🗓️ Last reviewed: October 2026
The Pou Clar is Ontinyent's most famous natural spot: here, springs give the Clariano river its year-round flow, among crystal-clear pools over the limestone. In summer it becomes the town's natural swimming pool, and it gets so busy that access is regulated. This guide will help you plan your visit.
July and August: booking required
- From 1 July to 31 August you must book, free of charge, at reservespouclar.es. You'll get a QR code that is checked at the entrance.
- You can book on the day if places are left, but weekends fill up: book ahead.
Where to park
- In summer (July and August) the car parks beside the CV-81 are closed. The town council recommends the free car parks at the indoor pool / Sports Centre (Poliesportiu) and the university campus; from there it's about 2 km on foot.
- At weekends in July and August there is a free shuttle bus between the car park and the Pou Clar.
- Outside July and August you can drive along the CV-81 towards Bocairent and park in the two car parks beside the road, at the Fontanars junction. From there you walk into the Pou Clar: motor vehicles are not allowed inside the Municipal Natural Area.
Walking there
It's a pleasant walk from the centre: from Carrer del Llombo, follow the Llombo track to the Alba factory and then the Alba path to the Pou dels Cavalls, the first pool. Allow about half an hour.
Site rules
To protect the Pou Clar, the town's bylaw never allows:
- Smoking, lighting fires or barbecues.
- Alcoholic drinks or glass bottles.
- Music or loudspeakers that disturb the peace of the site.
- Tables, chairs, cool boxes or other furniture (except in the Galindo area).
- Leaving litter: take everything back with you.
From June to September, in addition:
- Pets are not allowed. The rest of the year they must be kept on a lead.
- Picnics are not allowed: you may only bring a snack, such as fruit or a sandwich.
Out of season, the Galindo pine grove above the Pou dels Cavalls has picnic tables and drinking water (October to May).
Swimming tips
First of all, it's worth knowing that the Pou Clar is not an officially designated bathing area: there is no lifeguard and, as the town council warns, no mobile phone coverage. If you decide to go in the water, bear this in mind.
- The water is cold all year round: it springs right here. Get in slowly.
- The rock is slippery: wear water shoes.
- Keep an eye on children: some pools are deep.
- Go early or on a weekday for a quieter visit.
- Bring water, a hat and sun cream: parts of the site have no shade.
And there's more…
About 500 metres away, beside the CV-81 at the entrance to the Tarongers gorge, the waymarked PR-CV 122 trail begins and continues up the gorge, past crags and old mills, to Bocairent. More walks in Hiking.
To discover the site itself, its six pools and surroundings → Pou Clar.
Rules and opening times can change every season: always check reservespouclar.es and the town council website before you go. Sources: Ontinyent Town Council (bylaw protecting the site, BOP no. 185 of 23-9-2021, and access information), reservespouclar.es, Turisme Ontinyent and FEMECV.
