Floating on your holiday in Northern Costa Blanca

We start our journey from Albir and drive to the village of Sumacàrcer, where the River Júcar runs past.

From Albir it takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. So set off in good time if you have some distance to cover.

From Jávea it is 110 km, from Moraira 118 km and from Altea 129 km.

There are several possible routes; we have chosen to drive via Benissa and Oliva.

In mid-August, when temperatures along the northern Costa Blanca climb to pleasant highs, we were looking for the perfect way to cool off with family and friends. We found it a little further inland, in the village of Sumacárcel. There, we let ourselves drift along the Río Júcar.

Free parking is available at the following address:
Carrer de Pere Selva, Maps.

Sumacárcel is beautifully situated on the banks of the Júcar River, in the province of Valencia. It is a peaceful, authentic village that feels surprisingly untouched by tourism, even during the high season. We parked in the village and walked for about half an hour towards the dam, carrying our inflatable rings under our arms. This is where our floating adventure began.

The walk itself was already a joy: through a peaceful, green landscape with views of the river, the surrounding hills, and the fruit orchards.

Make sure you bring a good inflatable ring. There are different sizes available, so if necessary, try out a few options a couple of days before you leave to see which one feels most comfortable. There are also inflatable rings with built-in handles for extra support.

If you want to take photos with your phone and bring some cash for a drink at the end of the float, make sure to bring a waterproof phone pouch that you can easily wear around your neck.

Once we reached the dam Maps, we stepped into the cool water. The feeling was instantly wonderful. The water of the Júcar is crystal clear and, in August, just the right temperature to make you forget about the heat of the day.

What struck us most was how relaxing everything felt. No crowds, no loud music, no queues. Just the river, nature, and each other. We took photos along the way and simply floated peacefully, letting the sun warm our faces.

For most of the journey, the water is calm and peaceful. The surroundings are surprisingly quiet—even in the middle of summer. You mainly hear the sound of the water, birds, and the laughter of your own group.

The end point of the route is back in the village of Sumacàrcer. Make sure you get out of the water at the right spot. There is a lovely terrace right there where you can enjoy a tapa and a drink.

Maps

We did two rounds, with each float taking about an hour. You simply let yourself drift with the current, occasionally steering a little with your hands or feet.

Keep in mind that although the water looks calm and harmless, the current beneath the surface can be quite strong. Try standing still in the shallower water and you’ll quickly feel the force of the current—if you can even manage to stay on your feet.

Halfway along the route, you can get out of the water and jump in from a rock. Of course, do this at your own risk! 😆

Sumacàrcer is a small village and municipality in the comarca of Ribera Alta, in the province of Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana, Spain).

It is situated along the Júcar River (Xúquer), on a terrace overlooking the river and surrounded by mountains. The village has around 1,000 inhabitants and covers an area of approximately 20 km². Valencian is the official language.

It is a typical rural and picturesque village with an agricultural heritage, beautiful natural surroundings—including walking trails and riverbanks—and several historic sights, such as a medieval palace.

In the village itself, you’ll find the parish church of Iglesia de San Antonio Abad y San Nicolás de Bari, built around 1750.

On the façade is a statue of San Antonio Abad, with a pig at his feet. He is considered the patron saint of animals.

Inflatable ring
Make sure you bring a good inflatable ring. There are different sizes available, so if necessary, try out a few options a few days before you leave to see which one feels most comfortable. There are also inflatable rings with built-in handles for extra support.

Inflatable ring pump
Make sure you bring a good pump to inflate your ring. There are also 12V pumps that you can plug into your car.

Water shoes
Make sure you have a good pair of water shoes. It’s a fair walk from the village to the starting point of the float. In the sections where you can stand in the water, there are often stones, so you’ll definitely need them.

Waterproof phone pouch
If you want to take photos with your phone and bring some cash for a drink at the end of the float, bring a waterproof phone pouch that you can easily wear around your neck.

Towel
Bring a towel so you can dry yourself off at the car after the float and change into dry clothes.

Head and face protection
Protect your face and head by wearing a good sun hat or cap.