Tibi Dam (Pantano de Tibi)

Image shows spillway which is a later addition to the dam Fernan79 (Creative Commons)

Constructed between 1579 and 1594, Tibi dam is believed to be the oldest masonry dam in Europe that is still in use.

The waterfall coming from the dam is in fact, a spillway, constructed in 1697 after the dam flooded. Near Maigmo Natural Park, the area around the reservoir is very popular with locals. It is also possible to descend down into the dam with local adventure tour groups.

In the Park you can drive almost to the summit of the Maigmo peak from where you will get the best view, looking east, of the reservoir. The views all around are stunning. The drive up, however, is not for those of nervous disposition.

Know Before You Go

Park at the first service station on the autovia A7 between Alicante and Alcoy. This is close to the Restaurante Meson Maigmo. From the back of the BP service station follow the sign Panto de Tibi 3 miles down this narrow winding road past a small urbanization and then out into the countryside. You will come to a locked gate leave your vehicle here and pass the gate it is a further mile down this road that you will come to a steep twist in the road at the bottom there are two stone bridges to cross then you will see the dam in front of you, to the right of the dam there are steps that take you up the full 43 meters of this absolute marvel that is the oldest stone built dam in the Northern Hemisphere and probably the world. It is a great ride down the road by bicycle but a tough push and walk back up the hill I walked back in an hour. Warning the sign at the path to the dam says access prohibited but there is no one there to stop you.

Atlas Obscura Trips