Waterfalls of Algar
Swimming in Natural Pools on the Costa Blanca
Crystal-clear mountain water, beautiful waterfalls and natural swimming pools surrounded by rocks and greenery. Welcome to Les Fonts de l’Algar, one of the loveliest nature experiences on the Costa Blanca! Just a short drive inland from Moraira, near the village of Callosa d’en Sarrià, you’ll discover a surprisingly green landscape where fresh spring water flows between limestone rocks and tumbles into natural pools.
And the best part? You can even swim in some of these beautiful freshwater pools! Whether you’re looking for a refreshing escape from the summer heat, a fun family outing or a beautiful nature experience to combine with a visit to Guadalest, the Algar Waterfalls are well worth discovering.
We’ve been living on the Costa Blanca for many years, and we’d love to share our practical tips for making the most of your visit.
Les Fonts de l’Algar | A Beautiful Natural Oasis
The Algar Waterfalls, officially known as Les Fonts de l’Algar, are situated near Callosa d’en Sarrià in the mountainous countryside of the Costa Blanca. The area was declared a protected wetland in 2002 because of its ecological importance. Here, fresh water emerges from natural springs and flows through a landscape of limestone rocks, lush vegetation, waterfalls and beautiful natural pools. A walking route of approximately 1.5 kilometres follows the Algar River, taking you past waterfalls, rock formations and several wonderful places to stop and admire the scenery.
The natural pools are locally known as tolls. What makes this place particularly special is the contrast with the surrounding Costa Blanca countryside. You might spend the morning relaxing beside the Mediterranean in Moraira and, less than an hour later, find yourself walking through a green mountain landscape beside flowing waterfalls. It’s a completely different side of the Costa Blanca!
Swimming at the Algar Waterfalls
One of the main attractions of Les Fonts de l’Algar is the opportunity to swim in the natural freshwater pools. And during the warmer months, it’s a wonderfully refreshing experience. The water is beautifully clear, but there’s something you should know before jumping in. It’s cold!
The average water temperature is around 18°C, even during the summer. On a hot day, however, that can feel absolutely wonderful. There are designated natural pools where swimming is permitted, provided current conditions allow it.
Our tip: bring water shoes.
The riverbed is rocky, and some of the stones can be surprisingly slippery. Water shoes will make getting in and out of the pools much more comfortable. During Easter and the summer season, lifeguards are normally present. Outside these periods, swimming is at your own risk. If you’re visiting with younger children, keep a close eye on them. Water depths vary, the rocks can be slippery and there may be currents. And if you don’t fancy swimming? The waterfalls are just as beautiful to explore on foot.
Walking Along the Algar Waterfalls
The walking route through Les Fonts de l’Algar is approximately 1.5 kilometres long. It follows the river past waterfalls, natural pools and various viewpoints. You can complete the walk in around 45 minutes, but we wouldn’t recommend rushing. You’ll probably want to stop for photographs, enjoy the scenery and perhaps take a dip in the refreshing water. For a more relaxed visit, we’d allow around one and a half to two hours, especially if you plan to swim. Bear in mind that the route includes steps, slopes and uneven surfaces. This makes parts of the walk less suitable for pushchairs or visitors with limited mobility. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea, even if you’re not planning to get into the water.
Algar Waterfalls Tickets, Entrance Fees and Opening Times
There is an entrance fee to visit Les Fonts de l’Algar. Ticket prices vary depending on the season and the visitor’s age. Reduced rates may be available for children, older visitors and other eligible groups. Rather than giving you a price that might be outdated by the time you visit, we recommend checking the official website for the latest rates.
Our advice is to book ahead, particularly during July and August. The waterfalls are a popular summer attraction, and visitor numbers are limited.
Do You Need to Book Algar Waterfalls Tickets in Advance?
You can buy tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit, provided the maximum visitor capacity hasn’t been reached. However, advance online booking is recommended, especially during the busiest months. Under the current booking rules, online tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours before your visit. Same-day online ticket purchases aren’t available, although tickets may still be sold at the entrance if space remains.
