“Seas” far from the coast? Some of the best swimming areas in inland Spain

none

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 practice water sports in the heart of nature. In addition, all these inland areas offer a multitude of activities and gastronomic experiences. Ready to dive into fresh water?

Save favourite

Remove favourite

Go to my favourites

Orellana Beach (Badajoz, Extremadura)

Orellana Beach (Badajoz, Extremadura)

Did you know that Extremadura has 1,500 kilometres of freshwater coast? 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 in the country to achieve this designation, is the beach of Orellana, in Orellana la Vieja, located in the northeast of Badajoz.If you visit this area, get ready to have a really fun day, as you not only can swim, but also practice activities such as windsurfing, sailing or canoeing or rent a boat to explore the reservoir, since this beach has a sailing school and yacht club.As evening falls, go hiking in the vicinity 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 its star product, Iberian ham, on a trip to Extremadura? Consider, for example, taking the Iberian Route Dehesa de Extremadura.
Sanabria Lake (Zamora, Castilla y León)

Sanabria Lake (Zamora, Castilla y León)

Now imagine yourself travelling to the largest glacial lake in Europe, over 50 metres deep. Welcome to the Lago de Sanabria and Sierras de Segundera and Porto Natural Park. 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.Legends aside, the truth is that this beautiful lake has several sand beaches where in summer you can take a dip and practise activities such as diving, sailing or windsurfing. Take to the water in a canoe and take in the magnificent oak groves around you while you enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.Another very worthwhile option is to take an environmental cruise aboard the Helios Cousteau, the world's first wind-solar catamaran (temporarily under maintenance). During the trip, you will be able to see the bottom of the lake through special cameras, and you will gather phyloplankton to analyse it under microscopes. The experience also ends with a tasting of the area's Sanabria cider on a pier viewpoint.
Ruidera Lagoons (Ciudad Real and Albacete, Castilla – La Mancha)

Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park (Ciudad Real and Albacete, Castilla – La Mancha)

Try taking a dip in one of the most beautiful wetlands in Spain: 15 lagoons that flow into each other for 30 kilometres with their clear, turquoise waters, forming small waterfalls and streams.The Ruidera lagoons appear like an oasis in the middle of the Montiel countryside. In addition to taking a swim in the areas designated for this in summer, you can practice kayaking, paddle surfing, sailing or even try diving.Among the different activities for you to discover the environment, you can book a guided tour that combines a hiking route with a vehicle tour to discover the less traveled areas of the park.And the best way to complete your stay in this area of Castile-La Mancha is to visit some of the cheese dairies and wineries located near towns such as Daimiel or Campo de Criptana. You can tour its facilities, do tastings and discover the reason for the excellent quality of its products.
Alloz Reservoir (Navarra)

Alloz Reservoir (Navarra)

Welcome to an inland sea of intense turquoise blue salt water. This reservoir, located between two valleys, is one of the most important in Navarre. You will find it in the area known as Tierras de Iranzu. In summer it has two swimming areas (visits must be booked in advance); one of them, the Bay of Lerate, was awarded the first Blue Flag in the history of Navarre for its excellent waters. In this inland area, there is no excuse for not putting on your swimming costume and practising paddle surfing, SUP yoga, paragliding or signing up for your first sailing lesson.Another of the strong points of Tierras de Iranzu is the amount of ecoexperiences it has to offer: you can visit honey, cheese and salt factories and livestock farms, sample organic wines and salts or buy delicious artisanal breads and pastries.
San Juan Reservoir (Community of Madrid)

San Juan Reservoir (Community 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 for many is known as the “beach of Madrid”. It has two swimming areas: El Muro and the , which has been awarded the Blue Flag. In addition, 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... One curiosity: 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, you can try the hiking route that connects the San Juan reservoir with the Picadas reservoir (around seven kilometres).If you are traveling as a family, there are several things to do in the area, such as visiting the Enchanted Forest (a botanical garden with more than 300 plant sculptures) or enter an “abandoned” monastery that is being rehabilitated, that of Monasterio de 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 with D.O. (Designation of Origin) Wines of Madrid, so signing up for a guided tour and a tasting in one of its wineries is always a good idea. Some wineries also organise MTB routes through the surrounding area.
González Lacasa Reservoir, La Rioja

El Rasillo Nautical Club (La Rioja)

You will find it in the González Lacasa reservoir, between the towns of Ortigosa and El Rasillo. Surrounded by vast pine forests and in the heart of a valley at an altitude of 1,000 metres, this is another great place for the whole family to practice water sports, since you can rent canoes, windsurfing boards, pedal boats and more. There is a restaurant for outdoor dining next to the reservoir and, so you can enjoy the path between the Club Náutico and El Rasillo, a green trail 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 splash about in the swimming pools.And finally, on a trip to La Rioja – one of the regions of Spain most famous for its wines – it is always worth visiting its wineries or attending an activity such as the Haro Wine Battle festival, which is held on 29 June.
Salto de Bierge (Huesca, Aragon)

Salto de Bierge (Huesca, Aragon)

This is one of the best-known places in Aragon to have a good summer swim surrounded by nature. This eight-metre waterfall is in the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park and its crystal-clear waters will leave you in awe (entry is monitored and tickets can be purchased online). If you like canyoning, this whole area is famous for it.Another place in Aragon that is a paradise for swimmers is the reservoir of Lanuza, a dream setting with a jetty where the Pirineos Sur festival is held every summer with 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.