Estrechos del arroyo Regajo – Hiking with water around Valencia

By Roberto – (Updated Aug 2024)

⏱4 min

After Poland, we haven’t done another hike and I needed one shot of outdoors adventure. So, I gathered some friends to do a lesser-known hike around Valencia: Estrechos del arroyo Regajo. This hike is a bit peculiar because it goes through a river with water, lots of pools, and the area of the “Estrechos” is really epic. I could say it is one of the best hikes I’ve done in Comunidad Valenciana.

By the way, I know… It’s been a while without posting any adventures. We’ve been reeeeeally busy with OurBigChanges in our lives. December last year, Ellen and I moved to our new house in Valencia and we were really committed to the new house. Not to mention that… She also got pregnant 👶🏻!

Where is the Estrechos del arroyo Regajo hike located

The hike lies between the regions of Sinarcas and Benageber, following the stream or arroyo Regajo. Getting here takes 1 hour and 30 minutes from Valencia.

How to get to the parking and the beginning of the track

In case you’re coming from Valencia, take A-3 highway direction to Utiel – Requena. While passing Utiel, take the CV-390 road until you reach “PC – Cola Embalse Benagéber“, or simply put this in Google Maps and you’ll get the itinerary.

For the last 5-10 km, the road is made from earth and rocks, and a tall car like a SUV is recommended. We saw small cars getting to the parking but we did well with a Renault Arkana. A 4×4 is not mandatory. Just have this in mind if you don’t want to ruin your car.

Important info before you plan this hike around Valencia

This hike is not suited for kids or people who go without a GPS tracker like a Garmin or apps with the track, since the path is not well mantained and there are crossings without indications.

Also, swimming is mandatory for three or four parts where the the water is deep enough to cover your head. Because of this, and because few kilometers go through the stream, you should bring a water bag or at least, plastic protection for the electronic devices, food or towels you bring.

I usually do this type of hikes with trail shoes (minimum snekers but never sandals!) and of course, bring swimming clothes!

Waterfalls and Pools in estrechos del arroyo Regajo hike

Ok, if you made it to the parking near La Pardala (near to the Embalse de Benageber) this will be the starting point. The hike we did was loop-type, going first following the water and later to the Estrechos, to finally come back to the car walking a regular forest trail.

Another option would be to do an in-and-out route. But we ended up getting tired of walking in the water, that’s nicer, but slower.

The first stop we did and strongly suggest to stop at, are two small pools where we had our snacks. After we swam there and had our first contact with the (cold) water, we moved back to the track and started to follow the riverbed. The track changes many times from parts crossing the water, to a trail, and back to the water. Since the water is quite refreshing, summer is the best season to do this hike.

Going to the Estrechos

After walking for one hour or so, and passing the areas of El charco negro and the Charco Negro (an abandoned recreational area) we headed towards the area of the Estrechos del arroyo Regajo. You’ll need a GPS or track of the route, because there aren’t indications of the route and it’s pretty easy to lose the track.

Once you enter this area, you’ll see a hidden gem of Comunidad Valenciana. The place is a narrow canyon where you have to swim, jump from pool to pool, and grab two ropes to go up the river. We only crossed another two people and were able to have fun, before stopping for lunch.

The way back to the car

If you continue and leave behind the estrechos area, you can keep following the river until you want. But the views aren’t as impressive. We decided to go back to our car following a different route.

This time we went back to the Charco Negro, where you can take a forest trail (with no views, nor shades) that goes for 5 km back to the parking. Make sure you still have drinking water for this part!

Other hiking options near Valencia