Fuentes del Algar

The Algar river rises in the Sierra de Bernia and drops through a limestone gorge in a series of small falls and pools, the water having deposited travertine that shapes the basins. A route of about a kilometre and a half runs alongside with ladders, walkways and steps down to the water, and swimming in the pools is the reason almost everyone comes; the water comes straight from the springs and stays around fifteen degrees even in August, which produces a lot of shrieking. The site is managed with an entry charge, changing rooms, restaurants and car parking, and it is busy in summer. Callosa d'en Sarria below is a centre for medlar growing, and the surrounding hills hold Guadalest and the Bernia ridge.

What you actually see

• The travertine pools - basins shaped by mineral deposit along the gorge.
• The waterfalls - a chain of small drops through the limestone.
• The walkway route - about a kilometre and a half with steps and ladders.
• The cold water - spring-fed pools at around fifteen degrees year-round.

When to go

June to September for swimming; the site opens seasonally and reduces hours or closes in winter. July and August are extremely busy, with the car park full by mid-morning.

Honest expectations

The water is genuinely cold and many visitors manage only a brief immersion. The site is commercially managed with an entry fee and can feel crowded and noisy in season. Rocks around the pools are slippery.

Nearby

Guadalest is fifteen minutes inland; Benidorm and the Costa Blanca lie east.