Ontinyent, Pou Clar Waterfalls - Located about 1 hour 30 minutes (124 km) from Benidorm, Ontinyent is an ideal inland day trip. There are a couple of scenic routes you can take, listed below to plan your journey easily.
About Ontinyent
Ontinyent is a vibrant municipality in the Vall d’Albaida comarca, in the province of Valencia, Spain. It sits along the Clariano River, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a peaceful escape from the coast.
Fun Fact: This town is the birthplace of Juan Carlos Ferrero, former World No.1 tennis player, adding sporting pride to its many attractions.
A Glimpse Into Ontinyent’s Ancient History
People have lived in Ontinyent since prehistoric times. The earliest evidence comes from La Cova l’Hedra, where archaeologists uncovered traces of ancient inhabitants.
Throughout the area, you’ll find archaeological sites from different eras:
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Neolithic settlements, such as L’Arenal de la Costa
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Bronze Age sites, highlighting early advancements
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Iberian and Roman remains, revealing Ontinyent’s importance through history
Today, Ontinyent combines this fascinating heritage with modern local life, making it a destination worth exploring on your inland adventures.
Places to visit in the city
- Bridge del Salt del Bou
- Church of Santa Maria
- Hermitage of Sant Esteve
- Pont Vell
- Wineries Ontinium
- Fester Museum
But what attracts most people to this area is the waterfalls situated about 3kms outside of the city, the most popular is Le Pou Clar
Pou Clar – Ontinyent’s Natural Swimming Paradise
Pou Clar (Clear Well) marks the beginning of the Rio Clariano river. Over centuries, the flowing water has sculpted a stunning series of natural pools and waterfalls, creating an idyllic oasis loved by both locals and visitors.
Named Pools of Pou Clar
Each pool has its own name, reflecting its unique character:
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Pool of Slaves
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Clear Pool
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Frozen Pool
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Side Pool
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Dark Pool
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Pool of Horses
What to Expect
Visitors can easily walk along Pou Clar. They will see the beautiful colours of the rocks and the clear water.
In summer, people flock here for a refreshing swim – but be warned, the water stays freezing cold even on the hottest days! You’ll often see Spanish families picnicking by the pools and diving from the rocks.
Please note: There is no lifeguard on duty.
Parking & Access Update
Previously, there was a car park right next to Pou Clar, but it has been removed. Now, visitors should use the new 95-space car park near the Polideportivo (Sports Centre) at:
Carrer Vicent Lluís Montés Penadés, 46870 Ontinyent
From the car park, it’s less than 2 km to reach Pou Clar. During the busy summer months, especially in July and August, you must make a prior reservation to manage visitor numbers. Book here: reservespouclar.es
Summer Bus Timetable (July & August – Saturdays and Sundays)
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Sports Centre → Pou Clar: 10:00, 13:20, 17:00, 19:50
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Pou Clar → Sports Centre: 10:10, 13:30, 17:10, 20:00
Getting to Ontinyent from Benidorm
If you’re planning a visit to Ontinyent, here are three main driving routes to choose from:
Route 1 – Fastest - 1 hr 25 mins | 124 km
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From Benidorm, take Av. de Europa, Av. Comunidad Europea, and CV-753 to join the AP-7.
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Follow AP-7 and A-7 towards CV-81.
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Take Exit 20 from A-7 onto CV-81.
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Continue on CV-81, then take Av. del Tèxtil, Av. Ramón y Cajal, and Carrer del Dos de Maig to Carrer de l'Altet de Sant Joan in Ontinyent.
Route 2 – Similar time, slightly shorter distance - 1 hr 27 mins | 107 km
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From Benidorm, take Av. de Europa, Av. Comunidad Europea, and CV-753 to join the AP-7.
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Follow AP-7 to Calle Calderón de la Barca/CV-800 and take Exit 681.
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Join the A-7, continue towards CV-81, and take Exit 20.
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Continue on CV-81, then take Av. del Tèxtil, Av. Ramón y Cajal, and Carrer del Dos de Maig to Carrer de l'Altet de Sant Joan in Ontinyent.
Route 3 – Most scenic mountain route - 1 hr 32 mins | 78.5 km
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From Benidorm, take Calle del Esperanto and Calle Lepanto to Av. de Europa.
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Follow CV-70, CV-790, and A-7 to Av. del Tèxtil in Ontinyent.
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Continue via Av. del Tèxtil, Av. Ramón y Cajal, and Carrer del Dos de Maig to Carrer de l'Altet de Sant Joan.
This is by far the most attractive drive, taking you across beautiful mountain scenery and small inland villages.
FROM ONTINYENT
If travelling onwards towards Fontanars, take the CV-81 Ontinyent–Bocairent road and follow directions at the Fontanars crossroads.
Explore More Nearby – Xàtiva and Bocairent
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to visit Xàtiva, a historic town famous for its impressive hilltop castle, beautiful old town, and rich cultural heritage.
Another must-see is the charming town of Bocairent, known for its medieval streets, cave houses, and unique Moorish caves carved into the mountainside.
Both places offer authentic Valencian experiences and make perfect additions to your Ontinyent day trip.
Bocairent
Bocairent is famous for its 50 or so Moorish manmade caves that date back to medieval times, these are set into a rock faces 300 meters from the village.
The caves are all connected by a series of natural openings in the rock. Visitors are free to explore them, but be aware – this adventure isn’t for everyone. If you have walking difficulties or suffer from vertigo, it’s best to admire the caves from the outside.
The countryside in this area is stunning and depending upon the time of year you visit you will come across fields of sunflowers.
