Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
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The “Salto de Chella” is an outstanding waterfall situated in its own microclimate, near the town of Chella.
The “waterfall” is 25-metres high. However, it is actually in two parts, extending to about twice the height.
This makes it the highest waterfall in the area, and for me, it is the most impressive that I have seen. I really was blown away!
It is lesser-known compared to the nearby Ruta de las 3 Cascadas (the 3 Anna Waterfalls) with crystal-clear water. This allows you to really connect with the nature and enjoy the peaceful environment.
If you prefer an even easier hike to see waterfalls that has a picnic area with benches that you can relax on, then check out the Los Chorradores waterfalls, which are also a part of the “La Canal” municipality.
Let mother nature embrace you with her lucious vegetation, and soothe you with the meditative sound of the water plunging into the deep forest-green pool below.
Looking for ESSENTIAL OUTDOOR GEAR for your mountain adventures?
When there is less water (such as in August 2024) there is one rather large oval-shaped pool below the waterfall, with plenty of water flowing into it from the Sellent River above.
This single pool has a “beach”, which is made up of big white smooth stones.
However, when there is a lot of water (such as in July 2023), two pools can form, as shown on this satellite map.
As you approach this waterfall on the main access road, you can only see the brink of the waterfall.
To earn the pleasure of seeing the waterfall fully, you must do the short hike, or you could visit a viewing point to see it from a distance instead.
Recommended gear for wild swimming:
SAGUARO Barefoot minimalist lightweight trail running shoes
Wide toed and breathable
13 colours available
This Salto de Chella is a short and easy hike.
However, it is not flat. From the carpark, the path continuously descends (losing 57 metres of elevation) until you reach La Cueva que llueve.
The trail is an earth path with few hazards. However, if the ground is wet, the mud can become slippery.
Once you reach the barranco (ravine), this river bed area is filled with big rocks, which you need to manoeuvre through in order to access the beach.
The Salto de Chella route is suitable for:
The route is not suitable for:
However, there are Salto de Chella viewing points available for people who are unable to do the hiking route.
Looking for a challenge? Climb the 6,000 STEPS around the VALL DE LAGUAR´S Barranco de l´Infern (“HELL CANYON”)
If there is more rain (e.g. during waterfall season, between October and May), then the waterfall will be even more spectacular.
However, there is no need to wait, because this waterfall looks incredible and flows well all year round.
Summer is obviously the best time to visit if you want to swim in the Salto de Chella waterfall, or relax on the beach.
However, if you can brave the cold water then you could visit any time, since this pool is big and great for actual swimming (i.e. swimming lengths).
Parking is very limited, and there is no dedicated parking area.
However, in order of proximity to the waterfall, you can try these locations…
I personally LOVE that there is not a lot of space to park vehicles, because it limits the number of visitors, and means that this area cannot be made into a tourist attraction like some other natural places in the Costa Blanca.
Check out four other natural places where you can swim not far from the Salto de Chella.
You can follow this hiking route* to the Salto de Chella here.
*This isn´t my route, but it looks very similar to my visit in August 2024.
You can, however, see all of the Wild Child Costa Blanca routes here.
Want to SCRAMBLE up a GULLY and ascend the mighty CABECO DOR?
Ruin (lighting factory)
On the road, there is a ruin, that was once a lighting factory.
If you follow the ruin to the left, and you will see the beginning of the “Senda del Salto de Chella” here.
There is no information board at the entry point, so the Salto de Chella really was a surprise to behold!
Hiking path
The Senda del Salto de Chella follows the wall of the ruin, away from the road, and into the greenery.
It is a winding earth path, that gradually descends through the forest and other flora.
There is an overhanging tree to duck underneath, but otherwise there are no real difficulties.
Stalactites
On the way down the path, you will come across a small wall, which you can climb up onto.
Follow the unofficial path leading to the partially hidden building on your right.
