If you are looking for a refreshing escape from the beaches of the Costa Blanca, Fonts de l’Algar is well worth a visit. We explored these famous waterfalls ourselves, walking alongside the Algar River, swimming in its remarkably clear natural pools and discovering the limestone landscape surrounding them. In this guide, we share our experience and the practical things worth knowing before you go.
What is Fonts de Algar?
If you are staying around Benidorm or exploring the Costa Blanca, Les Fonts d’Algar is one of those places that feels completely different from the coast.
Instead of beaches, promenades and busy seaside resorts, you find clear mountain water, waterfalls, natural pools, limestone cliffs and surprisingly lush vegetation.
We visited Les Fonts d’Algar ourselves, near Callosa d’en Sarrià in Alicante, and what impressed us most was the colour of the water. Even on a cloudy day, some of the pools had an intense turquoise-blue colour.
It is also much more than a place to photograph waterfalls. You can walk alongside the Algar River, explore the pools and cascades and, when conditions allow, swim in the river itself.
Quick Facts About Les Fonts d’Algar
- Location: Callosa d’en Sarrià, Alicante, Spain
- Distance from Benidorm: approximately 15 km
- Distance from Callosa d’en Sarrià: approximately 3 km
- Walking circuit: approximately 1.5 km
- Swimming: Yes, in designated natural pools
- Parking: Free parking is available near the Tourist Information Office, around 700 metres from the main entrance
- Paid parking: Private car parks are also available closer to the attraction
- Best footwear: Comfortable flat shoes; water shoes are recommended for swimming
- Food: Picnic facilities are available, although summer rules apply
- Good for: Couples, families, nature lovers and anyone wanting a break from the Costa Blanca beaches
Arriving at Les Fonts d’Algar
One of the first things you notice when approaching the attraction is the large Les Fonts d’Algar – Callosa d’en Sarrià welcome sign.
There are several parking options in the area, so it is worth understanding the layout before simply stopping at the first car park you see.
The official free parking is located next to the Tourist Information Office, approximately 700 metres from the main entrance. There are also privately operated car parks closer to the waterfalls.
During our visit, the signs made the different parking areas and entrances reasonably easy to understand.
Our parking tip
If you do not mind walking around 700 metres, look for the official free parking near the Tourist Information Office rather than automatically choosing one of the private parking areas closer to the entrance.
Tickets and Entrance Fees
Tickets can be bought at the ticket office on the day, subject to capacity. Online tickets are also available in advance.
If you would rather visit as part of an organised day trip, GetYourGuide also has several options that combine Les Fonts d’Algar with other Costa Blanca highlights.
GUADALEST & ALGAR WATERFALLS DAY TRIP
GUADALEST, ALTEA & ALGAR WATERFALLS TOUR
BUGGY ADVENTURE & ALGAR WATERFALLS
During our visit, the information board displayed different admission prices depending on age and visitor category.
For example, the board photographed during our visit showed:
- Adults – €6
- Seniors – €5
- Students – €5
- Children aged 4–10 – €3
However, these prices were specifically displayed for the period 16 October to 14 June. Ticket prices vary by season, so do not assume these will be the prices on the day of your visit.
Entering the Waterfalls
The entrance itself is quite simple, with a small ticket office surrounded by vegetation.
We visited when there were already quite a few people arriving, although the queue moved normally.
Once through the entrance, the scenery changes quickly.
The sound of running water becomes almost constant and paths, wooden bridges and stone steps follow the river through the gorge.
What Is Les Fonts d’Algar?
Les Fonts d’Algar is a protected natural area formed around the Algar River.
The official walking circuit is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and follows the river through a limestone landscape shaped by water.
The area contains waterfalls, springs and natural pools known locally as tolls.
The natural area has been officially protected as a wetland since 2002.
One of the information boards inside the site explains how rainwater infiltrates the limestone mountains before travelling through underground karst systems and eventually emerging through natural springs.
This continuous movement of water helped create the landscape you see today.
This geological background makes the place more interesting than simply walking from one waterfall to another.
You are effectively following water that has travelled through the surrounding limestone mountain system before emerging into the Algar River.
Walking Along the Algar River
The route is relatively short, but there is no reason to rush it.
There are wooden walkways, bridges, stone paths and viewing areas throughout the site.
The official route may take around 45 minutes if you simply walk through it, but realistically you will probably stay considerably longer.
Once you add swimming, photographs and stops beside the waterfalls, it can easily become a relaxed half-day outing.
We certainly did not feel any need to rush.
