Fonts de l'Algar: prices, swimming, opening hours and tips

When the beach turns into an oven and the sand gets into the sandwich bag, there is an antidote twenty minutes from the coast: the Fonts de l’Algar. Near Callosa d’en Sarrià, the Algar river tumbles down the mountain in a series of waterfalls and turquoise pools, lined with oleanders and rocks polished smooth by the water. People come to swim in cool (very cool…) water, stroll along the riverside walkways and, let’s be honest, take the best photos of the summer.

A walk along the water

You explore the site by following the river upstream along a laid-out trail, with steps, wooden walkways and little bridges. Every level brings a new waterfall, a new pool and a new reason to stop.

The Algar river flowing between flowering oleanders and rocks — Oleanders and clear water: the classic Fonts de l'Algar scene. chisloup · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The water springs from mountain sources, which explains its colour… and its temperature. Even in the middle of August, the first dip rarely happens without a little shriek.

Swimming: the rules

There are seven designated swimming areas. During Holy Week and the summer season, lifeguards are on duty; outside those periods, swimming is allowed at your own risk. Dogs and other animals are not allowed to swim in the river.

Swimmers in a natural pool below a small waterfall — One of the swimming areas, and the walkways that follow the river. chisloup · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commonschisloup · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Wooden walkway over the river on the Fonts de l’Algar trail — One of the swimming areas, and the walkways that follow the river. chisloup · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commonschisloup · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Prices and opening hours

Our tips

Water shoes are essential. The rocks are slippery and sometimes sharp; this one accessory transforms the outing.

Arrive at opening time in summer. Weekends in July and August are busy: early in the morning you can enjoy the pools in peace.

Bring a towel and something warm for the children: the water is cold, and blue lips arrive sooner than you think.

Out of season, it’s magical. In spring and autumn, without the crowds, the waterfalls are even more charming — although swimming becomes a sport for the brave.

Nearby

The Fonts de l’Algar are close to the clifftop village of Guadalest: the two combine perfectly in a single day. To stay in nature, Safari Aitana isn’t far, and our hidden coves of the Costa Blanca take over by the sea.