Blue Spain: rivers and reservoirs for active and sustainable tourism
In inland Spain, water creates surprising landscapes full of life. Rivers, reservoirs and lakes offer unique environments to discover the territory from a different, fresh and active perspective, in full connection with nature.Here, every nook and cranny is an invitation to adventure: sailing through towering river canyons, drifting in gentle currents or exploring quiet backwaters in a canoe, on a paddle surfing board or even on board a small river cruise. Experiences that combine excitement and calm, and that allow you to explore some of the most beautiful waterscapes in the country.All this, moreover, in a responsible and sustainable way, where enjoying and preserving the surroundings go hand in hand. Because blue Spain is not only travelled: it is felt, respected and experienced intensely.
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A boat trip through the Duratón River Gorges
Discover the Natural Park of the Gorges of the Duratón Riverin the province of Segoviaone of the most impressive landscapes in inland Spain. Its limestone canyons, carved by the river over centuries, form a spectacular landscape ideal for canoeing or kayaking, between vertical rock walls. These impressive geological formations are inhabited by a large colony of griffon vultures and other birds of prey. To make the excursion even more rewarding, safe and adapted to your pace, you can do it with one of the itineraries guided by specialised monitors.Completethe experience. This natural park is crossed byseveral hiking routes.Amongthe most popular is the one that leads to the shrine of San Frutos, a Romanesque architectural ensemble located on a meander of the river.From the esplanade you will be able to enjoy the best views of the Duratón River Gorges. Close by, the town ofSepúlvedahas a historic site which preserves thetown layoutof the medieval period.
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Sailing on the Mequinenza reservoir
Discover this large area of fresh water, also known as the Aragon Sea. In it, you can test your balance on a paddleboard or windsurf board or by water-skiing and wakeboarding.If you prefer a more relaxed plan, you can rent a boat to explore the reservoir at your own pace. Swimming is also highly recommended within the designated areas.If sport fishing is your thing, get your rod ready because this place is a reference in the region. Complete the experience.The hiking route that starts at the Mequinenza dam is ideal for observing the colonies of birds that live in this area, such as egrets and cormorants.
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Rowing on the waters of Buendía
From the Sea of Aragon to the Sea of Castile: between the provinces of Cuenca and Guadalajara, this immense reservoir awaits you.You can climb into a kayaking canoe and paddle along the calm waters, with steep banks and impressive rock formations that change colour depending on the light.On the riverside paths you will enjoy other perspectives of the place. For example, the PR-47 route runs for six kilometres through the canyon of the river Guadiela. Its walls, large monoliths of rock, offer an ideal location for rock climbing in the middle of nature. Complete the experience. A stone's throw from the reservoir you have the Route of the Faceswhich runs through a pine forest. There you will find 20 impressive faces and bas-reliefs carved in sandstone rock, some up to six metres above sea level.
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River cruises on the Douro River
Follow the course of the Duero as it flows through Castile and Leónbetween canyons, vineyards and areas of great ecological value. To do this, you have the option of river cruises, where you can relax on the river. If you prefer something more active, the river's reservoirs offer the chance to enjoy sailing and kayaking. Complete the experience. Pay a visit to the Arribes del Duero Natural Park (between the provinces of Salamanca and Zamora).There, for some 100 kilometres, the river has carved an impressive granite canyon, with gorges and ravines. And in the nearby Uces canyon, a spectacular waterfall with more than 50 metres of free fall awaits you.
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Sailing on the Atazar Reservoir
About 90 kilometres from Madrid is the Sierra Norte mountain range.This reservoir is the largest in the region, where you can go sailing, canoeing or paddle boarding. Out of the water there are several hiking routes bordering the lake. They lead to several viewpoints from which to contemplate this mountainous landscape. Complete the experience. Make a stop at the Museo del Agua, in the village of El Berrueco, to understand the importance and usefulness of this work of water engineering. In the same town, another very original plan awaits you: a peaceful donkey trail complemented with mindfulness practices.
Someof these proposals are part of the network of Nautical Resorts of Spain, an initiative that brings together destinations specialising in active tourism linked to the water and sustainable activities that integrate sport, nature and respect for the surroundings.There are many more ideas to discover blue Spain at Spain.info.
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