The Salto de la Novia is the popular name by which a 60-meter waterfall called Cascada del Brazal is known, and located in the Castellón town of Navajas.
However, this is not all that the Salto de la Novia is. It is a place where you can enjoy a great day surrounded by nature. The beauty of a great waterfall, the Palancia river on which it falls, the surroundings and even the town of Navajas itself with its many fountains, are elements that favor it.
It turns out that reaching the Salto de la Novia is not difficult at all, so don’t worry about anyone’s physical condition. You can do it accompanied by other adults, children, pets and even people in wheelchairs, as the place is accessible and open to everyone.
Below we explain everything that may interest you about the Brazal waterfall. Well, or the Jump of the Bride, which is the same, although more poetic, right?
Technical sheet of the Salto de la Novia (summary)
- Typology: waterfall that falls on the Palancia river.
- Height: 60 meters.
- Location: Navajas (Castellón – Spain).
- Suitable for: Adults | People in wheelchairs | With children | With pets.
- Price of admission: €2 over 10 years old | Children up to 10 years and neighbors free.
- Parking in Navajas: Plaza del Matadero.
- Tourist information phones: +34 964 713 913 | +34 673 574 632.
- Other nearby points of interest: Mirador del Paraíso | Cascada del Tío Juan | Calle Bajada de las Fuentes | Plaza del Olmo (the oldest elm in the world!).
The Jump of the Bride: the legend
As we have mentioned, El Salto de la Novia is the popular name of the Brazal waterfall. But where does this name come from? What is the origin of the Salto de la Novia?
The origin is found, as on many occasions, in a tragic story. According to legend, in Navajas, true love used to be shown in an unusual way.
There along the Palancia River, in some area where it was narrow, the bride had to jump from one bank to the other in front of the eyes of her neighbors. If successful, the couple would be happy and fertile. Otherwise, the omens were of unhappiness and misfortune.
On one occasion, the waters of the Palancia River were so turbulent that a whirlpool was even created. Far from cowering, and as proof of her true love, the bride jumped. But she did not reach the other shore. The bride fell into the water and was swallowed.
Seeing this scene, and without hesitation, the groom also jumped into the water to try to rescue his beloved, whom he wanted to marry. They both perished and, to give it a bittersweet note, their bodies are said to have been found together later.
It seems that something like this had to happen for the tradition to be questioned and stop being carried out. Some say that the neighbors even dynamited the pass.
This tragedy gives name to Salto de la Novia. If you look at the photos, the waterfall simulates the bride’s veil.
The story may or may not be true. It may also be true, as is believed, that even Francisco de Goya was inspired by her to make the engraving “Carrying a Peasant Woman”, exhibited at the Hispanic Society of America in New York.
Route to get to Salto de la Novia
There are plenty of places in town to park. We recommend doing it near the Plaza del Olmo to start the route to the Salto de la Novia there. There is also the Navajas elm. A monumental tree that was planted in 1636 (that’s almost 400 years!) and that currently stands over 13 meters tall. It is so loved by the neighbors that it is part of the coat of arms and the anthem of the town.
After observing the majestic elm tree, we walk down Calle Escultor Manolo Rodríguez. Here we can see the sculpture that represents the legend, although we do not know how, because a priori the groom also jumped into the water without managing to save his beloved.
Continuing straight on we arrive at the beginning of Calle Bajada de las Fuentes. This street that leads us to El Salto de la Novia is interesting for four reasons:
- There is an interpretation and information center.
- Tickets for El Salto de la Novia are sold here.
- Along the street there are several colorful fountains that are worth seeing.
- We have a good car park in the Plaza del Matadero where we can leave the car.
At the end of the street we are already in the middle of nature. The rest of the way to El Salto de la Novia is duly signposted. Before reaching the great 60-meter waterfall that interests us, the Brazal waterfall, there are two very close sites that we encourage you to see:
- The Tío Juan waterfall: it is the younger sister of Salto de la Novia.
- El Mirador del Paraíso: here are the best views of Salto de la Novia.
Navajas: the town of Salto de la Novia
Navajas is a town located in the Alto Palancia region, in the province of Castellón, although it borders the province of Valencia.
