Toll Blau

It’s not easy to get to Toll Blau for several reasons. It’s difficult to find, it’s not signposted and there are natural obstacles along the way. The Information Center of Parc Natural de la Serra de Mariola did not want to tell us where it is exactly. This place to swim has such little capacity that makes it vulnerable, so keep this in mind when going.

After walking several km along a forest track, you come to a wet furrow in the ground. This is the riverbed of the Vinalopó River. When you get to an abandoned building you have arrived at Blanes Factory (a flour and then paper factory). You will see a path on the left that goes down to the river. This is the path that runs parallel to the river and reaches the Toll Blau. You will get wet jumping from stone to stone, over a tree trunk and crossing the river several times. Toll Blau is the end of this narrow path.

The slopes of the riverbed become so steep next to Toll Blau, that a path is not possible. There is only room for about 3 persons in this swimming hole and its surroundings. If more people come to see the pool, you have to move out of the way to let them pass and there is nowhere to go. This makes this place to swim a very fragile place.

To see the waterfalls you must be inside the swimming hole. You have to go down a 4 m rock wall full of slippery moss. Wear booties or hold on tight and be very careful. Respect this environment so that it lasts.

Several hiking trails pass through the Toll Blau.

You will need a car to get both to the town of Banyeres de Mariola and the Information Centre of Parc Natural Serra de Mariola. From the Information Centre you can only walk or cycle along a forest track. Take the path parallel to the river until you get to Toll Blau. Motorized vehicles on this forest track are not allowed. You would need a permit from the Serra de Mariola Natural Park. Otherwise, you will risk getting a fine from SEPRONA.  

The closest car parks are a reasonable distance from the Toll Blau swimming hole. There is a car park in the town of Banyeres de Mariola and another one at the Information Centre of Parc Natural Serra de Mariola. Both are open 24×7. The path to Toll Blau is not signposted from any of these places.

It’s difficult to find. You have to cross the river several times, jump over several obstacles (such as tree trunks) and go down a slippery rock wall.

30 minutes if you park your car in the car park of the Information Centre of the Mariola Mountain Range.

Wild swimming, swimming in waterfall, trekking

No

It’s forbidden to make fires, camping 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).

Things to do near Toll Blau

Mariola Mountains Natural Park (Sierra de Mariola) is of great botanical interest. It has plenty of medicinal and aromatic plants, pine forest masses, oaks, maples, ashs and yews. It has several great hikes.

Font de la Coveta, also known as the source of the Vinalopó river, is the most famous spring in the area. Cold water appears from the floor of the small cave, although the true origin of the river is 6 km away. This hiking route goes from Banyeres de Mariola to Font de la Coveta.

You can also visit nearby towns.
Banyeres de Mariola has a beautiful castle and church. Near it, next to the Vinalopó river, is a recreational area called Molí L’ombria. It’s perfect to go with children.
Bocairent is famous for its Moorish caves (Covetes del Moros).
Ontinyent has a nice old quarter and a beautiful view from the Pont Vell or Santa Maria bridges to the coloured houses. You can take a walk along the river until you reach the Pou Clar.

Check out other amazing natural pools 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 the most beautiful waterfalls in Alicante. The crystalline natural pools in the river are ideal for having a picnic beside them.

The most beautiful natural pools in Alicante are Barranco de la Encantada and Pou Clar and Salt de Jijona.

To swim on the coast in Alicante, Cala Granadella, Cala Portitxol, Cala Ambolo and Cala Moraig are all amazing. They might 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.

Banyeres de Mariola has restaurants and is the best place to eat.

There is almost no space to sit next to Toll Blau pool and waterfalls, so picnicking there is not a good idea. You can have a picnic among the trees of the Sierra de Mariola itself (about 150 meters or more from the Toll Blau), but you’ll have to sit on the ground.