Opening Times and Summer Visiting Sessions
The Algar Waterfalls can be visited throughout most of the year, but opening hours vary by season and date. During July and August, visits are divided into three timed sessions. This means you’ll need to choose a visiting period and leave the attraction by the end of your allocated session. If you’re planning to combine the waterfalls with Guadalest, it’s important to organise your day around your ticket time. Always check the current arrangements before travelling, as opening hours and visitor rules may change.
Check the official Algar Waterfalls opening times.
View the latest entrance fees and ticket information.
Where Can You Park at the Algar Waterfalls?
There are several parking areas around Les Fonts de l’Algar. Some privately operated car parks are close to the entrance and normally charge a fee, often around €5 per vehicle. But here’s something worth knowing.
Free parking is also available!
There’s a free car park beside the Les Fonts d’Algar Tourist Information Office, approximately 700 metres from the main entrance. You’ll need to walk a little further, but it’s a useful alternative to the privately operated car parks. Some restaurants in the area also offer parking for their customers.
Our tip? Don’t automatically stop at the first paid car park. Check which parking option suits your visit best.
Can You Bring a Picnic to Les Fonts de l’Algar?
Yes, you can bring your own food, although there are some important rules. The nature reserve has a designated picnic area with tables, shade and toilet facilities. Food may only be eaten in the picnic area, not beside the swimming pools. During July and August, visitors bringing their own food must use the designated picnic entrance, known as Entrada 2 + Picnic. There are also facilities for storing your food while you explore the waterfalls. Alcoholic drinks and glass containers aren’t permitted inside the attraction. If you’d rather not bring a picnic, there are several restaurants nearby where you can enjoy lunch or something refreshing to drink. For us, enjoying a leisurely lunch is always part of a good day out in Spain!
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Algar Waterfalls?
Les Fonts de l’Algar is beautiful at different times of the year, although each season offers a slightly different experience.
Spring | The surrounding countryside is often wonderfully green, and temperatures are usually very pleasant for walking.
Summer | The natural pools offer a fantastic way to cool down. However, July and August are particularly popular, so expect more visitors and remember to book your preferred visiting session.
Autumn | A lovely time for a peaceful walk, with generally more comfortable temperatures than in the height of summer.
Winter | The waterfalls can also be a beautiful nature excursion during the cooler months, although the cold spring water may be rather less tempting for swimming.
Our personal preference?
For a relaxed walk and beautiful scenery, we’d choose spring or early autumn. If swimming is the highlight of your visit, summer is a lovely choice, especially if you plan ahead and avoid the busiest times.
Combine the Algar Waterfalls with Guadalest
If you’re staying in Moraira, we’d highly recommend combining the Algar Waterfalls with another remarkable Costa Blanca destination: Guadalest. This beautiful mountain village is famous for its historic castle, narrow streets and spectacular views over a turquoise reservoir. The contrast between the two places makes them a wonderful combination for a day trip.
How We’d Plan the Day
Morning | Explore Guadalest
Start your day in the mountain village. Wander through its historic streets, visit the castle and enjoy the wonderful views over the reservoir and surrounding mountains. You could also stop for a coffee or a leisurely lunch overlooking the valley.
Afternoon | Visit the Algar Waterfalls
Continue to Les Fonts de l’Algar for a walk beside the waterfalls and, if conditions allow, a refreshing swim in the natural pools. During the summer months, make sure your plans match the visiting session you’ve booked. It’s a lovely way to discover two very different sides of the Costa Blanca in one day.
Want to learn more about this beautiful mountain village?
Read our complete guide to Guadalest, its castle and the turquoise reservoir.
How to Get to the Algar Waterfalls from Moraira
The Algar Waterfalls are located near Callosa d’en Sarrià, approximately 40 to 50 minutes’ drive from Moraira, depending on traffic and your chosen route. The drive takes you towards Calpe and Altea before heading inland into the mountains. As you leave the coast behind, the landscape gradually changes, with beautiful countryside and mountain views along the way.