The Waterfalls
The waterfalls are obviously the main attraction.
Some are relatively small cascades flowing between rocks, while others drop vertically into deep pools.
One of the larger waterfalls at Les Fonts d’Algar.
The combination of pale limestone, green vegetation and blue-green water creates some of the best scenery on the route.
There are also smaller cascades where you can get much closer to the water.
Smaller cascade surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
The Natural Pools – The Best Part of Our Visit
For us, the natural pools are what make Les Fonts d’Algar particularly special.
This isn’t simply a waterfall attraction where you stand behind a railing and take photographs.
You can actually get into the water. 
The water comes from the mountain springs and feels very refreshing – particularly compared with the summer temperatures on the Costa Blanca.
Be prepared: it can feel very cold when you first enter.
Water shoes are a good idea because the riverbed and rocks can be uneven and slippery.
During Easter and the summer season, lifeguard services operate at the site. Outside those periods, swimming is permitted at the swimmer’s own risk.
Toll de la Caldera and the Pools
The site map identifies a series of individual pools and landmarks along the river.
These include:
- Font del Moro
- Toll de la Caldera – the main waterfall
- Toll Blau
- Toll del Baladre
- Toll de la Presa
- Toll de la Figuera
- La Playa de Tribu
- Toll de la Parra
- Estret de Sacos
Rather than thinking of Les Fonts d’Algar as one waterfall, it is better to imagine it as a sequence of pools, springs and cascades connected by the Algar River.
Official map showing the main pools, waterfalls and facilities.
We recommend photographing this map when you arrive. It makes it much easier to understand where you are as you move through the site.
Estret de Sacos – The Narrow Gorge
One of our favourite sections was Estret de Sacos, where the water runs between steep limestone walls.
This part looks considerably wilder than the areas around the entrance.
The pale cliffs rise on both sides while the turquoise water runs through the narrow channel below.
Surprisingly Green for the Costa Blanca
Another thing that surprised us was the vegetation.
The surrounding Costa Blanca landscape can be extremely dry, but beside the Algar River the environment becomes much greener.
There are palms, pine trees, flowering oleanders and dense vegetation growing beside the water.
Turquoise water surrounded by flowering oleanders and palms.
We even saw citrus fruit growing in the area.
Citrus fruit growing near Les Fonts d’Algar.
The information panels explain that the river environment supports a variety of plant and animal life.
Species mentioned on the signs include riverbank plants, aquatic invertebrates and birds such as the Grey Heron and Kingfisher.
These information boards are worth stopping to read because they explain why the area looks so different from much of the surrounding landscape.
A Great Place for Photographs
There are plenty of obvious waterfall viewpoints, but some of our favourite photographs came from quieter sections beside the pools.
The pink flowers, limestone rocks and turquoise water make a particularly good combination.
There are also several wooden bridges where you can photograph the waterfalls and pools from slightly higher viewpoints.
View from one of the wooden bridges inside Les Fonts d’Algar.
Facilities Inside Les Fonts d’Algar
Despite the natural setting, this is not a remote wilderness area.
The official map shows facilities including:
- Toilets
- First aid
- Picnic area
- Children’s play area
- Arboretum
- Souvenir facilities
- Camping
- Restaurants nearby
This makes Les Fonts d’Algar relatively easy to visit as a family day out.
There is also DinoPark Algar nearby, which may be useful for families travelling with children.
Bringing Food and Using the Picnic Area
There is a designated picnic area where visitors can eat their own food.
There are some specific rules during summer.
In July and August, visitors bringing food should use Entrance 2, which is next to the picnic area. Free lockers are provided for storing food.
Food cannot be eaten in the bathing area during the summer period.
Alcoholic drinks and glass containers are not permitted inside the site.
The picnic area has tables, shade, toilets, a drinks machine and a children’s play area.
Visiting in July or August
Summer works slightly differently from the rest of the year.
From 1 July to 31 August, visits are divided into three sessions:
- 09:00–13:00
- 13:00–16:00
- 16:00–20:00
If possible, arrive near the beginning of your selected session. That gives you the maximum amount of time inside.
For summer visits, we would also strongly consider arriving early in the day. Our photographs show how quickly some of the main pools and walkways can become busy. 
What to Bring
We would bring:
- Swimwear
- Water shoes
- Towel
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Drinking water
- Sunscreen
- Phone or camera
- A change of clothes if you plan to swim
Water shoes are probably the item most easily forgotten.
The paths themselves are manageable in normal comfortable footwear, but getting into the rocky pools is another matter.
