Day Out Fonts del Algar
The Fonts del Algar or Fonts de L'Algar as it is also known is a series of naturally occurring waterfalls which are only 15km from Benidorm. They have become very popular in recent years and have developed into a tourist magnet or trap – you decide!
The new road takes you directly to the falls, but to experience more of the local area take a stop in the small village of Polop. Once you have successfully parked, follow the other tourists to either of the two entrances. After paying you can explore the waterfalls and pools at your leisure as they are open from morning until dusk. Walk along beside the river, swim (at your own risk) in the rock pools, dangle your feet in the flowing water, enjoy your picnic or find a quiet spot to sit under the pine trees. You can exit by following the path uphill behind the first aid station, this takes you to the arboretum, picnic area and museum of the environment. The museum houses various exhibits about the local flora and fauna as well as a gift shop! Further up the hill there is a botanical garden with over 500 different species of cactus and succulents.
Places to stop during a day out Fonts del Algar
- Polop Village: stop for a morning coffee in the quaint village of Polop before heading to the waterfalls for an afternoon splashing around in the river!
- Fonts del Algar: take a walk alongside the river, swim in it or enjoy your picnic beside it.
- Cactus Garden: botanical garden with over 500 different species of cacti and succulents!
- Guadalest: have a day of scenery and visit the waterfalls of the Fonts del Algar and the historic mountain top village and castle of Guadalest.
Places of Interest
1 Polop Village Centre
N38°37.386 W0°07.941Parking: the streets in the village are very narrow and parking places are very limited, so it is best to park here on the waste ground.
From here: walk down into the centre of the village.
Places of interest and things to do in Polop Village
- Village Centre: lots of lovely little streets to explore and plenty of cafes for a morning coffee before heading towards the waterfalls.
2 Fonts del Algar
N38°39.500 W0°05.901Parking: is in any of the private car parks which line the road prior to the entrance to the park or in the public car park further along the road, there is a charge for all the car parks, it gets very congested here during high season, so take any space you can get.
From here: follow the people to either of the two park entrances.
Places of interest and things to do at the Fonts del Algar
- Waterfalls: entrance charge applies (3€ per adult) to see to the waterfalls and pools, once paid you can spend as much time there as you like, there are 2 toilets and a first aid station which is manned during Easter and the summer, swimming is allowed in designated areas. They are open everyday from 09.00 until sunset.
- Museum of the Environment: this museum has information about the local fauna and flora.
- Arboretum: this is a garden area with typical Mediterranean trees.
- Picnic Area: beside the museum this is the only designated eating area within the park.
- Restaurants: a selection of bars and restaurants, some with swimming pools which customers can use line the road before the entrances to the Fonts del Algar park.
3 Cactus Garden
N38°39.162 W0°05.420Parking: is in the car park and is free.
From here: enter the park.
Places of interest and things to do at the Cactus Garden
- Cactus Garden: the park contains over 500 different species of cactus and succulents. Entrance costs 4€ per adult and 2€ per child, it is open 10.00-18.00 during the winter and 10.00-20.00 during the summer. For more information take a look at the official website.
4 Guadalest Car Park
N38°40.557 W0°12.006Parking: is in the pay car park, the ticket is valid for the whole day so you can spend as much time here as you want.
From here: the shops, museums and restaurant are all around you, to enter the medieval village go through the tunnel in the rock.
Places of interest and things to do in Guadalest
- Guadalest: entrance to the village is free, but there is a charge for the car park and the castle ruins. The village is packed with craft and souvenir shops, independent museums, ancient buildings and restaurants as well as offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Castle & Museums: entrance charges apply, explore the castle ruins and the many little privately owned museums such as the Salt and Pepper Pot, the Microgigantic and the Medieval Torture Museum to name just a few.
