There are many mythological or fantastical references to miraculous springs or lakes that cure any illness, grant eternal youth, or even bring the dead back to life. Whether these stories are false or exaggerated is a matter of each person’s faith and beliefs, but there is some truth to them because we have one right here in Valencia.
An hour from Valencia lies the Font Salada de Oliva, an underground hot spring that emerges in the heart of nature, in the middle of La Marjal Natural Park, and maintains a temperature year-round between 21 and 24 degrees. It gets its name from the high sulfur content in its waters, which are very beneficial for the skin and for treating skin conditions.
Legends tell that a farmer abandoned his old, sick donkey in these waters, and when he returned, the animal had been rejuvenated and was perfectly healthy. In honor of this story, the spring is also called the Ullal del Burro.
Stories aside, what we do know for certain is that access is open to the public and free of charge, and that a hiking trail begins right there , following the Bullent River. It’s a very easy trail to complete, with hardly any elevation gain, allowing you to observe and enjoy the biodiversity of this magical natural setting.
Oliva, the perfect destination to unwind
The Font Salada isn’t the only natural treasure Oliva has to offer. This town, bordering the province of Alicante, has a special charm—not only because of its nearly 9 kilometers of almost pristine, fine-sand beaches, but also because of the tranquility that permeates its streets.
Oliva boasts four Blue Flag beaches: Terranova-Burguera Beach, Pau-Pi Beach, Aigua Morta Beach, and Aigua Blanca Beach; all of them feature more than a kilometer of golden sand dunes dotted with vegetation. In addition, La Marjal Natural Park offers a completely different natural setting with more than 1,200 hectares of wetlands and flat terrain to explore and enjoy a unique ecosystem.
Of course, as with the entire Valencian coastline, Oliva is an excellent place to enjoy the best of Mediterranean cuisine and top off your visit by savoring a delicious fideuà or a fine rice dish. The rice is sourced locally, as the area’s rice paddies are famous for producing top-quality rice, especially the “bomba” variety.
