The alternative to umbrella and beach tourism
It does not have the imposing turquoise of the Guadalest reservoir nor the historical character of the Tibi reservoir -which is the oldest dam in Europe still in operation-, but from here you can see the Mediterranean. And it is more than enough.
The reservoir of the Amadorio River, in the Marina Baja region of Alicante, it is the closest to the sea in our country.
If you are spending a few days in the Alicante region of Marina Baja and you have already fallen in love several times with ** Altea , you have lived ** the real Benidorm ** both during the day and at night, if you have already wandered around the picturesque Villajoyosa and you have taken a dip in the ** Fuentes del Algar , it's time for you to discover the Amadorio reservoir: an alternative to the repetitive beach and umbrella tourism that catches us every summer, in the form of an excursion of less than a day.
Embalse del Amadorio: the corner of the Marina Baja of Alicante that you still do not know
Right now, thanks to the spring rains, the swamp, which collects the waters of the Amadorio and Sella rivers and the runoff from the south face of the Sierra de Aitana, is in a good moment: at 44% of its capacity.
Even though is not always like that. In years of drought, its appearance is bleak: you can even see the cracked clay bottom, with deep cracks.
In about three hours you can do the circular route that surrounds the entire swamp or, well, just a section of the trail. That yes: take with you a good mosquito repellent , since at some times of the year you will need it.
Also Water, since there are no sources. Near the car park you will find a recreational area, with a picnic area where you can spend a few hours.
The Amadorio reservoir is the closest to the sea in all of Spain
after admiring the majestic cement silos restored that were used for its construction, begin by delving into the tunnel (currently under construction) that will take you to the dam, 63 meters high.
From there, and throughout the entire route, you will be able to contemplate the Sierra de Aitana, the bay of Benidorm, El Campello or Cabo de las Huertas while you discover the Mediterranean flora: Aleppo pine, orchids, rockroses, rosemary, juniper, esparto grass or oleanders.
And also its fauna: if you pay attention, you will be able to see dragonflies, herons, cormorants, squirrels and even eagles. In the water, toad tadpoles and perch. In fact, It is a private fishing preserve , which is allowed from the shore or in non-motorized boats.
you can also practice kayak or paddle surf or imitate the runners in the area and jog along its dirt track.
When you're done, top it off with our (other) recommended area plans:
- Visit Orxeta, a secluded agricultural population of brightly colored mansions, embedded in a valley of fertile orchards and citrus. Did you know that the Camino de Santiago passes through there?
- Dinner in T-Class (Villajoyosa). Order their curry prawn croquettes, their Vietnamese bluefin tuna Nem and their puff pastry bravas.
**- End the night on the rooftop of the Gastrohotel RH Canfali or on the 20th floor ** (both in Benidorm) to finish banishing all your prejudices and realize that the Levantine coast still has a lot to offer you.
- Sleep at Vivood, the first hotel-landscape in Spain: it is so integrated with the environment that you will connect with nature from the second one.