Are the Algar Waterfalls free?

No — the managed nature reserve charges €4 adults / €2 children. The fee maintains the boardwalks, lifeguards and toilets. The river upstream is freely accessible from the village of Callosa d'en Sarrià.

Can you swim at Algar in winter?

You can enter the pools but the water is 13–15°C in winter — only the brave swim. October and April are the shoulder months; serious swimming is May to September.

Is it suitable for small children?

Yes — the pools have shallow ends and lifeguards in summer. Toddlers prefer the small upper cascades; older children love the deeper main pool.

Can I reach Algar by public transport?

Difficult — there is no direct bus from Benidorm. Most visitors drive or join an organised tour (commonly combined with Guadalest). Taxi from Benidorm: around €40 each way.

Guadalest (15 min), the medieval town of Polop (10 min), the Sierra de Bernia hiking trails (25 min) and the beaches of Altea (25 min). A full Marina Baixa inland day.

When is the best time to visit the Costa Blanca?

May, June, September and October.

Recommended for inland trips and beach-hopping.

Is the Costa Blanca family-friendly?

Yes — shallow beaches and family-orientated towns.

Day trip

Algar Waterfalls — Natural Pools in the Mountains

Twenty minutes inland from Benidorm, the river Algar carves a series of waterfalls and turquoise pools through a limestone gorge. Les Fonts de l'Algar (the Algar Springs) is a managed natural site with wooden walkways, swimming pools, picnic areas and a handful of family restaurants serving traditional inland food. The perfect summer escape from the coast.

Last updated 1 June 2026

What to expect

✦A signed 1.5 km circular walk past 7 waterfalls and pools.
✦Three official swimming pools, the largest with a small waterfall to swim under.
✦Cool water year-round (15–18°C even in August) — refreshing but bracing.
✦Wooden boardwalks and steps — sturdy footwear recommended; water shoes for swimming.
✦Picnic and BBQ areas at the upper car park (free).
✦Botanic garden at the entrance, with Mediterranean medicinal plants.

Tickets, hours & getting there

Detail	Info
Entry adult	€4
Entry child (4–12)	€2
Opening hours	10:00–19:00 (Apr–Sep) / 10:00–17:00 (Oct–Mar)
Best months for swimming	May–September
Drive from Benidorm	30 min via Polop and Callosa d'en Sarrià
Drive from Calpe / Altea	25 min
Drive from Alicante	1h 10
Parking	Multiple free and €3 lots at base

Combine with Guadalest

Algar in the morning (10:00 arrival, 2 hours), lunch at one of the riverside restaurants, then Guadalest castle in the afternoon (15 min drive). The classic Marina Baixa inland day.

Practical tips

✦Arrive before 11:00 in July–August — by midday the car parks fill and entry queues form.
✦Towels, swimwear, water shoes — the rocks are sharp and slippery.
✦Picnic or eat at the on-site restaurants — La Cascada and Casa Cantó are local institutions.
✦Children's float rings are forbidden in the deeper pools (depth 2–4 m).
✦Bring euros for parking and a small lunch — cards work at restaurants but not all car-park machines.
✦Closed for swimming after heavy rain — water turns brown and currents become dangerous.

Guadalest

Castle village 15 min away.

Day trips overview

All six classic excursions.

Historic towns

Polop and Callosa heritage centres nearby.

Culture overview

Pair the pools with a half-day of heritage.

Nature parks

Mountain reserves of the Marina.

Family

Family-friendly excursions.