Important notice (November 2026): the Cueva del Turche has been closed to the public since April 2025 due to damage from the DANA storm. The closure remains in place until April 2027, and entering is subject to a fine (Resolution 532 of April 17, 2025, official source: Buñol City Council). We did this route before the closure. We're sharing it so you can save it for when it reopens, and below we've listed what to do in the meantime.
This is one of the most famous routes in the Valencian Community. The Cueva del Turche is in Buñol, about 40 minutes by car from Valencia via the A-3. You reach it along the CV-425, the road that leaves Buñol toward Alborache, and the trail starts next to the Natural Park sign. From there the Water Route begins, a roughly 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) hike that links two waterfalls and several pools on the Juanes River.
We did it several times before the DANA storm and it was one of those plans that make you love weekends again. We left Valencia early, stopped for breakfast in Buñol, and before long we were watching water tumble down from 60 meters. The wind was so strong it nearly blew us away. It was worth it all the same.
If you don't have a car, you can also do it by other means of transport.
We've gone in several ways, and driving isn't the only option. The C-3 Cercanías commuter line stops in Buñol, and direct trains from València Font de Sant Lluís or San Isidre take about an hour. There's also a bus run by Autobuses Buñol from the Estació d'Autobusos de València, although it takes a bit longer. The good news is that the Water Route starts right in the town, from Parque de San Luis, so you step off the train and start walking. That said, check the timetables on the Renfe and Autobuses Buñol websites before you go, especially if you're visiting on a weekend.
We'll tell you what the route is like, what we saw at each stop, and what you need to know now that the area is closed.
📋 What you'll find in this post
First, breakfast in Buñol
The start of the route: the Cueva de Turche Natural Park sign
First stop: the Cueva del Turche
Charco Mañán, the turquoise pool seen from above
Cueva de las Palomas, the end of the route
Back to Buñol
Tips from Pedro and Karyna
Frequently asked questions
First, breakfast in Buñol
Before lacing up our boots, a quick pit stop. We sat down at a café in Buñol and ordered our usual: herbal tea, a croissant and a tomato toast. It may seem like a minor detail. It isn't. There's no bar along the way, so it's good to set off with a full tank.
Buñol is known around the world for La Tomatina, but most people who come to hike never even set foot in the town center. That's a shame. It's worth taking a stroll around the village before or after. Like most Valencian towns, it has its charm.
The start of the route: the Cueva de Turche Natural Park sign
The route starts at a huge green sign for the Cueva de Turche Natural Park. It shows trail SL-CV 166, the Water Route, with all the stops and the park rules: no littering, no fires, and respect the plants and wildlife.
We stood in front of the map and it was clear. First the Cueva del Turche, then up to Charco Mañán, on to the Cueva de las Palomas and back toward Buñol. In total, about 5.9 kilometers for the short route or nearly 10 for the long one, with 225 meters of elevation gain, according to the track we followed.
The path is well marked with wooden posts showing the directions. Even so, we recommend taking the track on your phone. There are sections along the riverbed where it's easy to second-guess yourself.
First stop: the Cueva del Turche
The first stop alone is worth the trip. The Juanes River tumbles over an orange rock wall and forms a turquoise-green lake inside a natural amphitheater. After heavy rain, the waterfall can drop from around 60 meters.
We stayed down there for a good while, looking at the water and taking the classic photo of the two of us with the waterfall behind us. It's the most photographed spot in the area, and it shows: we went in summer when it was packed, and in the low season when the atmosphere was very calm. You can see people swimming and even doing water activities.
In spring and summer people used to come for a swim. Today that's not possible: the area is closed until April 2027 and the entrance is fenced off.
Charco Mañán, the turquoise pool seen from above
From the Cueva del Turche we climbed toward the lookout above the waterfall. A post points to Charco Mañán on one side and Buñol on the other. We followed the markers.
We saw Charco Mañán from above and it left us speechless. The water has a turquoise color that looks retouched, but it isn't. The locals in Alborache call it the Happy Valley, because its upper pools fall within their municipal territory.
This stretch, between the Turche lookout and Charco Mañán, is the most technical part of the route. There are sections over rock and along the riverbed where you need to use your hands. Nothing impossible, but regular sports shoes make it tough going.
Cueva de las Palomas, the end of the route
From Charco Mañán the path leaves the ravine and continues along a dirt track through pines and scrubland. This is where the wind got serious. Karyna had her jacket tied around her waist and her cap held down with one hand. Check the weather conditions before you go, just so you're prepared.
The Cueva de las Palomas is already in Yátova's territory. The water falls in two drops over a white, polished rock, surrounded by vegetation. It's less well known than the Turche, which is why it's more enjoyable and peaceful.
In summer there were lots of people swimming with their umbrellas and beach chairs, but in the low season you could enjoy this spot in great peace and quiet.
Back to Buñol
To head back, we retraced part of the path and returned to Buñol following the track. We arrived with happy legs and a camera full of photos.
It was exactly the kind of plan we were looking for: nature close to home, little driving, and a landscape that combines water, views, mountains and proximity to Valencia.
💡 Tips from Pedro and Karyna
🚧 Before you go, check whether it has reopened The Cueva del Turche and its access routes are closed until April 2027 by municipal order, and jumping the fence will get you fined. Check the Buñol City Council's social media before planning anything: the deadline has already been extended more than once.
🚗 How to get there and where to park From Valencia it's about 40 minutes via the A-3 to Buñol, then the CV-425 toward Alborache. Before the closure, the town council set up a public car park next to the cave. Parking on the verge or along the road is prohibited and will get you fined. If the car park is full, your best bet is to leave the car in the village and walk.
🥾 Footwear and difficulty The route is manageable, but the stretch between the Turche lookout and Charco Mañán has sections over rock. Wear trekking shoes with good soles. We don't recommend it with small children or dogs in the upper areas of the waterfalls.
🎒 What to bring Water, some food and a bag for your rubbish. There are no fountains or bars along the way. And if it's windy, bring a jacket: we were glad we did.
📅 When to go Autumn and spring are the best seasons for hiking. After a few days of rain, the waterfalls carry much more water. In summer it's hot and it used to get very crowded.
🗺️ Take the track with you We followed a 5.9 km short track, and there's a longer one of around 10 km with 225 m of elevation gain. Download it on Wikiloc or Komoot before you set off, because phone signal in the ravine isn't good.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Where is the Cueva del Turche? In Buñol (Valencia), on the Juanes River, next to the CV-425 that runs from Buñol to Alborache. It's about 40 minutes by car from Valencia.
How do I get to the Cueva del Turche? By car via the A-3 to Buñol and then the CV-425. You can also walk from the village following trail SL-CV 166, the Water Route.
Where can I park to visit the Cueva del Turche? In the public car park next to the cave or in the village of Buñol. Parking on the road or on the verges is prohibited and will get you fined.
Is the Cueva del Turche open? No. It has been closed since April 2025 due to damage from the DANA storm, and the closure remains in place until April 2027. Entering without authorization is subject to a fine. The updated status is published by the Buñol City Council.
Can you do the route with children? With older children and with care, yes. In the upper areas of the waterfalls there is a risk of falling, so we don't recommend it with small children.
Had you been to the Cueva del Turche before the closure? Do you know another route with natural pools near Valencia to do in the meantime? Let us know in the comments 👇
