"Seas" far from the coast? Some of the best bathing areas in inland Spain
Summer doesn't have to be all about the beach. If you are thinking of spending your holidays in inland Spain, you will also find a multitude of natural pools and reservoirs with crystal-clear waters where you can sunbathe, swim and practise water sports in the heart of nature. In addition, all these inland areas offer a multitude of complementary activities and gastronomic experiences. Ready to dive into fresh water?
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Orellana beach (Badajoz, Extremadura)
Did you know that Extremadura has 1,500 kilometres of freshwater coastline? It is also the area of inland Spain with the most Blue Flag beaches, thanks to the quality of its waters and services. One of them, the first to achieve this distinction in the whole country, is the beach of Orellana, in Orellana la Vieja, northeast of Badajoz.If you visit this area, be prepared for a fun day out, as you can not only go swimming, but also enjoy activities such as windsurfing, sailing or kayaking, or rent a boat to explore the reservoir, as this beach has a sailing school and yacht club.As evening falls, go hiking in the surrounding area and go birdwatching, as the Orellana reservoir is part of a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA).When it comes to food, how can you resist trying its star product, Iberian ham, on a trip to Extremadura, for example, by signing up for the Dehesa de Extremadura Iberian Ham Route.
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Sanabria Lake (Zamora, Castile and León)
Now imagine yourself travelling to the largest glacial lake in the Iberian Peninsula with a depth of more than 50 metres. Welcome to the Lago de Sanabria Nature Reserve and Segundera and Porto mountain ranges. It is a truly magical place steeped in legends, such as the one that says that on the night of San Juan (24 June) the bells of the village that was submerged under its waters in ancient times can still be heard.Beyond the legends, the truth is that this beautiful lake has several sandy beaches where in summer you can go swimming and partake in activities such as diving, sailing and windsurfing. Take to the waters in a canoe and feel the magnificent oak groves surrounding you as you enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park (Ciudad Real and Albacete, Castile-La Mancha)
Try a dip in one of the most beautiful wetlands in Spain: 16 lagoons that flood into each other over 30 kilometres with their clear, turquoise waters, forming small waterfalls and streams.The Ruidera lagoons are like an oasis in the middle of the Montiel countryside, and as well as bathing in the areas set aside for this purpose in summer, you can go kayaking, paddle surfing, sailing or even take a diving baptism.Among the different activities available to discover the surroundings, you can book a guided tour that combines a hiking route with a route in a vehicle to discover the less travelled areas of the park.And the best way to round off your stay in this part of Castile-La Mancha is to visit some of the cheese dairies and wineries in nearby towns such as Daimiel or Campo de Criptana. You can tour their facilities, do tastings and discover the reason for the excellent quality of their products.
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Alloz reservoir (Navarre)
Welcome to an inland sea of intense turquoise blue saline waters. This reservoir, located between two valleys, is one of the most important in Navarre and you will find it in the area known as Tierras de Iranzu. In summer it has two bathing areas (which require advance booking to visit) and one of them, Lerate Bay, was awarded the first Blue Flag in the history of Navarre for its excellent waters. n this inland area there is also no excuse to jump into your swimming gear and go paddle surfing, SUP yoga, paragliding or take a sailing baptism.Another of the strong points of Tierras de Iranzu is the number of eco-experiences on offer: you can visit honey, cheese, salt and livestock farms; go wine tasting and organic salt tasting or buy delicious artisan breads and pastries.
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Pantano de San Juan (Region of Madrid)
About 70 kilometres southwest of the city of Madrid, near the municipalities of San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Pelayos de la Presa, you will find this reservoir which is known to many as the "beach of Madrid". It has two bathing areas: El Muro and Virgen de la Nueva beach, awarded with the Blue Flag. What's more, as the Real Club Náutico de Madrid is located there, you can sign up for a sailing course, rent boats and do many other activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking... A curiosity: Did you know that an eight-eyed bridge, a shrine and several mills are submerged under the waters of the reservoir? To round off a day in nature, you can take the hiking route that links the San Juan reservoir with the Picadas reservoir (around seven kilometres).If you are travelling with your family, there are several things you can do in the area, such as visiting the Enchanted Forest (a botanical garden with more than 300 plant sculptures) or visiting an "abandoned" monastery that is being restored, Santa María la Real de Valdeiglesias.As a gastronomic activity, you will surely be interested to know that San Martín de Valdeiglesias is one of the four areas included in the D.O. Wines of Madrid, so a guided tour and a tasting in one of its wineries is always a good idea. Some wineries also organise MTB routes in the surroundings.
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El Rasillo Sailing Club (La Rioja)
You will find it in the González Lacasa reservoir, between the towns of Ortigosa and El Rasillo. Surrounded by lush pine forests and in the middle of the valley at an altitude of 1,000 metres, this is another great place for the whole family to enjoy water sports as they rent out canoes, windsurfing boards, pedal boats, etc. There is also a restaurant for dining al fresco next to the reservoir and, for you to enjoy the track between the Club Náutico and El Rasillo, a green itinerary has been created. You can also sign up for a 4x4 route in the area.If you are travelling with children, another place in La Rioja that they will love is the dinosaur theme park El Barranco Perdido, where they can also take a dip in the swimming pools.And finally, on a trip to La Rioja - one of the most famous regions in Spain for its wines - it is always advisable to visit its wineries or do something like the Haro Wine Battle festival, which is held on 29 June.
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Bierge waterfall (Huesca, Aragon)
It is one of the best known places in Aragon for a good summer swim in the middle of nature. This waterfall of about eight metres above sea level is located in the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park and its crystal-clear waters will amaze you (entry is regulated and tickets can be purchased online). If you like canyoning, the whole area is famous for it.Another spot in Aragon that is a paradise for bathers is the Lanuza reservoir, a dreamlike environment with a jetty where the Pyrenees Sur festival is held every summer with a lineup of artists from all over the world. In this area known as Alto Gállego, you can sign up for different gastronomic experiences such as making your own pacharán in the heart of the Tena valley.
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