers or children. Another way to get there is to descend from the waterfall by practising water canyoning. Special equipment like a wetsuit and ropes are required for this.
The pool under the waterfall is so small that you cannot swim in it. Still, the dip under the waterfall will be one you won’t forget! Another place where you can take a dip is in Font de las Donas, only 50 m away from Millares. This magical and special fountain is named after the fairies that inhabit it!
Millares is located in an incredible natural environment. There is only one shop in the village. On the right, the village gossips.
The route that the locals advised us starts at the hermitage. Just before reaching it, there is a detour to the right. From it, you can see the castle in the background.
From ‘El Castillet’ you’ll have spectacular views.
But first, you will have to cross the little arched wooden bridge that you can see in the two photos.
After crossing the bridge, the descent begins. You will see on the left the ruins of the mill (‘Molino de los Moros’).
The views of Júcar Canyon are impressive. Some locals told us they had never seen Salto de Millares because they considered the route dangerous.
Samson Path begins at the mill. First, you have to go down a concrete staircase that splits into two. Be careful because one leads to the precipice.
If you took the correct staircase, then the path continues through ‘La Pedrera’. This is a steep descent of piled-up stones. They move when you step on them, so be cautious!
To the left of the path, you’ll see Salto de Millares. Since the swimming hole is usually in the shade, the water is ice-cold!
The waterfall is one of the highest in the Valencian Community. It’s ideal for practising water canyoning.
There is not much space at the foot of the waterfall. The force of the falling water will splash you.
Back in the village is ‘Fuente de las Donas’ (Fountain of the Fairies). Here you can take a dip with the fairies!
The most frequented route to Salto de Millares starts at the Fountain of the Fairies (see the ‘How to Get There’ section below).
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Salto de Millares
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Cortes de Pallás - River
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Charcos de Quesa
Cueva Turche
Bugarra
Gestalgar
Azud de Tuéjar
Pozas del Ral
Barranco Otonel
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Toll Blau
Barranco de la Encantada
Salt de Jijona
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Swimming Safety
Read these Tips
&
be Safe
when Wild Swimming
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Keep it Clean!
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HOW TO GET TO - Salto de Millares
Getting There
Transport Options
The easiest way is to go to Millares in your vehicle. From Millares, you can only walk to ‘Salto de Millares’.
Getting There
How to get to Millares?
By car from Valencia and Castellón you can go via Buñol (taking the A3 and CV-425) and Torrent-Montserrat (taking the CV-435). From Xàtiva and Alicante, you go via Navarrés and Bicorp (taking the A-7 and CV-580).
It can also be reached by bus. Busses depart from Valencia Bus Station (platforms 34 or 36). Check the bus schedule to Millares.
How to get to ‘Salto de Millares’?
There are several ways to get there. We took the more unusual route that the locals advised us. It starts to the left of the town. You need to walk along the main road for about 500 m. Before reaching the hermitage, there is a path to the right.
Follow this path for about 500 m until you see the ruins of the castle in front of you. Turn left and then cross the little arched wooden bridge. This is the start of the descent and the hardest part of the road. First, you’ll see the ruins of the mill ‘Molino de los Moros’ and a slanted pine tree. From here the ‘Senda de Sansón’ (Sanson Path) begins. Follow the cement staircase and go down the hill covered with piled-up stones (‘La Pedrera‘). When you have almost reached the bottom, you’ll see a signpost with an arrow to the left. In about 50 m you have arrived at the waterfall.
On the other hand, the more common route to ‘Salto de Millares‘ starts at the right exit of town. The path begins at a side street of the main road (CV-580), close to ‘Albergue de Millares’ (the shelter).
The beginning of the path is signposted with ‘El Castillet (the castle) 850 meters’. The path to the castle soon splits up into 2 directions. If you go left, it takes you to the castle on the way to the Salto de Millares. If you go right, it takes you directly to ‘Salto de Millares’ waterfall. If you are at the castle, descent to the arched wooden bridge. From here, follow the route explained above.
Parking
There are some good parking spots in Millares, at the sides of CV-580 road (the road crossing town).
If you want to park closer to the start of the most common route to ‘Salto de Millares’, there is a place to park on a dirt road soon after the hostel.