📍Partida Algar, s/n | Callosa d’en Sarrià | Alicante
We recommend travelling by car, particularly if you also want to visit Guadalest. Having your own transport makes it much easier to explore at your own pace.
Discover the Costa Blanca from Your Holiday Villa in Moraira
One of the things we love most about Moraira is how easy it is to enjoy completely different experiences during the same holiday. One day you might be relaxing on a Mediterranean beach. The next, you could be exploring a mountain village or swimming beneath a natural waterfall. And after a wonderful day out?
There’s something rather special about returning to your own holiday villa, enjoying a refreshing dip in the private swimming pool and relaxing on the terrace with a cold drink. At Moraira Holiday Homes, we’ve been specialising in holiday villas and apartments in Moraira and the Benissa Costa since 2004. We live locally, know our properties personally and are always happy to share our favourite places to explore.
Moraira is a wonderful base for discovering the northern Costa Blanca.
Explore our holiday villas and apartments in Moraira.
Looking for More Day Trips from Moraira?
The Algar Waterfalls and Guadalest are just two of the many beautiful places you can discover during your holiday. Whether you enjoy nature, historic villages, coastal scenery or a lovely day out with the family, the Costa Blanca has something for everyone.
Discover our favourite day trips and excursions from Moraira.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Algar Waterfalls
Where Are the Algar Waterfalls Located?
The Algar Waterfalls, officially known as Les Fonts de l’Algar, are located near Callosa d’en Sarrià in Alicante province, Spain. They’re approximately 3 kilometres from the centre of Callosa d’en Sarrià and around 40 to 50 minutes’ drive from Moraira, depending on traffic and your route.
Can You Swim at the Algar Waterfalls?
Yes, swimming is permitted in designated natural pools when conditions allow. The spring water remains refreshingly cold, with an average temperature of around 18°C. During Easter and the summer season, lifeguards are normally present. Water shoes are strongly recommended because the rocks and riverbed can be slippery.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Algar Waterfalls?
Entrance fees vary by season and age. Reduced prices are normally available for certain groups, including children and older visitors. We recommend checking the official Les Fonts de l’Algar website for the latest prices rather than relying on older information found online.
Do You Need to Book Algar Waterfalls Tickets in Advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially during July and August. Under the current booking system, online tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours before your visit. Same-day tickets may be available at the entrance, but only while places remain. During the busiest months, visitors must select an available visiting session.
How Long Do You Need at the Algar Waterfalls?
The walking route is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and takes around 45 minutes without extended stops. If you’d like to swim, take photographs or relax beside the pools, we’d recommend allowing approximately one and a half to two hours. During July and August, your visit must fit within your allocated time slot.
Are the Algar Waterfalls Suitable for Children?
Yes, the Algar Waterfalls can be a lovely family outing. However, parents should be aware of slippery rocks, stairs, uneven surfaces, currents and changes in water depth. Young children must be supervised closely at all times. The walking route isn’t particularly convenient for pushchairs because of the numerous steps.
Is There Free Parking at the Algar Waterfalls?
Yes. Free parking is available beside the tourist information office, approximately 700 metres from the main entrance. There are also privately operated car parks nearer the attraction, typically charging around €5 per vehicle. Some nearby restaurants provide parking for their customers.
Can You Visit Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls on the Same Day?
Absolutely! Guadalest and Les Fonts de l’Algar are relatively close to one another and make an excellent combined day trip from Moraira. We’d suggest exploring Guadalest in the morning before visiting the waterfalls later in the day. During summer, plan your itinerary around your booked visiting session.
Can You Bring Food and Drinks to the Algar Waterfalls?
Yes, you can bring a picnic, but food may only be eaten in the designated picnic area. During July and August, visitors bringing food must enter through the special picnic entrance. Alcoholic drinks and glass containers aren’t allowed inside the attraction. Several restaurants are also located nearby.
