Top 9 Gorges around Altea

The canyons around Altea are characterized by dramatic geological formations, including deep gorges carved by water, towering rock walls, and impressive natural monuments. You'll encounter narrow passages, riverbeds with waterfalls, and natural pools. For example, the Mascarat Canyon features walls up to 100 meters high, while the Algar Springs Waterfalls offer spectacular cascades and refreshing pools.

The canyons around Altea offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy hiking through gorges like Barranc Salat, which is easily walkable. The Mascarat Canyon is popular for canyoning (both dry and with rappelling) and is also a prime spot for bungee jumping, offering Spain's only bungee jump between two bridges. Climbing is also popular in areas with challenging rock walls, such as near the Bridge viewpoint.

Yes, there are options for families. The Algar Springs Waterfalls are considered family-friendly, offering a 1.5 km circuit along the Algar River where you can see waterfalls and natural pools suitable for refreshing baths. The Mascarat Canyon is also described as ideal for the whole family for walking under its impressive bridges, and its canyoning routes can be suitable for beginners aged 8 and up when guided by professionals.

The Mascarat Canyon is a prominent natural landmark forming a boundary between Altea and Calpe. It's known for its dramatic vertical breach and towering stone walls, which can reach over 100 meters in height and narrow to just a few meters apart. It's also unique for the three bridges that span the gorge, including an old stone bridge, a concrete bridge carrying the N-332 road, and a metallic bridge for the TRAM. This combination of natural grandeur and engineering makes it a truly impressive sight.

Yes, for those new to canyoning, Barranco de Parents (also known as Paret) in Altea La Vella is an excellent choice. It's classified as an initiation-level barranco, making it suitable for beginners to learn or solidify their rappelling techniques in a less demanding environment.

Beyond the prominent Mascarat Canyon, you can explore Barranco de Parents (or Paret) in Altea La Vella, which is ideal for beginner canyoning. For a more rugged experience, Barranco de la Vieja in the Sierra de Bernia offers rappels, including one over 20 meters, and impressive views for those with some prior experience.

Absolutely. The Bridge viewpoint offers panoramic views of the rugged landscape where the N-332 road crosses the Barranc Salat. From here, you can see the imposing road and railway bridges spanning the deep gorge, providing a unique combination of natural and man-made structures.

The region around Altea offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, mountain biking trails, and running trails. These guides offer routes of varying difficulties, allowing you to explore the beautiful landscapes of Altea and its surroundings.

Yes, the Mascarat Canyon is a well-known location for bungee jumping. It's notable for being Spain's only bungee jump between two bridges, offering a thrilling 40-meter free fall from a 60-meter-high bridge with stunning views of the canyon and the sea. You can find more details about this experience on sites like HappytoVisit.

The Costera del Masserof is a gorge that offers a very beautiful and varied hiking experience. The trail takes you partly through a valley and partly at altitude, including walking along a creek bed that rarely has water. It's known for its ruins and the sense of silence, providing a rugged yet manageable hike for those who are sure-footed.

As of February 2022, admission to the Algar Springs Waterfalls costs €4. It's a worthwhile visit, especially in warmer seasons when you can splash in the natural pools, but it's also enjoyable during good weather in winter.