If, especially during the summer months, it gets a bit too hot - even for the most persistent sun worshippers - or you simply crave a change of scenery, a spot of unspoilt nature and a breath of fresh air, combined with a dip in cold water, a day trip to the Algar Waterfalls is just the answer for you.

All about the Algar Waterfalls

The river Algar empties into the Mediterranean at Altea. On its way there, it passes the town of Callosa d´en Sarria, located some 15kms from Benidorm and about the same distance from Altea, where it forms a series of roaring waterfalls, cascading down the rocks into natural pools. Known as Les Fonts dé l`algar, the entire area is a nature reserve and as such protected. Callosa is a centre for agriculture and growing loquat or nispera, the delicious yellow/orange fruit.

Apart from the waterfalls, the nature reserve is a showcase for lush Mediterranean flora which is why it also contains a arboretum, open to visitors.

Callosa itself is a medieval town with parts of the old Fortalesa de Bernia still visible and a curiosity: El Poador de la Font Mayor, a washing place built in 1786 which provided space for over 70 people.

A piece of advice : bring a camera, swim suit and towel (for the dip) and wear good walking shoes because it gets slippery in places.

Practical

There is ample (paid) parking at the foot of the waterfalls (all well signposted).

Go to the entrance, pay your admission of €4 for adults and €2 for kids up to 10 years.

Follow the footpath to a wooden structure which contains a souvenir shop, a small restaurant/cafeteria and toilets, then head down wooden steps and follow the indicated path along the length of the river, leading from one cascade to the next. The entire length is 1.5km.

With your entrance ticket comes a map which clearly indicates each point of interest.

It's all a stone and wood boardwalk with sturdy wooden banisters to cling on to when it gets slippery. Along the way you can veer off and step on the rocks, hop around in the pools, particularly Toll de la Para at the turning point of the walkway.

When you’re done, either return to the exit and down wooden stairs to where you came in, or continue through a tunnel to an area a little further up, where you find the arbolarium, a picnic area.

For opening times which vary according to season, please consult Algar

How to get there

From Benissa / Moraira take the AP-7 or the N-332 to Altea. From there take the CV-755 to Callosa d’en Sarria and follow the signs to the Algar Waterfalls.