The Fonts de l’Algar or Algar Waterfalls are a must visit when you’re in the Costa Blanca region. You don’t need long; a couple of hours stop off would do the trick and would allow you to enjoy a walk along the stunning river and even squeeze in a swim or two in the turquoise waters. This is a popular spot and coaches bring hoards of tourists here from Benidorm and Alicante during the peak season BUT visit out of the peak season and I can almost promise you’ll experience these waterfalls in relative peace. My mum and I visited in early March and enjoyed the area with just a handful of other people.
What are the Algar Waterfalls?
Just 15 short kilometers from Benidorm is the village of Algar through which the River Algar meanders and which is home to a series of waterfalls and wonderful deep pools to swim in. The waterfalls are incredible and if you do manage to visit during a quieter period, it’s worth taking the time to walk up river and stop off at all the different swim spots.
The start of the route is at the bottom of the valley and the riverside is incredibly well maintained with stairs, handrails and good paths to take you up river. After passing through the entrance area, you’ll quickly see a waterfall known as the Toll de la Caldera which is an impressive sight due to its height and power. The pool at the bottom isn’t quite deep enough to swim in but standing under the force of the waterfall is great fun enough. Just take a look at this!
Further up river, you cross a bridge where there is a wonderfully deep, crystal clear swimming hole with a platform to jump from. There is also a smaller waterfall with a shallower bathing pool not far from this.
The route is just 1.5km long and ends at an obvious point where the path goes no further. We actually had our first swim here as the canyon narrows; we swam through a narrow channel and to some more waterfalls at the end although there are no paths or access points beyond this so we swam back relatively quickly.
There’s also a picnic area nearby as well as restaurants and bars, shops and plenty of parking.
Where are the Algar Waterfalls and how do you get there?
If you’ve hired a car, Google Maps will take you straight to the ample parking areas in Algar or just follow the AP-7 and then the CV-755 from both Alicante and Benidorm. The waterfalls are well signposted from the town of Callosa d’en Sarria too.
See the location on Google Maps;
If you’re staying in Benidorm then public transport serves the area too; just take the line 018 bus.
Or, you can book onto a tour group where a coach will drop you off near the entrance to the waterfalls!
How much does it cost to enter the Algar Waterfalls?
Understandably, there’s a fee to enter the waterfall area and although this can at first seem annoying, the whole area is so well maintained and the entrance fee is relatively cheap. Plus, tourism is huge in this area so it’s nice to know that your fee is going toward the upkeep of the area (hopefully!).
In March 2024, the entrance fee was just 4 Euros per adult but I believe this rises to 5 Euros during the summer months.
For more ideas of things to do in the Costa Blanca mountains check out some of my other blogs or visit my Instagram page for even more outdoor adventures.
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4 responses to “Algar waterfalls and gorge; hidden gem 30 minutes from Benidorm”
Do people dip in the pools in the winter
We were there during winter and swam but I think the locals thought we were mad for doing it. The water was a lovely temp so you can definitely swim in the winter depending on what you’re used to. 🙂
Also can you catch the bus direct to waterfalls
Like how cold lol
We’re looking at end of April
Also is the town village close by enough to visit or ???