El Charco Azul
Local trail SL-CV 74: a waymarked circular walk from the square to the Turia’s great pool, between walls more than 80 metres high. Suitable for families.
| 3.7 km | circular, from Plaza de la Baronía |
| 1 h 05 | of walking, according to the official FEMECV route sheet |
| +80 m | of total ascent |
| Easy | and well waymarked; ideal with children |
The old Estrecho de Chulilla
The Charco Azul is a large natural pool the river forms as it leaves the narrowest part of the canyon, next to the Salto weir, where the valley’s irrigation begins. Before the dam, this passage was the Estrecho de Chulilla, a waterfall feared by the log drivers who floated timber down the Turia to Valencia.
The walkway on the wall was built to monitor the dam and a flood broke it: don’t use it.
Step by step
- Start at Plaza de la Baronía. Go down Calle Santa Bárbara and Calle Las Cuevas.
- Among carob trees. Small fields of this traditional crop; ahead you see the castle hill and the cliff of La Punta.
- Channel or river. There’s a channel running alongside the river, not recommended with children; the riverside path is better.
- Peña Judía. A shallow pool, the locals’ favourite for a swim.
- El Charco Azul. The great pool, between sheer walls.
- Back downstream. Cross two small bridges, skirt the base of the castle hill and pass the oldest orchards in the village, irrigated since Morisco times, and below the Gollizno Cave.
Good to know
- Water flow: it depends on releases from the Loriguilla reservoir and can change without warning.
- More pools: Fuente las Canales and the Remanso de Las Mulas, by the poplars, for a cool-off stop in summer.
- Combine it: the hanging bridges route starts from the Charco Azul.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the Charco Azul in Chulilla?
On the waymarked SL-CV 74 trail, which starts from Plaza de la Baronía: 3.7 km circular, 1 h 05 of walking and 80 m of ascent, according to the official FEMECV route sheet.
Can you swim in the Charco Azul?
It depends on the water flow, which changes without warning with releases from the Loriguilla reservoir. Before you go, check swimming conditions at the tourist office. Along the way is Peña Judía, a shallow pool where the locals swim.
Is it an easy walk to do with children?
Yes: it’s easy and well waymarked. With children, take the riverside path rather than the channel running alongside it, and don’t use the walkway on the wall, which a flood broke.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, always on a lead.
Can I combine it with another route?
Yes: the hanging bridges route starts from the Charco Azul.
Where it is
Location on the map of the area. Always follow the trail waymarks.
- Charco Azul viewpoint (this route)
- Hanging bridges
- Loriguilla dam
- La Cruz viewpoint
- Chulilla Castle
- Rock paintings (Falfiguera ravine)
- Hanging Bridges Route
- Path
- Track
- Car park (yellow: paid)
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Approximate map: it doesn't replace the waymarks or the guidebook.
More routes from Chulilla
Las Cuevas – La Peñeta
The shortest walk, round the back of the castle, to the best viewpoint over the valley.
1.1 km · SL-CV 72
La Muela and La Cruz viewpoint
Climb to the ridge of La Muela via the Lebrillico spring.
3.5 km · SL-CV 71
The rock paintings
Hunting and dancing scenes thousands of years old, a World Heritage Site.
Falfiguera ravine
El Frailecico and its caves
A Moorish watchtower, a cave once used as a livestock pen and a waterfall that only appears after rain.
~8 km · moderate to hard
Up to the castle
The Arab fortress watching over the village and the canyon from the top of the crag.
In the village
The Peña Cortada aqueduct
Roman arches and tunnels cut into the rock, between Chelva and Calles.
PR-CV 92 · 13.9 km
Las Toscas
Tufa waterfalls and pools on the River Sot, in the neighbouring village of Sot de Chera.
~19 km by car
Sleep right by the trail
Our accommodation is in the centre of the village: you can walk to almost every route.
-
Apartment La Muela 1
200 m from the main car park
- 5 guests
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- 65 m²
Two bedrooms with two beds each, a living-dining room open to the kitchen and a work corner with good Wi-Fi.
from 90 € / nightSunday to Thursday · 2-night minimum
-
Apartment La Muela 2
Balcony with views of the Turia canyon
- 5 guests
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- 65 m²
Second floor with a balcony over the Turia canyon, two bedrooms, a living room and an equipped kitchen.
from 90 € / nightSunday to Thursday · 2-night minimum
-
Apartment La Muela 3
Private terrace with views of the castle and the canyon
- 3 guests
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- 55 m²
Third floor with a private terrace and views of the castle and the canyon, next to the main car park.
-
Rural cottage La Cambreta
Terrace with castle views
- 3 guests
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- 55 m²
A former farm storehouse restored in 2020: two small floors and a terrace facing the castle.
