Top 7 Lakes around Graus

Lago Barasona, also known as Embalse de Joaquín Costa, is a hub for various water activities. You can rent pedal boats and canoes, enjoy fun-tube rides, or try a banana boat. It's also a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The "Costa Oeste" area offers a bar, mini-golf, and a small kart track, making it a great family-friendly destination. You can also enjoy scenic views from spots like View of Barasona Reservoir.

Yes, Lago Barasona (Embalse de Joaquín Costa) is particularly family-friendly. It offers a variety of water sports, swimming areas, and amenities like a bar and mini-golf at "Costa Oeste" or The Nautical Base. The grassy shores are also ideal for picnics. Embalse de El Grado is another good option for a refreshing day out with family.

Swimming is generally permitted and popular in the large reservoirs like Lago Barasona and Embalse de El Grado, especially during warmer months. However, in the pristine high-altitude mountain lakes (ibones) of the Aragonese Pyrenees, swimming is generally not permitted to preserve their natural state.

You can find diverse hiking opportunities. Around the main reservoirs like Barasona and El Grado, there are scenic routes suitable for various levels. For more challenging and rewarding hikes, the surrounding Aragonese Pyrenees offer numerous high-altitude mountain lakes, known as "ibones." These require dedicated excursions but provide majestic views. You can explore many trails in the region by checking out the Hiking around Graus guide.

The ibones are stunning high-altitude mountain lakes formed by glaciers. Most are located above 2000m, offering challenging but rewarding hikes. They are valued for their natural beauty and ecological significance, supporting diverse flora and fauna. Examples include Ibón de Escarpinosa and Ibón Blanco de Literola. These lakes are perfect for experiencing the raw beauty of the Pyrenees, though swimming is typically not allowed.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For water sports and swimming in the reservoirs like Lago Barasona, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal. If you plan to hike to the high-altitude mountain lakes (ibones), summer (July and August) offers the most accessible conditions, as snow can persist at higher elevations even into early summer.

Yes, the region offers unique historical sights tied to its reservoirs. At Embalse de El Grado, you can see the Torreciudad Sanctuary across the water from certain viewpoints. Notably, the Church of the Assumption of Mediano, from an old submerged town, becomes visible when the water level of the reservoir is low, and its bell tower can often be seen even when water levels are high.

Beyond hiking and water sports, the area around Graus and its lakes is excellent for cycling. You can find numerous routes for road cycling and mountain biking. For example, there are routes like the "Tour around the Barasona Reservoir" for road cycling. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Graus and MTB Trails around Graus guides.

At Lago Barasona, the "Costa Oeste" area offers a bar with food and drinks. Specifically, The Nautical Base is a popular spot where you can enjoy a good atmosphere, music, drinks, and even rice dishes. It's advisable to call ahead for reservations if you plan to eat there.

The two most prominent reservoirs near Graus are Lago Barasona (also known as Embalse de Joaquín Costa) and Embalse de El Grado. Both are significant bodies of water offering opportunities for recreation and enjoying the natural landscape of the Pre-Pyrenees.

While Lago Barasona and Embalse de El Grado are well-known, you might also consider visiting the Cerillo Reservoir, located in the Barranco de San Medardo. It's crossed by the GR 18.1 trail, offering a different perspective of the region's aquatic environments.