Discover Callosa d’en Sarrià, Costa Blanca’s Best-Kept Secret 

Discover Callosa d’en Sarrià, Costa Blanca’s best-kept secret with Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls 💦, historic streets, scenic hiking trails, lively festivals 🎉, and the region’s famous nísperos (loquats) 🥭.

Nestled just a few kilometres inland from the coast, this charming town offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and tradition for visitors seeking an authentic Spanish experience. It’s truly one of the top things to do in Callosa d’en Sarrià.

🌿 What to See in Callosa d’en Sarrià

Fonts de l’Algar – Natural Pools & Waterfalls 💦

The Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls are Callosa’s crown jewel. Fed by the rushing Algar River, these natural pools offer a refreshing escape for the whole family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦.

The highlight is El Toll de la Caldera, where turquoise waters cascade into limestone pools. Some pools are shallow, ideal for children, while others offer deeper swimming areas for adults. A short scenic walk through a limestone landscape leads visitors to this natural paradise 🌿.

Whether you want to swim 🏊, relax 🪵, or take stunning photos 📸, Fuentes del Algar is a must-visit when exploring Callosa.

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Historic Old Town & El Portal 🏘️

Callosa d’en Sarrià traces its origins to Arab settlement, later flourishing under Bernat de Sarrià in the 13th century. While the castle itself has disappeared, traces of the medieval walls are visible throughout the town.

The most famous remnant is El Portal, a rounded archway and the last surviving town gate 🚪. Walking through it offers a glimpse into the town’s rich past and is a favourite for photography enthusiasts 📸.

The old town has been fully restored and is well signposted, making it easy to explore on foot 👣. Look for ceramic plaques representing saints ✝️, traditional houses 🏠, and historic streets.

History of Callosa d’en Sarrià 📜

Callosa d’en Sarrià has a rich history stretching back to the Arab period before the 13th century. The town grew in prominence under Bernat de Sarrià, who built the castle and fortified the settlement.

During the Christian reconquest, Callosa became part of the expanding Valencian territories. The town walls and El Portal served as defensive structures, protecting residents from invasions ⚔️.

Over the centuries, the town developed a strong agricultural economy, especially cultivating nísperos (loquats) 🥭, which remain a hallmark of Callosa today.

Fragments of the medieval castle, walls, and gates still hint at this vibrant historical past, giving visitors a tangible sense of the town’s long and colourful history.

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Religious & Cultural Landmarks ✨

Callosa d’en Sarrià is rich in religious heritage:

• Iglesia Arciprestal de San Juan Bautista – a neoclassical church at the heart of the town.

• Chapels & Hermitages – including Sant Antoni, Aurora, Santo Cristo, and Santa Bárbara 🙏.

• El Calvario District – a charming area that ends at a small chapel reached via a zig-zag path, offering peaceful views of the town 🌿.

These sites reflect centuries of tradition and give visitors insight into local spiritual life.

El Poador de la Font Major 🚰

Dating back to the 18th century, the Poador de la Font Major is a communal washhouse and drinking trough with twelve spouts. Notable features include a fountain shaped like an animal’s head 🐴 and a restored sculpture of King Jaime I 👑. This historic site was once the centre of daily social life in the town.

Museo Etnológico y de Arqueología 🏺 Plaza España, 1.

Step back in time at the Ethnological and Archaeological Museum, where exhibits showcase Callosa’s life from its earliest days up to the 1960s. Visitors can explore traditional tools, costumes, and household items, providing a fascinating window into mountain town life in the Costa Blanca.

Schedule

Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 14:30

Closed weekends and holidays.

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Festivals & Traditions 🎉

Callosa d’en Sarrià is famous for its vibrant festivals:

• Dances de Sant Jaume (July): A celebration for single people featuring music 🎶, dancing, and the town’s signature Nispero cake 🍰.

• Moors and Christians (October): A dramatic re-enactment of medieval battles ⚔️, complete with parades, costumes, and music 🎺.

• Jesuset de les Monges (December 24): A children’s festival marking the start of Christmas.

Participating in these events is the perfect way to experience the town’s welcoming and lively culture.

Hiking & Scenic Trails 🚶

The Sierra de Bernia mountains offer hiking trails with panoramic views over inland valleys and the Costa Blanca coast. The paths wind through pine forests 🌲 and rocky ridges, making them ideal for walkers, nature lovers, and photographers 📸.

Gastronomy & Local Flavours 🍴

Callosa d’en Sarrià is Spain’s leading producer of Nísperos, protected by Denomination of Origin (DO). Try them fresh or in syrups, jams, honey, liqueurs, wine and cakes.

Traditional dishes include:

• Stuffed peppers 🌶️

• Olleta de blat (wheat stew) 🥣

• Conejo al all i oli (rabbit with garlic) 🧄

• Olla amb pilotes (meatball stew) 🍲

• Minxos (savoury pastries) 🥟

• Pastissets d’aiguardent i a l’aire (sweet brandy cakes)

Food enthusiasts will find plenty of authentic flavours in the town’s family-run restaurants and cafés ☕.

✅ Why Visit Callosa d’en Sarrià?

• 🌊 Swim in the Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls 

• 🏰 Explore the historic old town and El Portal 

• ⛪ Visit San Juan Bautista Church and chapels 

• 🚶 Hike scenic Sierra de Bernia trails 

• 🎉 Experience lively festivals 

• 🥭 Taste fresh nísperos and traditional dishes 

• 📜 Learn about centuries of local history 

Whether for a day trip or a longer stay, Callosa d’en Sarrià offers a perfect mix of nature, history, culture, and gastronomy.

Getting There 🚘

From Benidorm, Callosa d’en Sarrià is roughly 20 minutes by car. Follow signs toward Bolulla to reach the Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls, just 3 km from the town centre.

🚌 Bus Options from Benidorm to Callosa d’en Sarrià

1. Llorente Bus – Line 053

• Route: Benidorm – Callosa d’en Sarrià – Polop – La Nucía – Estación Bus

• Frequency: Approximately every 4 hours

• Duration: Around 32 minutes

• Fare: €1–€4

• Departure Point: C/ Francisco Llorca Antón, Benidorm

• Arrival Point: Ctra. Alacant 54, Callosa d’en Sarrià

• Operator: Llorente Bus (Avanza Group)

2. ALSA Bus

• Route: Benidorm – Callosa d’en Sarrià

• Frequency: Approximately 5 direct buses per day

• Duration: Around 15 minutes

• Fare: Starting from €1 if booked in advance

• Departure Point: Benidorm Bus Station

• Arrival Point: Ctra. D'Alacant CV-715, Callosa d’en Sarrià

🚖 Taxi 

• Distance: Approximately 15.8 km

• Duration: Around 18–19 minutes

• Cost: Between €25 and €32 

Please note that fares can vary based on factors such as time of day, traffic conditions.  Contact the taxi service in advance to confirm availability and fare estimates.

Nearby towns & villages:  Polop, Guadalest,Alfaz del Pi, Albir, Altea,  & La Nucía

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💬 Share Your Experience!

Have you visited Callosa d’en Sarrià? 

We’d love to hear about your adventures! Did you hike the Sierra de Bernia trails, swim in the Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls, explore the historic old town, or taste the famous nísperos?

Drop your experiences, tips, and favourite spots in the comments section below 👇. Your insights help other travellers discover the magic of Callosa d’en Sarrià! 💙