Route 3: From the Sky to Sea
On this route the traveler becomes a drop of rain that falls on the mountains.
From this point of departure, the hiker will travel along the southern margin of the acquiferous de Cocoll from the viewpoint of Tàrbena, the steep summits calcareous of the mountain ranges of Ferrer and Bernia to the east, the peaks of Aixortá to the southwest, and further away, the mountains of Aitana to the south, with the Aitana to the south.
This beginning of the journey will make it possible to understand the sponge-like behaviour of these rock masses (preferential infiltration areas), in which precipitation that does not evaporate or convert to runoff infiltrates the aquifers and subsequently creates sources and rivers. Like the Fountain of Bolulla Jets or the famous Algar Fountains.
We will follow the drop already transformed into the abundant Algar river until it flows into the sea, but before that, in the municipality of Polop, a microroute will allow us to understand more and better the path of the meteoric waters and their economic and cultural importance in this region over the last few centuries. It is a 37.6 km long route with great landscape value. Simple, except for the initial ascent to the doline of La Llacuna, which requires to be done on foot or in an off-road vehicle. It also stands out for its didactic and playful interest and for its beauty, concentrated in spectacular views and landscapes.
This route also proposes, in addition, five routes to adjacent points (indicated return trip distance):
- La Llacuna de Castell de Castells Doline: 3,3 km (100% on foot/all terrain; 3 h on foot).
- Fountain of Los Chorros de Bolulla: 0,3 km by car; 0,15 km on foot (20 min).
- Fuentes del Algar: Acces by CV-7531. 1,4 km by car. Visit to the enclosure on foot and entrance not free of charge. Variable visit time (1,5 h).
- Barranco de Polop: (Data in Microroutes). Time: 1 – 1,5 h.
- Algar river mouth: 1km (60% car, 40% on foot (1 h).
Highlighted Places of Hydrogeological Interest
Panoramic view of the La Llacuna doline of Castell de Castells
Situated in the northern third of the province of Alicante, we find the Sierra de la Xortà (or Aixortá) and, at the northern edge of this massif, the Sierra del Carrascal de Parcent.
The southern slope, in almost all its extension, descends gently and rounded, and only at its western end begins a deep ravine that isolates the end of the mountain range forming a mountain spur called the “Clotet” or “Serra del Forat Negre”. La Llacuna’s doline is situated 750 metres to the east of the summit of the “Clotet”.
It is a circular depression (endorheic depression that develops in carbonate rocks) which due to its location, morphology and dimensions is very apt as a didactic example of “typical doline”.
The Algar River mouth wetland
To the north of the city of Altea we find an interesting and very special example of a mouth, the Algar River in the Mediterranean Sea. Considering its importance, it has been classified as a humid area protected by the Valencian Community and included in the Catalogue of humid zones.
It is plausible to encounter a very wide variety of living beings as a result of the combination of salt water and freshwater, giving rise to somewhat salty waters in which both nutrients and sediments transported by the river will be diluted.
Other Places of Hydrological Interest
Fuentes del Algar
Along the narrow gorge of the Algar River, which almost completely conceals its course, an intense scent of orange blossom and the noise of the waters announce the proximity of what is known in Levante as the Fonts Fountain (Les Fonts de l’ Algar). An extraordinary set of waterfalls and small springs in the heart of the Marina Baixa region.
This area, which has been included in the Catalogue of Wetlands of the Valencian Community since 2002, is a natural site with tourist services and environmental education. It is conditioned as a place of leisure, where you can swim in the river and there is a signposted circuit for visitors.
Microroutes
Barranco de Polop
This short linear route of just 600 m (one way) begins at the height of the viaduct of the CV-715 road that crosses the Polop ravine, called de Gulapdar, upstream, and de Sentenilles, downstream. Along the way, you can see singular elements such as the irrigation system of the Planet, the Reg Major of Polop, the Salt del Gall and the Soler or Rovira mill, downstream of which the Polop ravine meets the Torrent ravine, ending the route on the left bank of the latter.
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