Top 7 Lakes around El Tiemblo

The region's reservoirs offer a variety of water sports. At El Burguillo Reservoir, you can enjoy swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and even water-skiing. It also has a sports harbor and a canoeing school. The San Juan Reservoir Marina is particularly known for being the only reservoir in the Community of Madrid where swimming and nautical activities like surfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are officially permitted.

Yes, several lakes in the area are great for families. El Burguillo Reservoir is ideal for a tranquil family picnic and offers safe bathing areas. The San Juan Reservoir Marina, with its extensive beaches and permitted swimming, is also very popular with families looking to cool off and enjoy water activities. Even smaller spots like Charca de los Cangrejos offer easy access and a beautiful natural setting for a family outing.

The lakes are set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Around El Burguillo Reservoir, you'll find pine forests, holm oak groves, and views of the Sierra de Gredos. It borders the Valle de Iruelas Natural Park, home to a large colony of black vultures. The San Juan Reservoir Marina is a natural reserve for fauna and part of a special bird protection area (ZEPA 2000), where you might spot imperial eagles and griffon vultures, as well as deer, wild boars, and foxes.

Absolutely. The area around El Tiemblo's lakes is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, especially around El Burguillo Reservoir and the nearby Castañar del Tiemblo. For cycling, there are dedicated guides for MTB Trails, Cycling routes, and Road Cycling routes that explore the scenic landscapes surrounding the reservoirs.

For swimming, the San Juan Reservoir Marina is particularly renowned as the only reservoir in the Community of Madrid where swimming is officially permitted, featuring 14 kilometers of beaches. El Burguillo Reservoir also boasts wonderful beaches and designated bathing areas during summer, offering a less crowded option for a refreshing dip.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. For water sports and swimming, the summer months (June to September) are ideal, though the San Juan Reservoir Marina can get crowded on weekends. For hiking and enjoying the natural beauty, spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and stunning scenery, especially around the Castañar del Tiemblo near El Burguillo Reservoir.

Yes, El Burguillo Reservoir holds historical significance as the oldest reservoir in Spain, inaugurated in 1913. It's also the largest in the province of Ávila. The San Juan Reservoir Marina, built in 1955, is unique for being the only reservoir in the Community of Madrid where swimming and nautical activities are officially allowed, earning it the nickname "Madrid's Beach."

Yes, the region offers several excellent viewpoints. From the dam of El Burguillo Reservoir, you can see a spectacular panoramic view of the water surrounded by mountains and forests. Embalse del Burguillo also provides views with the Sierra de Gredos in the background. Pajarero Reservoir is another beautiful spot with a viewpoint, ideal for relaxing in nature.

While specific public transport options to every lake might be limited, the San Juan Reservoir Marina is a popular destination for residents of Madrid, often accessed via the M-501 road, known as "La autovía de los Pantanos" (the Reservoir Highway), implying good road access and parking. For El Burguillo Reservoir, there are amenities like a campsite and hostal/restaurant in the Las Cruceras area, suggesting visitor infrastructure including parking.

While specific regulations for dogs can vary by exact location and protected areas, generally, dogs are permitted on many hiking trails around the lakes, especially in less crowded natural areas. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. For specific bathing areas or beaches, it's best to check local signage or regulations, as some may have restrictions during peak seasons.

Near El Burguillo Reservoir, you can find a campsite and a hostal/restaurant in the Las Cruceras area, offering convenient options for visitors. The municipalities surrounding both El Burguillo and San Juan Reservoir Marina, such as El Tiemblo, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, and Pelayos de la Presa, also offer various restaurants, bars, and accommodation options.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and the natural beauty. Many enjoy the tranquility and less crowded atmosphere of El Burguillo Reservoir for water activities and picnics, while the extensive beaches and permitted swimming at San Juan Reservoir Marina are a major draw, especially in summer. The stunning views of the Sierra de Gredos and the abundance of hiking and cycling routes are also frequently highlighted.