Beaches far from the sea: 5 inland destinations with crystalline waters and monumental treasures
Spain has an abundance of inland beaches and fresh water natural pools where one can escape the heat without the need to go to the seaside.
Spain has an abundance of inland beaches and fresh water natural pools where one can escape the heat without the need to go to the seaside.
As summer approaches and the temperatures surpass 30º Celsius, Spain’s thousands of kilometres of coastline draws millions of people. However, the seaside is not the only alluring option for summertime travellers in Spain.
There are a number of alternative options for enjoying the outdoors and the cultural heritage of Spain’s inland regions without succumbing to the heat. The following destinations combine gorgeous river beaches with some of Spain’s most striking historic town centres.
A VAST GLACIAL LAKE AMONG OAK FOREST
Sanabria Lake in Sanabria Lake Nature Park in Zamora Province is Spain’s largest glacial lake. The lake possesses a number of stellar eye-catching beaches like Custa LLago, Viquiella and Enanos.
A swim in the lake or trekking along these beaches can be combined with a cultural excursion to the nearby village of Puebla de Sanabria. This breathtaking village sits on the heights of a hill and its handful of cobbled lanes exemplifies the region’s legacy. Those willing to go the extra mile, especially enthusiasts of Romanesque architecture, will certainly take the opportunity to visit Zamora’s old town district in order to appreciate the provincial capital’s marvels.
A PRISTINE NATURAL POOL AND A PLUNGING WATERFALL
Bierge Waterfall’s eight-metre drop is located within the lush greenery of the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Nature Park in Huesca Province and makes an idyllic spot for a dip in the crystal-clear waters of its enormous natural pool.
This natural paradise is complemented by a cultural detour to the medieval village of Bierge followed by an excursion to the town Huesca, where its Arab walls and extraordinary Gothic cathedral await.
GORGES OF TURQUOISE WATERS AND COURSING RAPIDS
The course of the Cabriel River flowing through the province of Cuenca sculpts an abrupt terrain of caves complemented by rapids, cascades and calm natural pools, such as the one found at Chorreras del Cabriel.
No visit to Cuenca Province would be complete without a sojourn in its provincial capital city. In fact, the city of Cuenca is a compendium of art and history that truly earns its designation as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
THE NATURAL POOL OF THE INFERNO
Heavenly treasures can be found in Extremadura’s popular Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve in the Jerte Valley. The natural basin formations, known as Pilones, create a succession of otherworldly turquoise waters. And these extraordinary curiosities coupled with a multitude of cascading waters result in an unparalleled landscape.
This celestial landscape is but a short distance from the town of Cáceres, which is home to one of Spain’s most beloved and best-preserved historic town centres.
MIDWAY BETWEEN CÓRDOBA’S MOSQUE AND THE ALHAMBRA
Between the cities of Córdoba and Granada lies Iznájar Reservoir, one of Andalusia’s best kept secrets. Popularly known as Lake Andalusia, its numerous river beaches, such as Valdearenas, are an ideal spot to visit during the summer.
You can also read this article in Spanish here.