8 spectacular waterfalls that come alive with the rains

GironaThe persistent rains of the past few weeks have revived magnificent waterfalls that hadn't flowed for years and have also filled reservoirs to capacity, such as Sau and Susqueda, and especially Darnius in the Alt Empordà region, until recently the driest of them all. The abundant rainfall has once again transformed rivers and streams, bringing them back to life with a vitality that still lingers. Let's take a look at some of these waterfalls, most of them ephemeral, which can still be visited for a few more days. These natural phenomena occur when rivers or streams encounter a drop in elevation, an ancient scar in the terrain where the hard rock resists and the adobe gives way. When the flow increases, as it has in recent days, the waterfall reveals itself in all its power and beauty.

On the small, idyllic beach of Sa Sabolla, located south of the bay of Cadaqués, near the Cala Nans Lighthouse, the Fondo irrigation channel flows into the sea with spectacular force during periods of heavy rainfall. The stream descends from the top of the steep slate cliff that surrounds the small beach and, when full, releases its fresh water into the sea. It is an unusual spectacle well worth witnessing when it occurs thanks to abundant rainfall.

But Sa Sabolla has a special charm even though the Fondo irrigation channel is dry. Access isn't easy. It's reached on foot after a long walk south from the center of Cadaqués. From Sa Conca, you have to climb a steep path that winds between old vineyards and dry stone walls, offering stunning views over the bay of Cadaqués. Before reaching the Cala Nans lighthouse, the cove of Sa Sabolla, with its crystal-clear waters and pebbly sand, beckons a visit, even though it requires descending a rough and steep path.

From the Pení mountain in Cap de Creus, the Romanyac stream flows down towards Perafita, and from a cliff located between Cadaqués and Port de la Selva, it plunges in an impressive 260-meter waterfall. This is the Salto de la Gorga, hidden amidst lush vegetation, which is at its most spectacular during the spring and autumn rainy seasons. To get a close look at the Salto de la Gorga, take the road from Perafita towards Port de la Selva and, at kilometer marker 1, walk a short distance to reach the dramatic cliff. The sound of the water will guide you to the waterfall, making this a truly worthwhile spectacle.

In the heart of the Xuncla Valley, in the municipality of Sarrià de Ter, the Timbarro waterfall is hidden in the forest, a kind of oasis just a few kilometers from the city of Girona. It's a point on the Xuncla stream where the water's course collides with a steep drop of rocks and plunges powerfully, feeding a gorge surrounded by vegetation. Many Girona residents discovered this waterfall when the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown was finally easing and walks were permitted during restricted hours. Today it's a more well-known and visited spot, but you can still often enjoy the thunderous sound of the cascading water without the crowds.

The Caula waterfall in Les Escaules (Alt Empordà), immortalized by the gaze of Marcel Duchamp and other artists, is currently experiencing a steady stream of visitors drawn by the powerful roar and the whiteness of the water cascading with almost overwhelming force. The advantage of this waterfall, located next to a former bar-restaurant, is its easy access. The water originates in the mountains and falls into the Muga River. At this time of year, the waterfall still maintains a lively and generous flow. Until recently, the area hosted La Muga Caula, a gathering of performance poetry and performance which transformed the waterfall into a living stage. It was an internationally renowned event commemorating Marcel Duchamp's visit to the Caula waterfall, immortalized in a photograph that has become almost iconic. The disappearance of La Muga Caula is a sad loss; it had established itself as a space for artistic exchange, where words, gestures, and bodies conversed with water and rock. Perhaps it will soon be reborn, just like the waterfall.

The Salt de Martís waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Pla de l'Estany region and a highly recommended visit, provided you choose the right time. For most of the year, the falls remain dry, but these days the water that springs from the Espolla basin or lake—an intermittent natural phenomenon that only occurs after periods of heavy rainfall—has restored its full force and vibrancy. The basin fills thanks to water that flows underground and on the surface through the Espolla irrigation channel before suddenly plunging into the Salt de Martís. The place is shady, cool, and covered in lush vegetation, with moss-covered rocks that give it an almost fairytale feel. And that's not to mention the triops, one of the oldest living species on the planet. These crustaceans lay eggs capable of surviving long droughts and revive with water. The waterfall drops approximately 80 meters over a short distance. The area features viewpoints, wooden walkways, stairs, and information panels. If the waterfall is flowing in spring or summer, swimming is not recommended due to the force of the water and the limited space, but there are calm spots to cool off before reaching the falls.

The excursion to the enchanted pool of Malatosca, in the Ter Valley, is a short and easy walk that allows you to immerse yourself in a lush forest and captivating landscape. This pool, formed by the waters of the Malatosca stream, a tributary of the Ter River that originates in the Sierra Cavallera mountains, impresses with both its power and its mysterious charm. From the clearing, you can see the waterfall and, further upstream, the old Malatosca Mill, while a small picnic area invites you to calmly enjoy nature. The place is also steeped in legend: it is called the Witches' Pool because, according to local tradition, witches used to gather there. A popular legend explains that the witches needed a midwife and rewarded her services with lentils which, when angrily thrown by the woman, turned into gold the next day. The haunted pool of Malatosca combines a secret but welcoming natural beauty with an approach to popular culture and becomes a good getaway that stimulates the imagination of children.

Hidden in the heart of the Bas Valley, in the Garrotxa region, the Olla waterfall is one of the most spectacular natural gems in northern Catalonia, although access is not easy. Its 30-meter drop plunges into a deep, pot-shaped gorge surrounded by forest, from which it takes its name. The water that feeds it comes from the Puig stream, a tributary of the Fluvià River, and after days of rain, the waterfall transforms into a hypnotic spectacle where the forest and water converse in harmony. The hike to the waterfall requires studying the route details or going with someone who knows the area. However, the reward is immense: from the edge of the falls, the verticality of the water contrasts with the stillness of the forest, creating an almost fairytale-like landscape or a scene straight out of a movie. The oaks, beeches, and pines that surround the valley provide shade and coolness. The Olla waterfall is much more than just a cascade: it's a place to be captivated by untamed nature, to listen to the murmur of the water, and to lose yourself in the serene beauty of the forest. When the flow is low, the waterfall may seem more discreet, but these days it roars with all its might. It's a getaway that showcases the full power of the Garrotxa volcanic landscape.

The unique nature of this waterfall in Arbúcies has fueled legends throughout history. They say that, nestled within the folds of nature, water nymphs and other fantastical beings born among the streams and mist still dwell. Hidden in the Pineda stream, the Water Woman waterfall unfolds in three successive cascades, enclosed by ancient rocks that accentuate its serene beauty. It is not a particularly high waterfall, but it captivates with a subtle and enduring charm. The water nymphs, winged figures of folklore, supposedly inhabited the streams and brooks, silently watching over the flow of water. The sandy bed of the stream invites the summer walker to remove their shoes and slowly approach the waterfall, where the water pools in a small, crystalline gorge. Here, time seems to stand still, and soaking your feet becomes an intimate gesture of communion with the landscape. Several gorges that form along its course are fed by the waters of the Arbúcies stream, one of the most precious treasures of the Montseny Natural Park, recognized as a Biosphere Reserve.