Algar Waterfalls

The Algar Waterfalls are a set of springs, cascades and natural pools on the Algar river, about 3 km from Callosa d'en Sarrià. A walking trail of around 1.5 km follows the crystal-clear water, and you can swim in the pools.

The Algar Waterfalls (Fonts de l'Algar in Valencian) are a group of springs, cascades and natural pools on the Algar river, about 3 km from Callosa d'en Sarrià towards Bolulla and around 15 km from Benidorm. The water rises here from an aquifer fed by rainfall in the nearby Bèrnia and Ferrer ranges. The river itself begins in the Sierra del Ferrer near Tàrbena and flows for about 12 km before reaching the Mediterranean at Altea. In the narrow Estret de Sacos gorge it forms cascades, pools known as “tolls” and artificial reservoirs. The karst landscape was carved out of the limestone by water over millions of years, and the name Algar comes from the Arabic word for cave. In September 2002 the Valencian government listed the area as a protected wetland. In the past the Algar's water irrigated the loquat (níspero) orchards Callosa is known for, whose fruit now has a protected designation of origin, and today it mainly feeds the Guadalest and Amadorio reservoirs. A walking trail of around 1.5 km follows the river, and one visitor mentions its wooden boardwalks and steps. Along the way you can see an old dam, historic irrigation channels (acequias) and a canal that is still in use. You can swim in several of the pools, and the cold water comes up often in reviews, with visitors saying it is welcome relief on hot summer days. The site also has an arboretum, parking, picnic areas, toilets, an information point and a first-aid point, and there are five restaurants and a campsite nearby. One visitor notes that food may not be taken past the entrance. According to the site management, dogs on a lead are admitted only outside the summer season, from mid-September to mid-June. Crowds are the most frequent topic in reviews, and one visitor advises arriving as early in the morning as possible, as it gets very busy after lunch. Spring and autumn are calmer, away from the peak season. One review describes it as a good place for families, although the steep climbs can be tiring for older visitors. DinoPark Algar is also on site, and nearby the Estret de les Penyes gorge and the Salt de Bolulla waterfall are worth a look.