Top 8 Lakes around Zahara

The region offers several stunning vantage points. You can visit View of the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir for panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding peaks like La Graja and Lagarín. Another excellent spot is Beautiful viewpoint, offering expansive views of the lake, mountains, and winding roads. For views that combine the lake with the charming white villages, consider View over the lake and white villages or Viewpoint overlooking the lake and Zahara’s white houses.

The Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir is a hub for water sports. You can enjoy activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle surfing, and boating. It's also a popular spot for fishing and even hosts triathlons. Kayak rentals are available near the lake for visitors.

Yes, the View of the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir and Beautiful viewpoint are considered family-friendly spots for enjoying the scenery. Additionally, the Arroyomolinos Recreation Area, located on the edge of the reservoir, provides a wooded space with BBQ points, a bar/restaurant, and a small sandy 'beach' known as Playa Zahara de la Sierra. This artificial beach offers a supervised swimming area with lifeguards during the summer months (mid-June to mid-September).

The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring (March to May) is ideal for seeing abundant wildflowers, while February and March offer spectacular pink almond blossoms. For water activities and supervised swimming at Playa Zahara de la Sierra, the summer months from mid-June to mid-September are most suitable. The turquoise hue of the reservoir is particularly impressive on clear days.

Yes, the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, where the reservoir is located, offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find various trails, including the Zahara Reservoir Trail, which is a moderate 12 km loop. For more options, explore the Hiking around Zahara guide, which includes routes like the Zahara de la Sierra Castle Loop and the View of Zahara de la Sierra – Zahara Reservoir loop.

Beyond hiking and water sports, the area around Zahara is excellent for cycling. You can find challenging mountain biking routes, such as the Mountain biking loop in Sierra de Grazalema, by checking the MTB Trails around Zahara guide. For road cyclists, there are scenic routes like the Puerto de las Palomas and Puerto del Boyar Loop, detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Zahara guide.

Yes, you can visit Charca Verde, a natural monument that serves as a drinking trough for cattle. It is located behind the Reloj and Simancón summits and is part of the municipality of Villaluenga del Rosario, with several routes leading from the town to this site.

The primary designated swimming area is Playa Zahara de la Sierra, an artificial beach within the Arroyomolinos Recreation Area. It offers supervised swimming with lifeguards and first aid facilities, typically open from mid-June to mid-September. This is the safest and most recommended spot for swimming in the reservoir.

The Arroyomolinos Recreation Area, situated by the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir, features a bar/restaurant where you can eat. It also provides BBQ points and wooded spaces, making it an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation by the water.

Yes, there is a large parking lot located at the southern end of the reservoir, which provides easy access to the water and serves as a starting point for hikes and other activities.

Hiking trails around Zahara's lakes vary in difficulty. For example, the Zahara Reservoir Trail is considered moderate, while the Ermita de La Garganta Verde – Parque Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema route is rated as difficult. You can find a range of options from moderate to difficult in the Hiking around Zahara guide.