Go and explore to find interesting stalegtites!
Then return to the path and continue until you reach flat ground…
Ruin (warehouse)
Straight ahead you will see a big old building, which used to be a warehouse.
Walk all the way around this to see some interesting features.
La Cueva que llueve (cave)
On your right, you will see “La Cueva que llueve” (the cave that rains).
The entrance has manmade steps leading into it, as well as “benches” at either side as you approach it.
Natural caves/arches
Just after the cave, on the right, the are some natural caves/arches that you can explore.
The beach (one pool)
When you reach the end of the rocky ravine, you will be welcomes by a beach made up of white smooth stones.
Recommended gear for water adventures:
Inflatable Backpack
One part inflates while the other part stores your essentials
Rocky ravine
When you reach the rocky river bed, turn right. There are various short rocky routes you can take but they all lead to the same place. Happy scrambling!
Two pools
When there is a lot of water, two pools can form, as shown on this satellite map.
Warning!
If you do happen to visit while there is a lot of water, be aware that:
(Google Maps™ mapping service is a trademark of Google LLC and this blog is not endorsed by or affiliated with Google in any way)
The Salto de Chella is great for adventurers!
Swimming
Compared to many other swimming spots, this pool below the waterfall is actually quite big, and could be used to swim lengths.
however, the force of the waterfall is quite noticable if you try to swim close it it!
Cliff Jumping
If you like scrambling/climbing up rocks and cliff jumping, there are definitely opportunities here.
I haven´t seen or done any jumping (because I visited quite late in the day), but I have seen people climbing on the rocks at either side, particularly on the left where you can climb quite high.
You can also climb up to stand under the waterfall (it´s a great photo opportunity), and jump in from there.
Warning!
The water is not clear here (it was a dark green colour in August 2024, and I this seems to be the norm).
Therefore, you cannot easily see how deep the water is.
So, always do a check first. For example, see how deep you can go down into the water from a vertical treading-water position, and note whether your feet touch the ground or any rocks below.
Fancy MOUNTAIN BIKING around a RUSTIC DESERT natural landscape?
Wild Camping
If you like wild camping/bivvying, then then the cave (“La cueva que llueve”) is a place where you enjoy a night outdoors while escaping the rain.
Make sure you explore the surrounding area too!
Viewing points
If you are unable to do the hiking route to the Salto de Chella, or if you simply wish to drive by and take a look from a distance, then you can visit one or both of the viewing points instead…
This is located in an old Moorish area will allow you to see the upper part of the waterfall from above. It has a dedicated small car park.
From here, you can see the the Cuevas del Turco Chella
There is also another viewpoint nearby, but this one has just a few parking spaces that are usually used by the residents. So, I recommend that you walk to it, as it is only a few minutes away.
It is possible to walk from the Salto de Chella parking area up to the Mirador de Salto de Chella if you don´t mind walking up a steep path.
There is also an option to do a circular hike, which is 2km long, by walking from the Salto de Chella waterfall up to the viewing points.
This park has an old washhouse that has been converted into a pond with a small bridge over it. There is also a natural spring (called “La Fuente de Los Tres Chorros” which has three bronze pipes, and steps leading down to it with handrails.
“Cuevas del Turco Chella”
Just 5 minutes’ drive from the waterfall parking you could also visit the “Cuevas del Turco Chella” (The Caves of the Turk). This consists of 15-20 caves, which look like windows in the rock. You cannot access them but they are interesting to see.
Recommended gear for backpacking or wild camping:
75L Backpack with rain cover
Great value for money!
No booking required.
This natural area is not controlled, so there is no cost to visit the beautiful Salto de Chella.
There are no restrictions, so go and enjoy the Salto de Chella waterfall!
THINGS TO PACK
Get ready to visit the Salto de Chella…
There are no facilities at the Salto de Chella.
Why not buy me a coffee
to keep me going on my adventures
so that I can share them with you!
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