Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
Exploring the wild side of the Costa Blanca
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This route begins at the town of Millares in the Valencia Region, which is known for its stunning natural beauty.
The route involves entering the Barranco del Nacimiento, and following the Turia River deep down the mountainside.
The route ends at the mighty 65-metre high “Cascada el Monstruo” waterfall.
Along Millares´ quaint water route, you can also enjoy other waterfalls that have carved
.
There are also a few old mills along the way, as well as some beautiful balsas.
The Barranco del Nacimiento is bursting with flora from the start, such as: Fig trees, blackberry bushes and grapes!
It is also home to fauna, such as a big lizard, that I surprised relaxing in the shade of the trees, and a baby wild boar who came to have a drink on the opposite side of the river.
There are lots of stalactites, near most of the waterfalls, so look all around! The most impressive are under the bridge if you take the detour to the “Cascada Batiato”.
I did this hike in Millares on a 36-degree day in July, so it was tough! However…
There are lots of opportunities to cool off in the ice-cold water along the way.
Warning!
The last part of this route, from the arch onwards should come with a warning…
It involves descending a steep scree path and a short scramble down to reach the Cascada el Monstruo.
However, there are alternatives options available.
You can follow my Millares water hiking route here.
My route starts at a small gravel area just above Millares town, which can accommodate about three cars.
If these parking spaces have been taken, there are some alternative parking places in Millares which may change the route slightly.
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From the small gravel carpark, turn right and walk back down the road.
Small balsa in Millares
This water storage pond is quite hidden just behind the bench on the bend of the road. So, be sure that you take a look on your way past.
Small waterfall
Look down from the bridge to see the first pretty waterfall.
Enter the Barranco del Nacimiento
Make sure that you turn right here off the main road, to enter the Barranco del Nacimiento (Millares).
My route didn’t record this properly!
“Fuente Las Donas”
This is the best place to swim on the Millares water route!
“Fuente Las Donas” is a waterfall with a pristine natural pool below.
There is a pebble beach where you can relax in the sun, or a couple of stone benches in the shade.
If you only want to swim in the “Fuente Las Donas” in Millares, there is some limited parking very close by.
Read about the alternative parking options here.
Cave
To the left of the waterfall there is a cave, which you can climb up into, and then walk out of the other side.
It has some cool stalactites and there is a nice woodland area up there where you could relax in the shade.
Large balsa in Millares
Next there is a stunning water storage pond leading water into channels as well as the river below.
While I was admiring the structure a baby wild boar trotted up the other side of the river and took a drink before disappearing up the hillside opposite.
“Fuente de los Escalones”
This is a more diagonal waterfall on the Millares water route, with pools below it.
The name translates to “Fountain of the steps”, because there are steps beside it to descend to a nice little viewing point with a bench.
If you want to cool off, the first pool is more appealing with its crystal-clear aerated water.
“Molino de Diego”
Just after the “Fuente de los Escalones” is an old mill.
You can take a detour by crossing the river and going to have a look underneath the “Molino de Diego”.
Stepping stones
A little further downstream, you must cross the river, you must use the natural stepping stones before following the straight path running alongside the recently overgrown stream.
“Fuente del Zomeño” (2 options)
At the “Fuente del Zomeño” sign, there are two options to continue on the Millares water route:
This is where I saw a big lizard relaxing on the path!
This is technically an official path, but I suspect that there has been a change in the land (perhaps due to it previously being overgrown) because now there is only shallow water and aquatic plants.
To go this way, first cross the river on your right (which you can see), then immediately walk through the river on your left to get to the other side.
There you will see a clear path again.
On my route you will see that I walked back up this path after reaching the “Salto de Agua Poético”…
“Salto de Agua Poético”
The “Salto de Agua Poético” is a waterfall, hidden away in a basin on the Millares water route.
You can no longer see this from the bridge, because of the trees.
However, you can see the “Salto de Agua Poético” waterfall up close if you turn right before/after the bridge.
Take care not to fall in though because it is quite exposed!
