26/10/2021
Discover the Amadorio Reservoir, a perfect plan for this time of year.
The Amadorio reservoir is a secret for those who visit Villajoyosa, especially for the first time. Often the spectacular beaches and coves that make up the Villajoyosa coastline are guilty of not paying enough attention to other interesting places that are hidden very close and a little bit inland. Therefore, today we have proposed an option to discover this place that, without a doubt, is well worth a visit during your stay at the Hotel Montíboli.
Did you know that it is the reservoir closest to the sea in all of Spain? Only 4.2 kilometers separate the enormous body of fresh water that supplies the entire Marina Baja region, including Benidorm, from the salty water of the Mediterranean. A different plan as an alternative to the perfect excursion for when the heat subsides. Have you heard of it?
History of the Amadorio Reservoir
Alicante is a province of famous reservoirs. The historic reservoir of Tibi has the oldest dam inall of Europe, that of Guadalest with turquoise water comparable to that of the best beaches inthe Caribbean, and the Amadorio reservoir holds the mark of being the closest to the sea in the entire country.
In addition, it is built in an area where its presence acquires special importance due to the lack of rainfall and a dry climate that almost ensures the sun throughout the year.
The building of The Amadorio reservoir started in 1947 and after 10 long years of work, for which a town was built in which the workers could reside during the course of the works, it was inaugurated on June 20, 1957, and still remains in operation to date.
The reservoir dam rises to 63 meters in height and covers 318 meters in length, supporting a 103-hectare body of water that separates the towns of Villajoyosa and Orxeta.
The landscape surrounding the Pantano de Amadorio
The Amadorio reservoir is one of the most special places in the province of Alicante, as it offers beautiful views of the city of Villajoyosa from its body of water, and a panoramic view that extends to Benidorm with the sea as the absolute protagonist.
Walking around its surroundings shows you fauna and flora, very characteristic of the land, for you to enjoy. The vegetation is purely Mediterranean, including Aleppo pines, rosemary, esparto or oleanders. As for the fauna, in addition to numerous species of fish in a place where fishing is allowed, if you have a bit of luck, you will be able to observe herons, cormorants, frogs, turtles, eagles, kestrels, rabbits, squirrels, foxes and even some wild boar.
The fragile flow of the Amadorio River varies throughout the year and depending on the seasons, you can enjoy a different landscape while crossing the arid plains of the region looking for the sea. Precisely, in the heart of the old town of Villajoyosa, you should not miss its mouth, with the old coloured houses along the river.
Don't miss the Amadorio Reservoir route
There is a route that takes in the entire reservoir and that is a real pleasure to walk or cycle. If you want to cover the entire route, you will need around 3 hours, since the perimeter of the reservoir stretches for 16 kilometers in a route with minimum difficulty. A firm ground without irregularities and quite flat, absent of great ascents or descents.
If you want to take a walk, it isn't necessary that you do the entire route, you can travel only some sections and enjoy it just as well. In addition, you can take advantage of the route to stop as many times as you want to contemplate the landscape, enjoy a break with a picnic, sit on the shore to talk or even dare to try fishing.
The reservoir has parking, and there is a small recreational area in the shade where you can rest with swings and toilets. The good weather of Villajoyosa allows you to make this visit at any time of the year, but we recommend doing it in the cooler months or at sunset.
After parking your vehicle, in just a few steps you will reach the reservoir. As you go to the dam, you can see two huge silos that welcome us with their majesty. The best option is to start the trail by crossing the dam, from which you can experience impressive views thanks to its height. A tunnel awaits at the edge of the dam that serves as the beginning of the beautiful walk before you.
In this first part of the road there is no place for traffic and it is an ideal space for walking at any age. After a couple of kilometres, this path ends on a road with little traffic that you must take if what you want is to skirt the entire reservoir. If not, you can choose to go back the same way and enjoy the scenery again. Without a doubt, the walk will have been worth it!
The Hotel Montiboli is located by the sea in one of the most exclusive corners of VillajoyosaIts privileged location makes it a paradise for those looking for a dream vacation away from thecrowds between two picture postcard coves. If you still want to have more experiences during your stay, do not miss a visit to the Amadorio reservoir, a few minutes from the hotel, and discover one of the best kept secrets of Villajoyosa.