Can You Visit With a Dog?
Pets are subject to seasonal restrictions.
They are permitted from 16 September to 14 June, provided they are kept on a lead, owners collect their waste and the animals do not enter the river.
From 15 June to 15 September, pets are not permitted.
If travelling with a dog, check the latest regulations before visiting.
How Long Do You Need at Les Fonts d’Algar?
The official route itself takes approximately 45 minutes.
We would not plan a visit that short.
If you want to stop for photographs, enjoy the scenery and swim, allow at least two to three hours.
A relaxed visit can easily occupy half a day, particularly in summer.
Is Les Fonts d’Algar Suitable for Everyone?
Most visitors should be able to enjoy at least part of the attraction, but this is still a natural landscape.
There are steps, rocks, wet surfaces and changes in level.
If someone in your group has limited mobility, we would check the latest accessibility information before travelling rather than assuming the entire route will be suitable.
For young children, the combination of water and slippery rocks also means close supervision is important.
Is Les Fonts d’Algar Worth Visiting?
Yes – especially if you are already staying around Benidorm, Altea, Calpe or elsewhere on the Costa Blanca.
What makes it worthwhile is the contrast.
You can spend one day beside the Mediterranean and the next swimming beneath waterfalls surrounded by limestone mountains.
We particularly liked the turquoise pools, the narrow gorge and the fact that you can actually get into the water rather than simply viewing the waterfalls from a distance.
There is one downside: it is not a secret location.
At popular times, particularly during summer, some areas can become busy. If you are expecting an isolated mountain waterfall with nobody else around, this probably isn’t it.
But arrive at a sensible time, walk beyond the busiest areas and give yourself enough time to explore, and it is still one of the most interesting nature trips close to Benidorm.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Beautiful turquoise natural pools
- Swimming beneath and near waterfalls
- Dramatic limestone gorge
- Easy day trip from Benidorm
- Short and manageable walking route
- Plenty of photographic locations
- Useful visitor facilities
- Picnic area available
Things to Consider
- Popular sections can become crowded
- The water is cold
- Rocks can be slippery
- Parking immediately beside the attraction may be paid
- Summer visits operate in timed sessions
- Ticket prices and opening hours change seasonally
Our Verdict
Les Fonts d’Algar was one of those Costa Blanca attractions that looked good in photographs but was actually better once we were there.
The water really does have that striking blue-green colour, and the combination of waterfalls, cliffs, flowers and natural swimming pools gives the place a character completely different from the nearby coastal resorts.
Walking beside the Algar River during our visit.
If you are based in Benidorm or travelling through Alicante province and want something beyond another beach day, we would definitely put Les Fonts d’Algar on the list.
Just bring water shoes – and be prepared for that first shock when you step into the cold mountain water.
Driving in Spain
We found having a rental car especially useful for places like Les Fonts d’Algar, where it gives you the freedom to combine the waterfalls with other Costa Blanca stops at your own pace. If you are planning to hire a car, we have put together a separate guide based on our own experience with car rental in Spain.
➜ READ NEXT: OUR SPAIN CAR RENTAL GUIDE
Travel Insurance
We always feel more relaxed when we travel knowing that our health and our trip are covered if something unexpected happens. It gives us one less thing to worry about and lets us simply enjoy the journey. If you would like the same peace of mind on your travels, you can read about the cover we use in our ➜ READ NEXT: OUR TRAVEL INSURANCE REVIEW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Les Fonts d’Algar?
Yes. Swimming is permitted in the river and natural pools. Lifeguards operate during Easter and the summer season. Outside those periods, swimming is at your own risk.
How far is Les Fonts d’Algar from Benidorm?
Les Fonts d’Algar is approximately 15 km from Benidorm.
How long is the walking route?
The official circuit is approximately 1.5 km. The basic route takes around 45 minutes, but allow considerably longer if you want to swim and take photographs.
Is there free parking at Les Fonts d’Algar?
Yes. Official free parking is available near the Tourist Information Office, approximately 700 metres from the main entrance. There are also private paid parking areas closer to the attraction.
Do you need water shoes?
They are not essential for simply walking around the attraction, but we strongly recommend them if you intend to enter the river.
Can you bring food?
Yes, but food should be eaten in the designated picnic area. Special access rules apply during July and August.
Is Les Fonts d’Algar good for children?
It can be a very enjoyable family trip, and there is also a children’s play area. However, there are wet rocks, natural pools and moving water, so children need appropriate supervision.
