The Fuentes del Algar are probably one of the most rewarding day trips on the entire Costa Blanca: a 1.5-kilometre route through waterfalls, turquoise natural pools and limestone rock sculpted over thousands of years, just 15 kilometres from Benidorm. And yet, many people leave feeling they did it all wrong: they arrived at midday in the middle of August, found the car park full and the pools packed with visitors.
This guide is all about avoiding that: when to go, what exactly to see, how much it costs and how to get there without making your day more complicated than it needs to be.
The essentials in 30 seconds. The Fuentes del Algar are located in Callosa d'en Sarrià (Marina Baixa, Alicante), 3 km from the town centre via the CV-715. The route is a signposted 1.5 km circuit that passes six natural pools, or tolls, and ends at the Toll de la Caldera, the swimming area. Admission costs around €4-5 depending on the season, and the site is open all year round. The best months to visit are May, June and September: the water is flowing, the weather is warm and it is not overcrowded. And the water is always cold, even in August.
In this guide
- What are the Fuentes del Algar and why are they worth visiting?
- What to see: the six tolls, one by one
- What to do besides walking
- Admission prices and opening hours
- Best time to visit
- Ten practical tips before you go
- What to see nearby: Callosa, Bolulla, Tàrbena and Guadalest
- How to get there from Benidorm and Alicante
- Frequently asked questions
What are the Fuentes del Algar and why are they worth visiting?
A natural spring in the heart of the Marina Baixa that has been a favourite summer retreat on the Costa Blanca for more than a century.
The Fuentes del Algar —Les Fonts de l'Algar in Valencian— are the source of the Algar River, in the municipality of Callosa d'en Sarrià. The water emerges from a maze of underground galleries carved into limestone and forms a succession of waterfalls and natural pools before continuing through loquat orchards and eventually reaching the sea at Altea.
The name says it all: “algar” means cave in Arabic, referring to the caves that the water has carved into the limestone over thousands of years. It is a textbook example of karst landscape formation, which is why the area has been designated a Protected Wetland Area by the Generalitat Valenciana since 2002.
A little history: when the Algar supplied electricity to much of the Marina
At the beginning of the 20th century, a hydroelectric power station was installed here, harnessing the force of the water to supply electricity to Callosa d'en Sarrià and neighbouring towns in the region. Along the route you can still see the old dam, the canal and the irrigation channels, some of which are still used to irrigate the loquat terraces. It is a layer of history that many visitors overlook and one that adds another dimension to the walk.
What to see at the Fuentes del Algar: the six tolls, one by one
The route is linear and clearly signposted. It takes a little over an hour if you do not swim, or an entire morning if you take your time.
Toll de la Caldera
The main waterfall and the largest natural pool, and the only one designated for swimming. It is the iconic view of the site and, in summer, also the busiest area: arrive before 11:00 if you want to see it without the crowds.
Toll Blau
It takes its name from the intense blue colour of the water when the sun shines directly onto it. The best light for photographing it is in mid-morning.
Toll de la Presa
Located next to the remains of the old hydroelectric dam. This is where the industrial history of the site becomes immediately clear.
Toll del Baladre
Surrounded by oleanders —baladre in Valencian—, this is one of the lushest corners of the route.
Toll de la Figuera and Toll de la Parra
Two quieter pools sheltered by fig trees and vines. A good place to sit for a while if the rest of the site is crowded.
La Font del Moro
One of the springs that emerges directly from the rock face. It is the best place to appreciate where all this water actually comes from.
What to do at the Fuentes del Algar besides walking
- Swim in the Toll de la Caldera. It is the main attraction of the site. The water comes directly from the spring, so it is cold all year round: in August it feels refreshing, while in May getting in is harder than you might imagine.
- Walk the botanical trail. The area is home to Mediterranean riverside vegetation —oleanders, poplars and fig trees— with interpretation panels along the route.
- Eat in the picnic area or at one of the nearby restaurants. There are designated tables inside the site and several restaurants next to the entrance serving traditional cuisine and rice dishes. Eating inside the pools is not permitted.
- Photography. Early in the morning, the light comes in at a low angle between the rocks and the water looks clearer, without the movement caused by swimmers. It is by far the best time of day for photos.
- Visit Callosa d'en Sarrià. Just 3 km away, with its old town, the Church of San Juan Bautista and plenty of good places to eat without tourist-area prices.
Is it a good place to visit with children?
Yes, and a very good one. The route is short, there are railings on exposed sections and the swimming area is shallow around the edges. Two warnings: the rocks are extremely slippery —suitable footwear is essential— and there are stairs and changes in level, so a pushchair tends to be more of a hindrance than a help. A baby carrier is a better option.
Fuentes del Algar entrance prices and opening hours
There is an admission fee to enter the site, which contributes towards maintaining the natural environment and its facilities.
| Season | Approximate dates | General admission |
|---|---|---|
| High season | Mid-June to mid-October | Around €5 |
| Low season | Mid-October to mid-June | Around €4 |
| Reduced rates | Children, students, over-65s and groups | Reduced rate with proof of eligibility |
Fuentes del Algar opening hours
The site is open every day of the year except for a small number of specific dates, with longer opening hours in summer and shorter hours in winter:
| Time of year | Approximate opening hours |
|---|---|
| Peak summer (July and August) | 09:00 – 20:00 |
| Spring and early autumn | 09:00 – 18:00 / 19:00 |
| Winter | 09:00 – 15:30 |
Last admission is usually around 45 minutes before closing. Opening hours and prices change each season, so always check the official Les Fonts de l'Algar website before setting off.
What is the best time to visit the Fuentes del Algar?
