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The Costa Blanca arguably boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Spain renowned for their golden sands and crystal clear waters. And for those looking for a little more exclusivity and a spot of wild-swimming, it's also home to an array of authentic water paradises from shimmering natural pools to glistening waterfalls.

 

These beautiful inland oases offer an incredibly tempting alternative to busy sandy beaches, and are perfect for a refreshing dip with the welcome coolness their location off the beaten track provides.

 

We have put together a selection of some of the best natural pools and waterfalls in Alicante and the rest of the Valencia region...enjoy!

 

This beautiful spot located in the Valencian town of Ontinyent is home to precious natural and scenic elements. The Clariano river rises here and in its first metres forms a series of wells shaped by the water over calcareous rock, forming a very unique landscape of rounded shapes and calm crystalline sheets of water.

 

This hidden treasure in the municipality of Chulilla offers one of the most iconic postcard landscapes in Valencia province, and has captivated climbing enthusiasts for decades. Within the Hoces del Turia, the Charco Azul enjoys a privileged location; it's a weir created by the Arabs in the 12th century to irrigate the orchards, completely surrounded by mountains that offers a complete haven of peace and disconnection from bustling daily life.

 

The Valencian municipality of Bolbaite is divided in two by the river Sellent, and as it passes through this territory, a natural stretch has been created with recreational, picnic and bathing areas. In addition, under its Old Bridge visitors can spot fauna such as carp, ducks and geese. In the upper part of the river there is the Gorgo Cadena, a cave that is a must-see for its incredible beauty and speleological value.

 

Located about 10km from Tuéjar town centre, the picturesque Bercolón ravine guarantees idyllic backdrops for Facebook or Instagram selfies. The upper part of the waterfall is open, and in the inner passage there's a natural rock bridge and a pool where visitors can rappel down from the waterfall or jump from a number of safe points.

 

Located in the town of Castellón, in the Alto Palancia region of the province, this waterfall hides a tragic story that has become a legend locally. The name of the Salto de la Novia (Bride's Waterfall) relates to an old village tradition that held that when two young people were about to get married they should go to this area of the river and jump from one bank to the other to guarantee a life full of happiness. However, the story of the death of two lovers led locals to question the tradition and the practice was subsequently banned amongst the villagers.

 

This is the prefect retreat for maximum relaxation potential, boasting incredible thermal waters. The Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos is a spring with a constant temperature of 25ºC with curative properties. In addition it offers scope for a wide range of leisure activities with hiking routes, eating areas and impressive viewpoints.

 

Only 3km from the town centre of Callosa d'en Sarrià and 15km from Benidorm, the Fuentes de Algar is an idyllic natural spot with a high degree of conservation of ecological and natural wealth. Declared a protected Wetland Area, it's a theme park with a 1.5 kilometre route encompassing waterfalls, springs, centuries-old irrigation channels and crystal-clear pools of water for refreshing baths.