Spain, renowned for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes, is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. From the northern regions of Catalonia to the southern reaches of Andalusia, these aquatic gems beckon travellers seeking tranquillity, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Join us on an exploration of the best lakes in Spain, where azure waters meet lush surroundings, and where each body of water tells a story of geological wonders, ecological diversity, and cultural significance. Embark on this journey with us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Spain's lakes, inviting you to immerse yourself in nature's splendour and discover moments of serenity amid the hustle and bustle of modern life.
If this sounds like your perfect plan, then look no further than these lakes and lagoons in Spain that you must visit without fail. Check out our selection of the best lakes in Spain.
Lakes in Spain
Are there lakes in Spain? Most definitely! Spain is home to a variety of stunning lakes scattered across its diverse landscapes, from the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa to the arid plains of Andalusia. These lakes offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, breathtaking scenery, and a glimpse into Spain's natural beauty. Here are some notable lakes in Spain:
Lago de Sanabria
First on our map of lakes in Spain is Lago de Sanabria, a glacial lake of exquisite beauty, is situated in the province of Zamora, at a nearly equal distance from the northern Spanish region of Galicia and Portugal. This lake is one of the most beautiful inland natural landscapes in Spain and a place where you can simply disconnect from the stress of life and enjoy the calm of the water.
From the medieval village of Puebla de Sanabria to the lake is about 12 km. You can get close by car and, if you really like nature, this lake is a great place to plan a hiking route. You can also do water sports, take a boat trip and enjoy the beaches around the lake. Careful, though: even if the weather is nice, the water tends to be pretty cold!
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Lagos de Covadonga
Moving on to one of the most famous lakes in Spain, the spectacular Lagos de Covadonga are formed of 3 lakes (Enol, Ercina and Bricial, the later of which is only visible during the melting season) located in the Picos de Europa mountain range in Asturias, also in the North of Spain. You may recognise them from the Vuelta a España cycling race which travels through the area almost every year.
Regardless of the time of day or weather conditions, these stunning lakes are worth a visit. On sunny days, the mountains are reflected in the waters, and on overcast days, the fog and rain create an enchanting and atmospheric ambience, making it a must-see destination.
We recommend you take the bus to avoid parking issues, and see how the cows graze at an altitude of 1,000 metres (3,000 feet) by the road, and while the journey can be a little frightening in places, you'll be amazed at the sight of those two big, blue ink spots in the middle of such a green canvas. Final tips: if you can, stay and watch the sunset from the lakes for a magical experience, and don't forget to stop in the small village of Covadonga on the way up or down in order to visit the stunning Sanctuary of Covadonga.
Lago San Mauricio
Located in Lleida, the Aigüestortes National Park boasts a natural marvel - the Lake of San Mauricio. This remarkable lake in Catalonia is enclosed by peaks that soar up to 3,000 metres/10,000 feet and offers a serene ambiance, allowing visitors to breathe in the crisp and unpolluted air. While it's stunning year-round, it's particularly breathtaking in winter when it's often frozen over.
This lake is one for those who enjoy walking, as it takes an hour on foot from the Prat de Pierró car park where you can leave the car, but a little more if you go from Espot. We recommend the route that takes you along the incomparably beautiful road and the views surrounding the lake.
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Laguna Rosa
Near the town of Torrevieja in Alicante, on the Costa Blanca, there is a beautiful enclave called the ‘Mata and Torrevieja Lakes Nature Reserve’ and among its lagoons, the one that stands out the most is the Laguna Rosa, the Pink Lagoon, known for its stunning pastel tones.
The fascinating pink hue of the Laguna Rosa is due to the high salt content in the lagoon, owing to its proximity to the salt mines. This feature makes it a photographer's paradise as the landscape's appearance changes throughout the day - from a lunar-like terrain to a tranquil oasis, offering a diverse range of photographic opportunities.
If you're interested in unusual landscapes in Spain, then visiting the salt flats is unmissable, especially if you go with children, who will marvel at the mountains of salt! Before you decide to take a dip, don't forget about the water's high salt concentration first. If you have any cuts or wounds on your skin, it might be best to give it a miss. It’s also very shallow and barely covers you, so you’ll have to lie down at ground level if you want a good soak.
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Martel Lake
Next up in our selection of the best Spanish is Lago Martel, which would be nothing without its stunning surroundings, namely the impressive Caves of Drach in Mallorca, one of the most beautiful caves in the world. Martel Lake in the Balearic Islands is one of the largest underground lakes known and is named after French speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel, who discovered it in 1896.
A visit to the Caves of Drach is a unique experience in Spain as it includes a classical music concert and a boat ride through the turquoise waters of Lake Martel. This concert has been held here since 1935 and lasts 10 minutes, consisting of a quartet (cello, harpsichord and two violins). Thanks to the acoustics of the cave, the sound of the concert is a truly unique phenomenon and worth witnessing at least once in your life.
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What is the biggest lake in Spain?
The largest lake in Spain is Lake Banyoles (Estany de Banyoles in Catalan), located in the northeastern part of the country, near the city of Girona in Catalonia. It covers an area of approximately 107 hectares (about 265 acres). Lake Banyoles is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. It hosted the rowing events during the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Additionally, the picturesque surroundings of the lake attract tourists who come to enjoy its natural beauty and explore the nearby historic sites.
The best swimming lakes in Spain
Spain is home to several beautiful lakes where swimming enthusiasts can enjoy refreshing dips in stunning natural surroundings. Here are some of the best swimming lakes in Spain:
- Lake Banyoles (Estany de Banyoles): Located in Catalonia, near the town of Banyoles, Spain's biggest lake offers clear waters suitable for swimming.It has designated swimming areas and facilities, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Lake Sanabria (Lago de Sanabria): Situated in the province of Zamora, in the northwest region of Castile and León, Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in Spain. Swimming is permitted in designated areas, and the lake's pristine environment makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
- Lake Iznájar (Embalse de Iznájar): Located in the province of Córdoba, in the region of Andalusia, Lake Iznájar is the largest reservoir in Andalusia and one of the largest in Spain.The lake offers various water activities, including swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
- Lake Negratín (Embalse de Negratín): Situated in the province of Granada, in the region of Andalusia, Lake Negratín is a reservoir formed by the Negratín Dam on the Guadiana Menor River.Visitors can enjoy swimming and water sports while taking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
- Lake Salto de la Laja (Embalse del Salto de la Laja): Located in the province of Granada, in the region of Andalusia, Lake Salto de la Laja is another popular destination for swimming and outdoor recreation. The lake offers swimming areas with calm waters ideal for families and individuals looking to cool off on hot summer days.
These are just a few examples of the best swimming lakes in Spain, each offering its own unique charm, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.
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