Anna lakes and waterfalls

The town of Anna in the Vall d’Albaida, 70 km south-west of Valencia, sits at the top of a spring-fed canyon system known as the Gorges de Anna (or Barranc de les Gorges). Three distinct waterfalls cascade through a limestone gorge, a natural lake (Llac d’Anna) is fed by the same spring system, and a terraced garden complex built over centuries of water management has been nicknamed “Anna’s Alhambra” for its Moorish-influenced layout. It is one of the least-publicised natural attractions within 90 minutes of Valencia, and on a Tuesday in June, you may have the main waterfall trail almost entirely to yourself.

Getting to Anna from Valencia

A car is the practical choice. Take the A-7 motorway south toward Xàtiva, then follow the CV-590 west through Llosa de Ranes toward Montesa and Anna. The drive is around 60–70 minutes depending on traffic through Valencia’s southern exits.

There is no direct bus or train to Anna. There are services to the area via Xàtiva, but with connection waiting times, a public transport day trip becomes a 5-hour commitment in each direction.

Organised tours from Valencia combine Anna with nearby Xàtiva (30 km east of Anna), making the two-destination combination viable in a single day:

Valencia: Anna’s Alhambra and the 3 waterfalls tour — a 6-hour organised tour covering the gardens and the waterfall trail, with transport from Valencia included.

Valencia: Xàtiva, Ontinyent and Anna day trip — this covers the Xàtiva castle, Ontinyent town and Anna’s natural attractions in a single structured day.

The Gorges de Anna: waterfalls and canyon

The Barranc de les Gorges is a limestone canyon approximately 2 km long, carved by the spring system that emerges at the head of the valley. Three waterfalls punctuate the trail:

Primer Salt (First Fall): The most accessible and largest, about 1 km from the village centre. Water drops approximately 8–10 metres into a natural pool. A viewpoint platform is directly adjacent; the pool below is swimmable when water levels permit (generally March–September, deepest in spring).

Segon Salt (Second Fall): 500 metres further up the canyon, reached by scrambling over boulders and some easy rockwork. Smaller fall (3–5 metres), narrower pool. More intimate setting than the first.

Tercer Salt (Third Fall): The highest and least visited, requiring a scramble up loose terrain. Not always swimmable due to shallower pool depth. The view back down the canyon from this point justifies the climb.

The full round trip — village to third fall and back — takes 2 to 2.5 hours on foot, with moderate terrain on the lower section and rougher going above the first fall. Wear shoes that can handle wet rocks. The canyon is shaded in the morning and exposed in the afternoon.

Gorgos de Anna canyoning or hiking tour provides a structured guided experience through the canyon, including abseiling into the gorge from above — a more adventurous approach than the standard walking trail.

The Llac d’Anna (Anna lake)

A natural lake of approximately 100 by 200 metres, fed by the same spring system as the gorge. The lake maintains a relatively constant level year-round due to its spring source. Swimming is permitted in most of the lake; a small beach area at the south end has a car park and picnic tables.

Water temperature: cold even in summer (around 18–20°C) due to the spring feed. Air temperature in July–August can reach 35°C, making the contrast dramatically refreshing. There are no lifeguards; the lake has a section with gradually increasing depth suitable for children learning to swim.

Entry to the lake recreational area: free. Parking: free, 50 spaces (fills on summer weekends by 10:00).

The Jardines de Anna (“Anna’s Alhambra”)

The garden complex below the town centre was developed over centuries, incorporating the spring water channel system into a series of terraced pools, fountains and plantings. The “Alhambra” nickname refers to the Nasrid-influenced hydraulic design — a system of channels, reflecting pools and water features that echo the aesthetic of the Alhambra’s Generalife gardens in Granada, though on a much smaller scale.

The gardens are open for guided visits; opening times are irregular and managed by the local council (call the Anna town hall or check for a sign at the main entrance). Entry approximately €2. The visit takes 30–45 minutes. If the gardens are closed on arrival, the exterior and water channel above the gardens are accessible without charge.

Combining Anna with Xàtiva

The most natural combination: Anna (2.5–3 hours for gorge walk, lake swim) + Xàtiva (castle, 3 hours, 30 km east). Either order works by car. Starting at Anna in the morning (spring water is coldest, trail coolest, parking emptiest) and ending at Xàtiva for lunch and the castle in the afternoon is a clean full day. See the Xàtiva destination guide and Xàtiva castle guide for castle timing.

What else is near Anna

• Montesa Castle (10 km north-east): ruins of the castle of the Orden de Montesa, a medieval military-religious order founded in Valencia. Free access; dramatic remains on a hilltop above the town of Montesa. Adds 1 hour to an Anna visit.
• Ontinyent (25 km south): larger town with an Arabic quarter, a local museum and a weekly market. Textile manufacturing history visible in surviving 19th–20th century factory buildings.
• Bocairent (40 km south-west): the Coves dels Moros cliff caves and medieval village. Too far to combine with Anna in a half day but possible on a full inland circuit day.

Practical information

• Parking at gorge trailhead: Free, 30 spaces, 500 metres from the village centre
• Lake parking: Free, 50 spaces
• Gardens visits: Irregular hours — check with the town hall (ajuntament.anna.es) or tourist information at the trailhead board
• ATM: One in the village centre; bring cash as a backup
• Restaurants: Bar-Restaurante La Fuente at the lake area has basic food and cold drinks; village bar Ca Peret (Plaza Mayor) serves lunch menus at ~€11–12

Frequently asked questions about Anna lakes and waterfalls

Is Anna worth a separate day trip from Valencia?

As a standalone destination, Anna is best suited for those specifically interested in natural swimming and gorge walking. For history-focused travellers, it combines better as an add-on to Xàtiva (30 km east) than as a primary destination. The organised Xàtiva–Anna tour is the most efficient way to see both without a car.

Can I swim in the Anna waterfalls?

In the pool below the first waterfall (Primer Salt), yes — it’s the main attraction for most summer visitors. The water is cold (spring-fed, ~18°C even in August) but clear and clean. The pool is natural rock-edged with no facilities. Water shoes are advisable for the entry path. The lake (Llac d’Anna) is a warmer and more comfortable swimming option in summer.

When is the best time to visit the waterfalls?

Spring (April–June) for peak water flow and cooler walking conditions. July–August for swimming in the warmer ambient temperatures (despite cold water). September–October for a balance of comfortable weather and moderate crowds. Avoid August weekends — the main pool and lake are near-capacity and parking is problematic.

How difficult is the gorge walk?

The trail to the first fall (Primer Salt) is easy — 1 km on a clear path, some uneven ground. The second fall requires 15 minutes of boulder-scrambling — moderate. The third fall involves a rougher 20-minute climb on loose terrain — more demanding. The full round trip to the third fall takes 2–2.5 hours.

Is the site suitable for families with young children?

The first waterfall and the lake are both accessible and suitable for families with children. The second and third waterfalls involve terrain that requires adult hands for children under 8. The lake beach area is particularly child-friendly — shallow entry, no current, clean water.

Does Anna have any accommodation?

Very limited. One or two rural casas (Casa Rural El Molí is the best-known option) provide basic overnight accommodation. For most visitors, Anna is a day trip from Valencia or as part of a circuit with Xàtiva. Book well in advance for any accommodation in the village as there are fewer than 20 rooms total in the immediate area.