What I like best about Torrevieja is, that you can go on plenty of daytrips to ever different places which are not too far away. Especially during the summer months, and we are approaching fast, Torrevieja gets a bit too hot even for the most persistent sun worshippers and you’d like to have a break. Or you simply crave a change of scenery, a spot of unspoilt nature and a breath of fresh air combined with a dip in cold water. Algar waterfalls is just the place for you.
Where are they, you will want to know. Well, roughly, northwest of Benidorm. From Torrevieja, take the AP-7 (toll road) or the N-332 to Benidorm. From there take the CV-70 and the CV-715 to La Nucia. Head for Polop (signposted) and from there to Callosa d´en Sarria and follow the signs to the Algar Waterfalls.
I however, went by another means. If you live or visit here, you will know that guys walk along the promenade, distributing leaflets for free daytrips. These are of course promotional tours, which means you are supposed to buy beds, kitchen stuff, leather good or what have you. You have to sit through a lengthy presentation but, from time to time, the final destination is worth it, especially if you don’t have a car like me. It’s only fair, these people lay on a free tour and a free meal, naturally, they want to sell something. Up to you, but don’t stint on the tip for the driver.
I have only gone three times when the final stop was a destination I would otherwise not have been able to reach easily, much less in the form of a daytrip. On the other hand, apart from seeing something worthwhile, I have made friends. So, back to the Algar waterfalls!
The river Algar empties into the Mediterranean at Altea. On its way there, it passes the town of Callosa d´en Sarria, located some 15kms from Benidorm and about the same distance from Altea, where it forms a series of roaring waterfalls, cascading down the rocks into natural pools. Known as Les Fonts dé l`algar, the entire area is a nature reserve and as such protected. Callosa is a centre for agriculture and for growing loquat or nispero, the delicious yellow/orange fruit.
Apart from the waterfalls, the nature reserve is a showcase for lush Mediterranean flora which is why it also contains an arboretum, open to visitors.
Callosa itself is a medieval town with parts of the old Fortalesa de Bernia still visible and a curiosity: El Poador de la Font Mayor, a public washing place built in 1786 which provided space for over 70 people.
A piece of advice first: bring a swim suit and towel (for the dip) and wear good walking shoes because it gets slippery in places.
There is ample parking at the foot of the waterfalls (all well signposted), then head up to the entrance, pay your admission of €4 for adults and €for kids up to 10 years, walk along the footpath to a wooden structure which contains a souvenir shop, a small restaurant/cafeteria and toilets, then climb downwooden steps and follow the indicated path along the length of the river, leading from one cascade to the next.
It´s all a wooden boardwalk with sturdy wooden banisters to cling on to when it gets slippery.
Along the way you can veer off and step on the rocks, hop around in the pools, particularly Toll de la Para which is at the turning point of the walkway.
After you have had your fun, you can either return to where you came in, or continue through a tunnel to an area further up, where you find the arbolarium and a picnic area. Together with your ticket you will be given a map which clearly indicates each point of interest of the entire circle. Don´t forget to buy some of the nisperos or other fruit when they are in season.
Back in Torrevieja, you’ll be ready for another round of swimming and sunbathing on one of the pretty beaches.