Walk the Elche Reservoir route to spot griffon vultures in Alicante
In the heart of the Valencian Community, a quiet winter day invites families to escape the routine and breathe easy in the countryside. For those seeking a simple, family friendly walking route, the Elche Reservoir offers an ideal destination. The path is accessible to everyone and provides a low impact hike that appeals to both children and adults alike.
Route through Elche Reservoir
Inside the Elche Reservoir area, visitors have a few route options. The most complete option spans about eight kilometers and begins at Molí del Real. From there, the climb toward the dam unfolds. Along the way travelers encounter valleys, basins, ditches, and aqueducts, leading to the reservoir and its impressive 23 meter high dam on the Vinalopó River.
The route is straightforward and affordable, making it a perfect family outing. A compact trail runs along portions of the Vinalopó riverbank, well signposted and featuring informative panels and wooden railings that guide walkers and enrich the experience.
The old bridge and the Five Eyes viewpoint stand out as highlights. As the walk progresses, visitors can observe the region’s characteristic flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
A notable feature of the landscape is the wavy harbor known as the swamp area, which extends about 80 meters and connects the swamp tail to the dam, providing a scenic end point to the journey.
How to reach Elche Reservoir
The Elche Reservoir lies roughly 4.5 kilometers north of the city. For those driving from Alicante, the recommended route is to take the A70 toward Elche, exit at Carrús, and then continue on CV-84 toward Aspe. The drive offers a straightforward approach to the site, placing walkers at the start of the trail with ample opportunity to begin their adventure without delays.
The ideal route to see Alicante’s most magnificent castles
After a satisfying stroll around the reservoir, visitors can choose to continue along two simple paths. The first option keeps travelers within the urban core, while the second leads toward the marshlands and the expansive pathways beyond. If approaching from Elche, there are two convenient options: traverse the city on foot to join the marshland routes, or drive to a parking area and cover the last 3.5 kilometers into the marshland. Those who prefer the latter can follow the northern ring road of Elche, CV-8615, and continue along the old Pantano road, sometimes referred to as the Magros route. A wide walkway soon opens up, providing parking opportunities and a comfortable transition onto the main trail.