Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
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Sella is a pretty little town situated in the Marina Baja region of Alicante province.
It is just south of the Aitana mountain range (which is the highest mountain in the area, known for having snow on it in winter).
The nearest coastal town is Villajoyosa, although it is also very close to Relleu, which is famous for it´s Walkway.
Sella itself is well-known for its hiking routes, in particular the Sella Ruta del Agua, which is an easy but impressive hike through the valley situated just below the town.
This route has a river/stream, dams, natural springs, and pools (natural and man-made), which provide the opportunities for adventure that you will read about in this article.
Looking for ESSENTIAL OUTDOOR GEAR for your mountain adventures?
Along the Sella Ruta del Agua there are several places where you can swim, jump, or at least have a dip (“dar un chapuzón”) in the water in order to cool off on a hot day.
These are:
If you want to do the whole Sella Ruta del Agua hiking route that includes all of these places, check out the blog post here.
The summer months are perfect if you want to visit Sella to cool off in the wild swimming locations.
The perfect time to visit, in order to make the most out of the water, would be after more rain than there was in 2024.
When I visited in May 2022, the water was clearer and the pools are river were deeper.
However, in summer 2024, I swam in a couple of these locations, despite the lack of rain.
If you wish to do the Sella Ruta del Agua hiking route, then you could visit all year round.
Want to visit an open-air ROCK ART MUSEUM hidden away in the mountains?
This is a small but beautiful spot with water flowing into in from a natural spring (Fuente l´Alcantara). It is not big enough to actually swim in, but it is perfect to cool off on a hot day.
The water trickles down a small waterfall moulded from limestone rock into the pozo (the “well”) below.
In May 2022 when I visited it was crystal clear, and in summer 2024 it was a less clear but very inviting!
It is not very well known, and therefore not frequented by many people: a real hidden gem on the Sella Ruta del Agua!
You can even pick blackberries there (when they are in season).
Location: The pozo is located here on the Sella Ruta del Agua.
Where to park: It is not possible to park here, nor on the nearby road!
The nearest place to park is the public car park, which is a 30-minute walk.
Due to only being accessible on foot, just the locals and people who have done this Sella Ruta del Agua hiking route are aware of it. It is our little secret.
Where to hike: On the main road, there is a picnic area, with the natural spring opposite.
From the natural spring, continue on the path for a minute, and then turn right (there is a “no entry” sign straight ahead: it is not that way).
Terrain: When you turn right to access the area, you there is rocky “step” down. Here you might need to get onto your bum, or use your hands.
I have visited with other hikers in the past, and this “step” was enough to prevent some of them from even going to take a look, but it really isn´t that bad (they missed out!)
Accessing the water: To enter the pool, you must carefully slide down the rock near the waterfall.
Or you could scramble down a rock on the left-hand side of the pool to enter through the bushes.
There is also a picnic area near the pozo. You can read more about that and the full Sella Ruta del Agua hiking route here.
This is THE BEST PLACE to swim on the Ruta del Agua Sella…for adventurers!
It is a natural pool of water that flows from the nearby dam (Assut del Salt de Sella) via a stream. This then becomes a waterfall flowing down into the pool. The river then continues (which you can meet again here).
Here, you can:
Pretty cool, eh?
I have also seen people sitting in the shallows, to cool off in the water below the dam on a hot day.
However, there are lot of high (slippery) rocks which the water flows over at the back of the dam, so you can´t actually access the waterfall.
Location: The Fuente is located here on the Sella Ruta del Agua.
Where to park: There is an official carpark (“aparcamiento Ruta del Sella”) on the main road.
However, you can also turn off the main road here, drive down the track and park here, which is a gravel area that can accommodate a few cars (I have seen cars and motorbikes here).
Where to hike: The Fuente pool is next to private property and the owner has prohibited access (through their car park, to enter the pool via the stairs).
This is why it is only for adventurers…because you can only access it from above!
The footpath begins approximately here (opposite the dam, on the left-hand side of the stream).
This will lead you to an area looking down towards the pool.
Terrain: The path is easy, although easy to miss because it is right on the bend and there is a big tree.
Accessing the water: Once you are above the pool, you can go between some rocks on your right-hand side to enter the stream about 1-2 metres up away from the edge. From there, you can enter the pool using the rope at the waterfall.
You can cliff jump from either side of the waterfall.
Warning! I determined that the deepest part of the water is directly in front of the waterfall.
However, not too close, because there are some rocks sticking out below the water, to the left of the waterfall (which you can use to put your feet on when you climb out using the rope).
You can also try scrambling up into the cave and jumping in from there.
Along the “river route” (which begins here) there are some natural pools and waterfalls which are not known for swimming in, but have potential:
I have walked thorough this part of the river in the past when there was more water. However, in September 2024 it was almost empty of water with no waterfall. I was little disappointed, because when there is more water, it was like a secret paradise.
I haven´t entered this pool, although it looked more appealing than the first one.
I haven´t entered this pool because I visited out of the summer season.
However, it looked a little too shallow and rocky (if I remember correctly).
Where to park: You can park here, which is a small gravel area
Where to hike: You can access the path here
Terrain: The well-worn path will descend towards the river bed.
When the path flattens out, you will turn right and reach the stepping stones
Next, return to the same path, and follow the river bed. You will reach the pool with a pot behind it first, and then the pool with the waterfall.
They are about 10-15 minutes’ walk from the main road, and you cannot miss them, as the path goes right next to them.
Accessing the water:
Warning! I haven´t accessed the pools myself, so I cannot advise on the depth, etc.
