The Pou Clar is Ontinyent's most important river landscape. Here, springs give the Clariano river its year-round flow, and the water 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
You can walk there from town along the Alba path, which ends at the Pou dels Cavalls. In July and August entry has to be booked.
Getting there, parking and booking → Pou Clar practical guide
Things to do
- 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 cliffs and old mills, to Bocairent.
- 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.
Sources: Turisme Ontinyent, Ontinyent Town Council and FEMECV (PR-CV 122).
