Polop Water Route: Fountains, Washhouses and History
At the foot of the mountain, surrounded by nature, Polop de la Marina houses a valuable hydraulic heritage traversed by the Water Route (Ruta de les Fonts).
A free walk that reveals centuries-old fountains, restored washing places and spots where water is the protagonist. The emblem of the route is the Font dels Xorros (Square of the Jets), a monumental fountain with 221 spouts, each one named after a municipality in the province of Alicante.
Practical information
- Location: Polop de la Marina (10 min from Benidorm)
- Distance: 2-3 km circular (urban route)
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Low (suitable for children and seniors)
- Price: Free
- Free parking: Carrer Llavador (100+ spaces)
Main fountains on the route
- Font dels Xorros — 221 spouts in the Plaza de los Chorros. Originally built in 1885 with 11 spouts, expanded to 100 in 1965 and to 221 in 1976. The water comes from the Sirer, Terrer and Garrofer springs.
- Font del Llavador — Ornamental fountain on Carrer Llavador that recreates the old public washing place, inaugurated in 2021 with recovered historical materials.
- Font de la Carrasca — Mountain spring in the Ponoig massif, accessible via the "El Salt" route (high difficulty).
- Font del Braçalet — Channeling point where water from the mountain is directed toward the village.
- Font del Sirer, Terrer y Garrofer — Natural springs that feed the municipal water system.
What else to see in Polop
- Castillo de Polop (12th century, Almohad) — Fortress on the summit with panoramic views of the coast and Ponoig. Currently houses a "Literary Cemetery" inspired by Gabriel Miró.
- Casa Museo Gabriel Miró — Free entry. Dedicated to the Alicante-born writer. Also houses the tourist office.
- Plaza de la Purísima — Square with restaurants and bars where you can taste local cuisine.
- Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol — Parish church in the old town.
- Sunday market — Every Sunday from 8:00 to 14:00 in the industrial estate, next to the CV-70.
- Monte Ponoig (1,181 m) — Known as "the Sleeping Lion" for its silhouette. Offers hiking routes and a via ferrata for experts.
How to get there from Benidorm
By car: CV-70 towards Callosa d'en Sarrià, turn off to Polop. Just 10 minutes. Free parking on Carrer Llavador.
By bus: Llorente/Avanza lines (16, 18, 52, 53, 54) or ALSA via La Nucía. 20-25 minutes, 2-3 euros.
By taxi: Direct from Benidorm, about 15 minutes and 16-20 euros per trip.
Google Maps: Polop de la Marina