This town is part of the nature trail between Aragon and the Valencian Community. So much so that the Ojos Negros Greenway also runs through Navajas, the longest in Spain and a cycling route that we strongly encourage you to do (we can help you with everything: call us!).
Navaixes, as it is called in Valencian, is known both for the Salto de la Novia and for having the oldest elm tree in the world, as we have explained previously. In addition, this town has historically been one of the favorite places for Valencians to spend the summer. For this reason, in Navajas you can see several stately homes and majestic villas from the 18th century with well-kept gardens.
At a gastronomic level, something always important, the leaf fritters, made with borage, as well as the “ajoaceite de palo”, are typical of Navajas.
You can find more information about Navajas on the town hall website: www.navajas.es.
Frequently asked questions about the Salto de la Novia
Where is the Jump of the Bride?
El Salto de la Novia is located in the bucolic and picturesque area of Navajas, a very charming town in the interior of the province of Castellón, Spain.
How long is the Bride’s Jump?
The Brazal waterfall, also known as Salto de la Novia, measures 60 meters.
How to get to Salto de la Novia?
By car, from Valencia, take the AP-7 towards Barcelona. Exit to the A-23 (Autovía Mudéjar) before reaching Sagunto and continue towards Teruel. If instead you come from Barcelona, it is the same exit to the A-23, after Sagunto, from the AP-7 towards Valencia. In any case, once on the A-23, take the exit after Segorbe and you’ll be in Navajas in no time. Park in the town and only walk 10 minutes to reach the Salto de la Novia.
If you prefer to go by train from Valencia, take the Cercanías line C5 Valencia – Caudiel. If you come from Castellón de la Plana, take a train to Sagunto and then the C5 line. The train leaves you at Navajas station. From there, walk about 10 minutes and you will be at the entrance to the Salto de la Novia area. Telephone sales: +34 912 320 320.
But the transport that we like the most to go to the Salto de la Novia is the electric bicycle. If you have time, we recommend you take a route from the town of Torres Torres near Navajas (where we are). There are 25 km without any effort, but a great thing to do considering nature and the landscapes that exist.
How much does it cost to see El Salto de la Novia?
Admission costs 2 euros (€2). All people over 10 years of age pay except the residents of Navajas and those who stay in the municipality. There is only a 50% discount if you come with a group of 25 people or more. This ticket exists since 2017 to regulate the influx of visitors and preserve the surroundings of the Salto de la Novia. The price applies throughout the year: every weekend and every day of the week during July, August and September. In other words, in low season, access to the site is free on weekdays.
When is it better to go to Salto de la Novia?
The Salto de la Novia can be visited throughout the year. Perhaps the best period is late spring, when you feel like a refreshing swim and the waters are still abundant due to the rains (and not so much due to the snow). The problem in summer, although bathing is a pleasure and the interpretation center is open, is the huge overcrowding of the place, especially on weekends. It is no longer a question of whether the river or the waterfall carries less water, something normal, but the fact that there are many people, with the consequent high level of noise. So, if you are one of those who likes to connect to nature without stress, then it is best to go any weekday. And if you don’t go in summer, you’ll have El Salto de la Novia just for you!
Can I go with a dog to Salto de la Novia?
Yes. Dogs are allowed. Of course, you must always carry them on a leash and they are prohibited from bathing in the Palancia river.
Can I swim in the Salto de la Novia?
Yes and no. You can’t do it before the waterfall for obvious reasons. But you can bathe where the water falls: the Palancia River. Bathing there is a pleasure, even more so if there are not many people. We recommend you to be careful with the rocks.
Can I get under the waterfall?
Yes you can. Getting under is fun. And nothing bad is going to happen to you: the water is not going to go through you despite the fact it falls from 60 meters. Of course, keep in mind that the water of El Salto de la Novia is very cold.
Where is an information point?
At the beginning of Calle Bajada de las Fuentes, in Navajas, you will find an interpretation center and a stall selling tickets to access Salto de la Novia.
What river passes through El Salto de la Novia?