Therefore, I definitely recommend beach/water shoes in case there are slippery rocks under the water.
This pool is a man-made structure that was originally build as a dam. However, once it began collecting crystal-clear water it became a popular bathing area near the Sella Ruta del Agua.
It is not deep enough to swim, but when there is sufficient water flow, this pool can become a beautiful place to cool off.
However, when I visited in summer 2024, there was no water flowing from the pipe (although I could hear it flowing behind it!), the river was dried up above it, and the water was stagnant with bugs on the surface.
If you want to enter the water, I definitely recommend visiting in the future after more rain.
Location: The Font Mayor pool is located here, very close to Sella Ruta del Agua, just west of Sella town.
Where to park: You cannot park inside of the Font Mayor area because there is a locked barrier that stops vehicles from entering. However, there is a small area just off the road, on the right-hand side where a few cars could park.
Where to hike: It is very obvious. Go down the road and you will see the signs. Go past the barrier, and the pool is on your left.
Terrain: You will walk on concrete road, then a very flat gravel road past the barrier. Then a few minutes later there a just a few steps to get down to the pool.
Accessing the water: You can easily get in the water from the flat ledge built around most of the pool. This is also where the pool is shallower.
TOP TIP for Explorers:
Apparently, there is also the “Murtera Diversion dam” situated 100 metres downstream from the man-made Font Mayor pool.
I have seen some people further down the river/stream with a dog that seemed to be splashing around in some water, just down from the bridge. However, my view was obstructed by the trees.
Why not go take a look!
There is also a picnic area at Font Mayor. You can read more about other features along the Sella Ruta del Agua hiking route here.
“Font Mayor” appears to be an abandoned campsite (as well as infrequently used picnic area) very close to the Sella Ruta del Agua hiking route. However, it would be perfect for wild camping in Sella.
There is a site map there showing the locations of: a camping area, toilets, barbeque area, firewood shed, washroom, etc. However, they are all closed (excluding the sinks which are open air, and surprisingly had (cold) running water when I pressed the tap!)
I visited in June and September 2024, and both times there were no facilities open, and the barrier was closed.
I checked on the website, and it states that the campsite is “temporary closed”. The online application forms are dated 2018, so I suspect it has been closed for a long time!
Consequently, I would happily recommend it for wild camping in Sella.
However, if you feel the need to check that it is no longer officially in use before going there, then there is a phone number on the notice board that you could call to confirm.
The “camping area” is situated on a steep mountain on the left-hand side.
I investigated this area, and the “route” up the mountain is full of lampposts that are old and have deteriorated/broken over time (so definitely no longer in use!)
I am not surprised that it is no longer used, because is very badly designed for an official campsite!! Campers would have to descend from one mountain, and then ascend a lot of steps on the opposite mountain in order to access the facilities!
However, this does offer lots of perfectly-sized designated flat patches of land that could be used for wild camping Sella!
There is also a water drinking fountain with tap just after the pool/dam, on the right-hand side.
The higher up you go, the better! (for me anyway, because I love a view)
I recommend wild camping Sella in this spot here. It is the final, highest camping spot of them all with a south-facing view, so you can enjoy plenty of sun if you decide to hang out there during the day too.
TOP TIP for Explorers: The path appears to continue after you exit the campsite higher up the mountain. Go explore!
However, if you prefer more of a forest camp, of you are camping with friends in several tents, then there are lots of options further down the slope.
This is a great area for wild camping Sella, whether you want to do the Sella Ruta del Agua hiking route, or if you are simply passing through the area!
TIP TOP for Adventurers: Sella has a popular Sport Climbing area. In the public carpark there is a big noticeboard that shows all of the climbing routes, so you don´t even need a guidebook!
However, more routes have been added since this was created (see example below).
Location: The beginning of this climbing wall starts here, quite close to the Sella Ruta del Agua.
The wall faces a south-easterly direction and of therefore it is good to climb here in winter.
There are several other climbing walls in the area (large and small), so make sure you
Where to park: There is the Main Parking Climbing Sella (sector Marion). Along this stretch of road there are several parking areas.
Easy routes: If you are looking for some easy climbing, then this is the best place to go (see map below).
There is a parking area with a clearly visible path right below it.
This area is a sun trap in the winter, and is very protected from winds coming from the north/west.
I visited recently when there were 40km/h winds…in the car park and on the road the wind was so strong that we couldn´t hear each other speak! However, this climbing area was warm and calm.
On the notice board, these routes are number 26, etc.
However, in the more up-to-date climbing books they are:
1. Happy Feet (IV) (11m)
Warning – There are at least 3 loose rocks on this route!
(1) To the right of the third bolt
(2) Right above the fifth bolt
(3) Above the fifth bolt, on the left-hand side
2. Callum (IV) (11m)
3. Dime, dime (III+) (10m)
Warning – This is not as easy as you might expect, for the stated grade!
4. Mr Goodey (IV) (11m)
5. Con mallas y a lo loco (IV) (12m)
6. Sooty goes to Benidorm (IV) (12m)
7. Road to hell (IV) (18m)
8. Señor Nesbit rides again (V) (19m)
9. Jenga dilema (IV+) (19m)
10. Pequeños II (IV) (19m)
11. Pequeños III (IV up to 21m, V up to 30m)
Very close to Sella is the breathtaking Relleu walkway Dare to walk on the glass floor? This is a must is you are visiting the area.
I have done this a couple of times. First when it was built, and then again recently because it has been extended further into the canyon. I absolutely recommend it!
Wild Child Costa Blanca