Location
Coordinates
Closest Towns
Villages Nearby
Level of Difficulty
Walking Time
Drinking Water Spots
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USEFUL INFORMATION - Salto de Millares
Handy Things to Know
When to Go
The best time to go is in spring and summer when there is more water in the waterfalls and it’s not so (freezing) cold! It is always open though.
Entrance Fee
Activities
Swimming in the swimming holes and waterfalls
Hiking
Canyoning
Facilities
Kids
Dogs
Skinny Dipping
Wheelchair Access
Restrictions
It’s forbidden to make fires and litter.
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 discovered that sunscreen releases significant amounts of titanium dioxide, which damages aquatic life.
Soaps have phosphates, are also non-biodegradable and harm the environment).
Managed by
City Hall of Millares – 96 251 90 00/ info@ayuntamientomillares.es – Contact them for latest news & Covid
Things to Do – Salto de Millares
Things to Do
Next to Millares, you can see dinosaur footprints and cave paintings.
The impressive Chorrador de Otonel is 9 km from Millares. It’s a big waterfall with a deep swimming hole at its feet. It’s located next to the Cávera bridge, and you can reach it by taking the old Naranjero reservoir tunnel track. To descent from the waterfall, climbing equipment and ropes are required. You can also stay in the swimming hole next to the bridge and take an unforgettable dip.
Cortes de Pallás is a small village with a medieval Islamic layout. It invites strolling through its narrow, winding streets. It has steep stairs and slopes from which you can enjoy beautiful views. Don’t miss the views of the from ‘Tierra Colorá’ viewpoint.
The stream passing Cortes de Pallás village has the most crystal clear waters you have ever seen! ‘Fuente Corbinet‘, a postcard waterfall with a turquoise swimming hole. A path parallel to the stream takes you through crystalline natural pools and to the ‘Cascada San Andreu‘ and ‘Cascadas del Manantial de San Vicente’ waterfalls.
Cortes de Pallás Reservoir is 250 m away from the village, feeding on the Júcar river. Access to the reservoir is further away, crossing the 281 m long bridge to get to the jetty. Here you can swim, paddle-surf and go kayaking or boat riding.
To go wild swimming in other areas of the province of VALENCIA, check out these places!
‘Charcos de Quesa‘ are 10 km from ‘Chorradores de Navarrés’, west of the town of Quesa. It’s a set of fascinating swimming holes carved in rock.
In the town of Bolbaite, there are a series of 3 spectacular natural pools in the river.
On the outskirts of Chella is ‘Salto de Chella‘, a beautiful 25 m waterfall with a green emerald swimming hole. The viewpoint is at the top of the town of Chella, offering an impressive view of the waterfall, swimming hole and the surrounding countryside.
In the town of Anna, there is a jaw-dropping lake (Lago de Anna) and 3 waterfalls. These can be enjoyed by doing the Route of the 3 Waterfalls. For swimming, the best is the ‘Gorgo de la Escalera‘, an impressive waterfall.
For taking a dip in amazing swimming holes in the rivers of Valencia, check out Bolbaite, Pou Clar, Bugarra and Gestalgar.
Where to Eat
If you want to eat something at ‘Salto de Millares’ you’ll have follow the tough route explained above and sit on the ground. That’s why it’s best to take a sandwich.
Millares has 2 bars/restaurants (Mesón Boros) on the road that crosses town and another in the town square. You can also eat at the hostel or ‘Los Jubilados’.
Accommodation
Fortunately, there are no large hotels in this area, so it’s best to stay with locals or in a rural house.
In Millares, you have the ‘Albergue de Millares’ (shelter), located 500 m. from the village and surrounded by pine trees.
There are rural houses in the surrounding villages. Cortes de Pallás has one hostel and one rural house, but you can also find accommodation in the villages of El Oro, Castilblanques and Venta Gaeta. Cofrentes, Buñol and Valencia are much bigger, so there are plenty of options there.
Geography
Altitude
Size
Under Foot
Maximum Water Depth
Minimum Swimming Level
Shade
How Clean is Swimming Spot?
Water Quality
Underwater Visibility
Water Temperature
How Clean is Water?
Water Colour
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
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