Best lakes around Cazorla are located within the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, a mountainous region in the northeast of Jaén province. This area features significant bodies of water, including large reservoirs and natural lagoons, often integrated into the park's landscape. These aquatic environments are fed by rivers like the Guadalquivir and Guadalentín, supporting diverse ecosystems. The park's terrain offers varied opportunities for exploration.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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At the end of the long journey along the beautiful Barosa River, you will reach this beautiful lagoon with crystal-clear waters.
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Spectacular waterfall and pool. If you follow the Borosa trail, you can't miss stopping and swimming in it. In summer, the sun starts shining directly after 11:30, and the water and the bottom of the pool go from opaque black to transparent turquoise. This makes it less scary to go in, but after that time, people start to gather around this spot!
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The El Portillo reservoir or El Portillo Dam is located on the Castril River, in the municipality of Castril, in the province of Granada. This reservoir belongs to the Guadalquivir Hydrographic Confederation, in the Granada area.
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Although somewhat hidden (you must turn to the right a few meters to find it) it is a busy and refreshing place, ideal for resting before continuing with the climb.
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Placid place that invites you to rest.
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It is a dam built in 1968 and is used to retain irrigation water and for human consumption, since its facilities are not used to produce electricity.
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Located on the Castril river, the Portillo dam offers an impressive landscape of turquoise waters surrounded by mountains and forests. In addition to its natural beauty, the reservoir is also an ideal place for water sports, as well as bird watching.
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The Cazorla region, particularly within the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, features a mix of large reservoirs and natural lagoons. Notable examples include the vast Embalse del Tranco and Embalse de la Bolera, which are significant in size and offer various recreational opportunities. You can also find natural lagoons like Laguna de Valdeazores, which is the only permanent natural lagoon in the protected area.
Many lakes and reservoirs in Cazorla offer a range of water activities. At the Embalse del Tranco, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and nature watching boat tours. The Embalse de la Bolera is also popular for water sports like kayaking, canoeing, paddle surfing, and pedal boats, in addition to being a prime fishing spot.
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Cerrada del Utrero Reservoir is known as a placid place that invites rest, making it suitable for families. The area around Embalse de la Bolera also has designated swimming spots and recreational areas like 'El Hoyo de los Pinos', perfect for a family day out. Additionally, the Lagoon of Black Waters is considered family-friendly after an uphill climb.
For spectacular views, visit the Mirador de Rodríguez de la Fuente at the Embalse del Tranco, which offers vistas of the reservoir's islands and the Yelmo peak. The walled village of Hornos de Segura also provides panoramic views over the vast Embalse del Tranco. The Portillo Reservoir also offers an impressive landscape of turquoise waters surrounded by mountains and forests.
The Cazorla region offers numerous hiking trails that often lead to or pass by its beautiful lakes. For example, Laguna de Valdeazores is a destination along the scenic Borosa River trail. You can find various hiking routes, including easy and moderate options, in the area. Explore more trails by visiting the Hiking around Cazorla guide.
Yes, the lakes and their surroundings are rich in wildlife. The Embalse del Tranco is excellent for nature watching, and its Parque Cinegético allows visitors to observe forest animals. Boat tours on the Embalse del Tranco, especially at dawn and dusk, offer opportunities to see animals drinking at the water's edge. Laguna de Valdeazores is a precise refuge for natural ecosystems, hosting various bird species such as mallards, coots, and moorhens.
Yes, there are places to swim. The Calavera Waterfall features a pool suitable for swimming, especially refreshing in summer. The Embalse de la Bolera also has designated swimming spots near the dam and jetties. Always check local regulations and safety guidelines before swimming in natural waters.
Beyond water sports and hiking, the area around Embalse de la Bolera is excellent for adventure activities such as canyoning, waterfall descent, climbing, rafting, zip-lining, archery, and paintball. For cycling enthusiasts, there are also many MTB and gravel biking trails in the wider Cazorla area. Discover more options in the MTB Trails around Cazorla guide and the Gravel biking around Cazorla guide.
The Embalse del Tranco de Beas is one of the largest reservoirs in Spain, located in the heart of the Natural Park. It's renowned for its vast size, surrounded by pine forests and rugged mountains. It's a hub for recreational activities, scenic views from spots like Mirador de Rodríguez de la Fuente, and wildlife observation, including boat tours to see animals.
The Embalse de la Bolera, located near Pozo Alcón, is notable for its mountainous and forested surroundings, often compared to northern landscapes. It's a popular spot for a wide array of water and adventure sports, and it's considered one of the best fishing locations in Andalusia due to its diverse fish population. The source of the Guadalentín River, a spring from a deep cave, is also visible when water levels are low.
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning natural beauty and the diverse range of activities available. Many appreciate the refreshing experience of swimming in natural pools like the one at Calavera Waterfall after a hike. The peaceful atmosphere of places like Cerrada del Utrero Reservoir and the scenic environment of the Lagoon of Black Waters are also highly valued.


Still not found your perfect lake around Cazorla? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.