It depends on what you want from your visit. If swimming is your priority, summer is the obvious choice. If you want to see the site at its best and without the crowds, there are much better options than a Saturday in August.
| Time of year | Atmosphere | Swimming? | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| May and June | Lush greenery, good water flow and fewer visitors on weekdays | Yes, although the water is very cold | The best time. It also coincides with loquat season. |
| July and August | Very busy. Parking becomes difficult from midday onwards | Yes, the ideal time | Worth considering only if you arrive when the site opens at 09:00. |
| September | Still very warm but with far fewer visitors | Yes, perfect | Almost tied with May-June. If you have a choice, go in September. |
| October and November | Quiet, with autumn colours | Only for the brave | A good option for photography and walking. |
| Winter | Very quiet; after rainfall, the water flow can be spectacular | No | Short opening hours. A completely different visit, but still worthwhile. |
And the best time of day?
The first two hours after opening, without question. You can park without driving around looking for a space, the water is still and calm, the light is better for photos and the tolls look exactly as they should. From 12:00 onwards in summer, the atmosphere changes completely.
Ten practical tips for visiting the Fuentes del Algar
- Wear shoes with good grip or water shoes. Wet rock is extremely slippery. Flip-flops are about the worst possible choice.
- The water is cold all year round. It comes directly from the spring, so do not expect swimming-pool temperatures even in the middle of August.
- Arrive early, particularly from June to September and at weekends.
- Buy your ticket online during high season to avoid the ticket-office queue.
- Bring a towel and a change of clothes, even if you are not planning to swim. Almost everyone ends up putting their feet in the water.
- Bring water and sun protection. Some sections are shaded, but other rocky areas are completely exposed.
- Bring a waterproof bag or phone case if you plan to get close to the waterfalls.
- Do not apply creams or use soaps before swimming: this is a protected wetland area and the ecosystem is fragile.
- Stay on the marked routes. Leaving them is not only prohibited but is also where many slips and falls occur.
- Allow at least half a day. Rushing through the Fuentes del Algar means missing much of what makes them special.
What to see near the Fuentes del Algar
The inland Marina Baixa has much more to offer than a single stop. If you are travelling up from the coast, make the most of the journey and combine several places.
Guadalest · 20 min
The most photographed village in the province, perched dramatically on the rock with its turquoise reservoir below. It is the natural combination with the Algar for a full-day trip: find out how to plan it in our guide on how to get from Benidorm to Guadalest.
Callosa d'en Sarrià · 5 min
The loquat capital, with a charming old town and good restaurants at local-town prices rather than tourist-area prices.
Bolulla and Salt del Cavall · 10 min
Another much lesser-known waterfall in a spectacular ravine. Ideal if you are looking for a quieter version of the experience.
Tàrbena · 25 min
A mountain village with Mallorcan origins, reached by a winding road with views that make the detour worthwhile.
Altea · 20 min
A whitewashed old town, blue-domed church and Mediterranean sunsets. A great way to finish the day as you head back down towards the coast.
Want to visit Algar and Guadalest on the same day?
It is the star excursion of inland Alicante, but combining both places using public transport is practically impossible. With a private vehicle and driver, you can comfortably visit both in one long morning, stopping wherever you like and without having to look for parking at either destination.
Ask us for a quote for your excursionHow to get to the Fuentes del Algar from Benidorm and the rest of the Costa Blanca
They are located on the CV-715, 3 km from Callosa d'en Sarrià towards Bolulla. Finding them is not the difficult part: arriving at a sensible time and finding somewhere to park is.
Distances and travel times from the main destinations
Times are without traffic. In July and August, and at weekends, allow extra time for the final kilometres and for parking.
The route from Benidorm to the Fuentes del Algar
The usual route leaves Benidorm on the CV-70 towards Callosa d'en Sarrià and then joins the CV-715 to the entrance of the site. It is around twenty-five minutes on inland roads through loquat terraces, with excellent views of the Sierra de Bèrnia:
Approximate route between Benidorm and Les Fonts de l'Algar (Callosa d'en Sarrià).
Going by car: what you need to know about parking
There are several parking areas close to the entrance. The problem is seasonal: from June to September and at weekends they fill up by mid-morning, after which you may have to leave the car increasingly far away and walk uphill along the road, often under the midday sun while carrying a cool box and towels. If you arrive at 09:00, this paragraph does not apply to you.
Without a car: the practical option
Callosa d'en Sarrià is a small inland town and the springs are 3 km from the town centre. There is no convenient direct regular connection from the main coastal destinations, so visitors without a car often end up relying on rigid timetables, changes of transport and walking the final kilometres.
This is where our service comes in. At Transfer4U, we take you door to door from your hotel, apartment or villa directly to the entrance of the Fuentes del Algar, wait for as long as you need and then take you back to your accommodation. Fixed price, no waiting surcharges and no surprises.
- Leave whenever you want. If you want to be at the entrance at 08:45 so you can be among the first visitors in, you will be there at 08:45.
- No parking problems. We drop you off directly at the entrance.
- Return wet and tired without having to drive along winding roads.
- Groups and families. From a sedan to a 19-seat minibus: one vehicle solves what would otherwise require three cars. Child seats are included at no extra cost.
- Combine it with other stops, such as Guadalest, Callosa or Altea, on the same trip.
If you have just landed, we can also take you directly from Alicante Airport to your accommodation in Benidorm, the best base for this excursion: just 15 kilometres away and with the entire Costa Blanca hotel offering within easy reach.
Frequently asked questions about the Fuentes del Algar
Visit the Fuentes del Algar without driving or looking for parking
Private door-to-door transfer from Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Jávea, Dénia, Alicante or directly from the airport. Fixed price, waiting time included during your visit, child seats at no extra cost and vehicles for groups of 3 to 19 passengers.
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