Les Fonts de L’Algar is my most favourite place in all of Spain, without question.
A visit to these magnificent waterfalls at this time of year will leave you with memories of Mother Nature at her most powerful.
Water gushes from every rock and cascades down onto turquoise glass pools of the deepest and clearest water.
If you have yet to visit, then I highly recommend you drop everything and take a journey up the mountain, north of Altea, and expect to be left completely speechless.
Fonts D’Algar is often overshadowed by its touristy neighbour Guadalest, which was founded by the Moors in 715, and comprises a little village within a large castle on a rock, but in truth, this area doesn’t quite hold that breath-taking factor that instantly hits you like Fonts D’Algar.
Finding the falls is a trek so be warned.
Tucked away in the valley of Callosa d’en Sarria, just 15 minutes from Altea, you have to take a downhill route to actually find them.
The land surrounding the waterfalls is a sight to behold in itself; almonds, vines, kiwis and mangos flourish on the surrounding terraces, covered in white sheets giving it that space-age aura and can make your heart skip a beat if you end up driving next to them.
In fact this area produces more than half the number of national medlars (nisperos), as the land has an abundance of water and the climate is gentle.
Hidden amongst the mass of exotic fruits you must park your car and take a short hike into the hills.
As you turn a corner the sound of falling water is almost deafening, but the falls remain out of sight. There are countless sweeping paths that weave up and down, alongside trickling rapids, gathering in natural pools and gushing over boundaries. These paths are flanked by bamboo and oleander and one even leads to an aromatic herb garden where there is an environment museum.
Follow the paths and there in front of you lies the powerful falls, numerous rapids and the softest spray. Steps weave their way up the side of the falls, but watch your step as the recent rainfalls have left large puddles and slippery rock at your feet.
During the summer months, or for those brave enough to attempt it when the outside temperatures have dropped, you can bathe in these clean waters; natures own answer to the local waterparks. There is something for everyone, whether you want to warm yourself like a lizard on the surrounding rocks or be swept down the river with the cool fresh waters, then this is a must.
To me these falls are even more impressive during winter. There is an abundance of water, which means every hole in every rock face is weeping, it really is a most impressive sight.
And what is really amazing is that it has been left fairly natural, no man-made paths just a trodden-down path, so a climb to the glistening pools further up the hill requires good walking shoes, but it’s a natural playground for both young and old.
Stand on the steps by the falls and you will be soaked with its spray, clamber up the shiny rocks overhanging with trees and you will work every muscle in your body.
From up high this area is a sight to behold.
The entrance fee of 1.65 euros may seem a bit of a cheek considering it is a natural feature, but when you realise the money is put towards the conservation of Fonts de l’Algar, it seems silly to quibble.
A quaint restaurant perches on the edge of the rock, enticing you to sit back and watch the world go by. As if you really needed any prompting in such beautiful surroundings.
You are invited to camp or cook up a splendid barbecue in the dedicated areas, but make sure you stick to the rules otherwise you may get a severe telling off!
For those into hiking, the area offers you more than enough. You can clamber up the mountain and find secret routes in between the exotic smell of sweet fruits.
For the elderly and those less mobile you don’t have to miss out. The walk to the centre or the heart of the falls is just a few minutes along a well-marked path.
This spot has become a favourite with schools for its natural beauty and endless geographic content, but chances are at this time of year you will be left all alone to wonder the paths and witness the glorious views in what seems like your own back garden.
If someone had told me that I would have something so marvellous on my doorstep in Spain I wouldn’t have believed them, but now I’m here I can see myself becoming a regular visitor. You really must take a visit.