The waters of Salto de la Novia fall on the Palancia River. This 85 km river rises in the municipality of El Toro (province of Castellón) and flows into the Mediterranean Sea in Sagunto (province of Valencia).
What should I bring to the Salto de la Novia?
People usually spend the day in El Salto de la Novia because it means being in the middle of nature and next to a magnificent waterfall of more than 30 meters. To make the most of the day, we recommend equipping yourself with the following: Picnic, Swimsuit, Sunscreen, Towels, Camping chairs, Sunglasses, Raincoat, River shoes, sports shoes and comfortable clothing.
What flora and fauna can I see in El Salto de la Novia?
The Salto de la Novia is also the habitat of many species. In terms of fauna, you can see many mammals (rabbits, hares, foxes and sometimes wild goats), birds (kingfishers, goldfinches, sparrows, bee-eaters, orioles, thrushes, wood pigeons, coots and herons), reptiles (viper snake, ocellated lizard and gecko), insects (dragonflies) and of course fish (barbel, carp, largemouth bass, crayfish, eels and amphibians). But there is also a lot of flora, with Mediterranean forest species (pines, shrubs, gorse, rosemary and mastic), riparian forest (poplars) and river vegetation (oleanders, reeds, cattails and maidenhair maidens).
3 options to take advantage of your visit to Salto de la Novia
Going to the Salto de la Novia de Navajas is not just seeing a waterfall for five minutes and leaving. Best thing to do is to spend the whole day in the area. So we propose three different options to take advantage of this magnificent experience.
Option 1: Knowledge
Right at the entrance to this area we find the Salto de la Novia Interpretation Centre. In the summer months you can enjoy a guided tour of approximately one hour and a half, with which you can learn more about this place, its flora and fauna.
For the guided tour you must notify in advance. The hours of operation are from 10:00 to 15:00, but the periods vary depending on low or high season:
- March: open Saturdays and Sundays.
- Easter week: open from Wednesday to Monday.
- From May to October: open every day.
- Rest of the year: it is low season and the center is closed.
If you are interested in the guided tour of Salto de la Novia, it is best to call +34 673 574 632 (for Spanish) or +34 673 574 683 (for English).
Option 2: Active Life
If you are one of those who likes nature to disconnect from the hassle of everyday life, but also to do some sport, this is your option!
Almost at the end of the asphalt section that leads to the Salto de la Novia waterfall, you have a viewpoint: the Mirador Paraíso. To get to it you have to climb the stairs very carefully, as the ground is very slippery due to the vegetation and water. But it is well worth it because this viewpoint offers you a spectacular view of this place.
In addition, at the top of this viewpoint you will be surprised by another very beautiful waterfall: the Cascada del Tio Juan. Depending on the time of year, this waterfall carries a lot of water so you can get out of there wet if you’re not wearing a raincoat.
And if this is not enough active life for you, you have two alternatives:
- Ask in the town about the different hiking trails, such as the Ruta de las Fuentes, which starts at Salto de la Novia itself. This route can be done perfectly with children.
- Take a bike route through the area. This is our thing. We have bike rental from the nearby town of Torres Torres (about 25 km from Navajas). Of course, the best thing to do here is perhaps to do the entire visit to Navajas and the Salto de la Novia by bicycle in one day. And our bikes are awesome because being electric does not require any effort to ride them.
Option 3: Relax moment
In El Salto de la Novia you will always be surrounded by mountains and water, so you have several ways to relax:
- Look for quieter areas where you can bathe in the Palencia river. Some will have more or less depth of water and a more or less strong current. Do not forget that it is a river and you must respect it and be careful.
- Meditate: if you like to meditate, you will surely find a quiet space where you can relax listening to the sounds of the Palancia River, its waters that have previously visited other towns such as Jérica. Of course, try to meditate on a day with little influx.
- Have a picnic: you have some tables by the Salto de la Novia that are a little more hidden. There you can rest and have a picnic quietly. You will find some tables before the wooden walkway that takes you to the Salto de la Novia waterfall and others right on the esplanade. In those of the esplanade, you will be contemplating a beautiful landscape left by the erosion of the river in the rocks.
More photos of the Salto de la Novia
