The Pou Clar is Ontinyent's most important river landscape. This is where the Clariano river is born: in its first few metres it forms a series of pools and waterfalls carved into the limestone over thousands of years, a unique landscape of rounded shapes and calm water. It is an ideal place to enjoy nature, go hiking and cool off in summer.
The six pools
Locals feel so attached to this spot that every pool has its own name. From top to bottom: the Pou dels Esclaus, the Pou Clar, the Pou Gelat, the Pou de la Reixa, the Pou Fosc and the Pou dels Cavalls. In summer they become the town's natural swimming pool, where generations of locals have learned to swim.
It is part of the Serra de l'Ombria – Pou Clar Municipal Natural Area. On the gorge walls you can still see the finestres del Pou Clar, man-made caves from the Moorish period that were used as granaries or storehouses.
Getting there
- On foot or by bike: from Carrer del Llombo, follow the Llombo track to the Alba factory, then take the Alba path down to the Pou dels Cavalls.
- By car: take the CV-81 towards Bocairent. After about 2 km, at the junction for Fontanars dels Alforins, there is a car park.
- In summer the car parks are closed and road access is not allowed: leave your car at the sports centre and walk along the Alba path. In July and August you must book your visit at reservespouclar.es.
Things to do
- About 500 metres away starts the PR-V 122 trail, which reaches Bocairent in under an hour, past cliffs, old mills and the sound of water in the Tarongers gorge.
- From the Pou dels Cavalls, steps lead up to the Galindo pine wood, with tables and drinking water for a picnic (allowed from October to May).
Tips
- Wear suitable footwear: the rock can be slippery.
- Respect the environment: take your litter with you and look after the riverside plants.
- Up-to-date information: town council environment page.