Detour: “Molino del Señor Pere”
From the bridge I took a detour…
Firstly, to see the “Molino del Señor Pere”, which is an old mill.
Secondly, to investigate the path across the river.
I also had a little rest in the shade, while it was available.
There is a nice little sandy area with a view of the castle between the trees.
Detour: In the crack
On my route, you wll see that I took a detour through this crack before descending down further.
It it quite overgrown, and just runs alongside the path...but I had to know!
“Molino de los Moros”
This is an arch-shaped ruin on the edge of the hill, which is the remails of an old mill called the “Molino de los Moros”
From here, there is a great view down into the valley.
If you just want an easy walk – turn around now!
However, if you want to see the famous Millares “Cascada el Monstruo” waterfall, and you are feeling energetic, keep going!
Detour: “Cascada Batiato”
This is an awesome waterfall situated below the bridge, with two natural pools below.
To access the “Cascada Batiato” is, you can follow my route (or just follow the sound of the water!)
It is a small detour, just before you reach the “Molino de los Moros” (arch).
There is a gap between the rocks, which you can peer down into.
However, you can only see the stalactites if you go down into the area…
TOP TIP for Adventurers: Scramble down the rocks for an awesome view of the waterfall and its massive stalactites, as well as a dip in the upper pool.
This is part of the wet canyoning route, and the lower pool is the brink of the ” Cascada el Monstruo” waterfall.
Descent to the “Cascada el Monstruo”
From the “Molino de los Moros” (arch) you will descend 35 steps, then you have two options:
Option 1:Detour to “114 Escalones”
This is dead-end route comprising of a total of 114 steps, leading down to an underground balsa.
After walking 40 steps back up, there is a shortcut to rejoin the path to the waterfall.
Warning! It is a little overgrown, with an exposed ledge at one side of the steps, so if you have a fear of heights – it´s not for you!
TOP TIP for Explorers:
Climb up the staples and take a look inside!
Take a torch, because it is dark in there.
Option 2: “Senda de Sanson”
Turn right onto the “Senda de Sanson”, which is the route the ” Cascada el Monstruo” waterfall.
Warning! The “Senda de Sanson”. This is a steep path down, including a scree path (“pedrera”), as well as a scramble down to enter the waterfall area.
“Cascada el Monstruo”
The famous Millares “Cascada el Monstruo” is also known as the “Cascada El Chorrador del Bosque”.
This is an incredibly impressive 65-metre high waterfall with a small pool below.
The strong force of the falling water prevents you from entering the pool below, but you can cool off in the river leading from it.
TOP TIP for summer: If it is very hot, I recommended having a dip fully-clothed, to keep you cool for the tough ascent back up…I guarantee that you will dry-off before you return!
“Castillo de Millares” / Castillet
The “Castillo de Millares” is a castle on the hillside, which is also known as Castillet.
Return to the bridge (near the Salto de Agua Poético), and turn left to walk up to “Castillo de Millares”.
Here are three other parking options:
This is the closest parking option to the start of the Millares water hiking route.
If you are mainly interested in visiting the castle and the “Cascada el Monstruo” waterfall, then you could park here and take this path to meet the “mountain path” on my route.
If you only want to visit Fuente Las Donas, you can park here.
There is a small space for 2-3 cars.
However, this is used as an unofficial disabled parking area, by locals who bring less able family members.
Therefore, it should only be used for short visits, such as a swim (not the whole hiking route).
Warning! Do not rely on a maps app for driving directions, because when I try, it is not correct.
You can enter the water route by car either here (long flat track) or here (shorter and steeper footpath).
Why not treat me to a coffee, and keep the adventures coming your way!
On my route it is possible to walk upstream from here. Add this detour to your route. You might discover something I missed!
To experience the Barranco del Nacimiento in a different and exciting way, try wet canyoning.
Step off the beaten path and discover Alicante’s hidden treasures with an “Adventure Hunt”.
Or you browse the hidden gems of the Costa Blanca on an interactive map…
Wild Child Costa Blanca
