Ruta 10: Waterfalls and Backwaters
Springs, perennial watercourses, embedded gorges of spectacular waterfalls and lagoons.
A 75.2 km route that runs between the regions of La Safor, El Comtat and La Marina Alta, with a circular route that ends at the same point where the journey began. In this case, it has been decided to take the Valencian town of Villalonga as a starting point and take advantage of the Serpis River Greenway as part of the route.
This tour, of great beauty, also has several architectural elements related to the liquid element, such as washing places, mills, historic aqueducts or paper industries. All this is nestled in the first northern mountain ranges of the province, those of Benicadell, La Safor, Albuerca and Almirante, characterized by their karst morphology and steep walls.
in short, this is a route that is of general interest to any type of public due to its thematic diversity and its minimal difficulty.
The following footpaths are not included in the total distance:
- Visit to the Gaianes Lagoon (<500 m, 20 min).
- Visit to the town of Planes (<1000 m, variable time).
- Walk through the Barranco de La Encantada (<1000 m, variable time).
Highlighted Places of Hydrogeological Interest
El Barranc de l’Infern and the Serpis: a winning river
In the northern confines of the province of Alicante (L’ Orxa), and on horseback with that of Valencia (Villalonga), a deep crevice is opened, more than 8 km long, at the bottom of which runs the Serpis river between steep walls of limestone.
This ravine, known in the terminology of the area as Barranc de l’ Infern, not only shapes a natural area of great ecological value and landscape beauty, but also has an undeniable hydrogeological interest. It is a good example of what is known as effluent river or winner, in other words a river that increases its flow through the continuous supply of groundwater. The Serpis river receives contributions from the Albuerca Mustalla aquifer.
Gaianes Coastal Lagoon
Located in the region of El Comtat, in a depression between the ravines Blanc (West) and Sequiot (East), it occupies an area of between 9 and 11.20 ha. It is an endorheic lagoon whose waters flow into the Serpis River. After decades of drought, Laguna de Gaianes recovers its original appearance by flooding the basin after heavy rains in 2004 and as a result of the collapse of the drainage system that has been taking place there.
It is one of the most unique wetlands in Alicante and a meeting point for migratory birds and native fauna and flora. In 2007, the area is included within the Serpis River Protected Landscape.
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