Splash in the best inland swimming spots
Summer swimming isn’t always at the seaside! For your vacation in inland Spain, immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters at a multitude of natural pools and reservoirs where you can sunbathe, swim and enjoy other water sports in the heart of nature. What’s more, these areas also feature a multitude of activities and gastronomic experiences. Here are five of the best places to cool off away from the coast.
1. Orellana Beach (Badajoz, Extremadura)
Extremadura has 1,500 kilometers of freshwater coast; it also has the greatest number of Blue Flag freshwater beaches in Spain, thanks to the quality of the water and services. The country’s first to achieve this designation is Orellana Beach, in Orellana la Vieja in the northeast of Badajoz.
As evening falls, go hiking and do some birdwatching, as the Orellana reservoir is part of a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA).
When it comes to eating, how can you resist trying Extremadura’s star product, Iberian ham? Consider, for example, taking the Iberian Route Dehesa de Extremadura.
2. Sanabria Lake (Zamora, Castilla y León)
Imagine yourself travelling to the largest glacial lake in Europe, over 50 meters deep. Welcome to Lago de Sanabria Nature Reserve and the Segundera and Porto mountain ranges. Truly a magical place steeped in legends, one says that on the night of San Juan (June 24th) the village bells that were submerged in ancient times can still be heard.
Legends aside, the truth is that this beautiful lake has several sand beaches where in summer you can take a dip and enjoy activities such as diving, sailing, and windsurfing. Paddle on the water in a canoe and take in the magnificent oak groves around you while you enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
3. San Juan Reservoir (Community of Madrid)
About 70 kilometers southwest of Madrid, near the municipalities of San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Pelayos de la Presa, you will find this reservoir, often known as the “beach of Madrid”. It has two swimming areas: El Muro and Virgen de la Nueva, which have been awarded the Blue Flag. In addition, as the Real Club Náutico de Madrid is located here, you can sign up for a sailing course, rent boats, and do many other activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and kayaking. A fun fact: did you know that a bridge with eight arches, a hermitage, and several mills are submerged under the waters of the reservoir? To complete a day in nature, take the hiking route that connects the San Juan reservoir with the Picadas reservoir (around seven kilometers).
4. Alloz Reservoir (Navarra)
Welcome to an inland sea of intense turquoise blue saltwater. This reservoir, located between two valleys, is one of the most important in Navarre, located in the area known as Tierras de Iranzu.
5. Salto de Bierge (Huesca, Aragon)
One of the best-known places in Aragon to have a good summer swim, the Salto de Bierge in the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Nature Reserve has an awesome eight-meter waterfall! Its crystal-clear waters will leave you enraptured. Entry is monitored; you can purchase your tickets online.
