Best lakes around Vélez De Benaudalla include significant man-made reservoirs and natural ponds, contributing to the region's water features. Vélez De Benaudalla, a village in Granada province, is characterized by its natural landscapes and its association with the Embalse de Rules. This reservoir, formed by a dam on the Río Guadalfeo, is a notable water body in the vicinity. The area offers opportunities for hiking and exploring water elements like canals and waterfalls.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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The Rules Reservoir Dam is an impressive hydraulic structure located in the Alpujarras of Granada, which retains the waters of the Guadalfeo River. Surrounded by a mountain landscape, it offers spectacular views where the water merges with the natural surroundings.
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We did this hike as a family with two children aged 7 and 11. The first part is very nice, but be careful, there are many river crossings to cross, so you quickly get your shoes wet. The landscapes overlooking the water reserve are magnificent. Be careful, the last part of the walk is very difficult, especially with children, because you have to climb 150m of altitude in full sun and at the end of the walk. The children were exhausted.
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The reservoir offers us beautiful views. Despite the proximity to the water, it is a place with few trees along the way. This must be taken into account in summer.
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This is a cul de sac that ends in a roundabout at the north end and where you can't go any further on foot (at least not with clipless pedals and a bike on your shoulder) because of a 2m drop / wall.
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Route from Vélez Benaudalla to Izbor a short but intense route will be more or less about 15 or 20 km round trip but you have to face a good climb and then a good descent, the best of the route the fabulous views of the Rules reservoir
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Beautiful perspective of the reservoir located on the Ízbor river, in the Lecrín valley. The dam was built with three objectives: to improve irrigation for farmers on the Costa Tropical, to supply water to the surrounding populations and to protect themselves from possible floods.
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Partly very good, partly very bad to dangerous asphalt (nasty bumps and heels, which are not so fun when driving downhill from north to south at high speed). Awesome views of the reservoirs and bridges and very little traffic. So definitely recommended. Parallel to this road, a great road leads west through the mountains, so you can plan a great round tour.
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The primary water bodies in the area are man-made reservoirs, notably the Embalse de Rules and the Béznar Reservoir. You can find excellent perspectives of these, such as the Views of the Rules Dam and the View of Béznar Reservoir. There are also natural wetland areas like Charca Suárez.
While Vélez de Benaudalla is primarily known for its significant man-made reservoirs like the Embalse de Rules, there are also natural ponds and wetland areas. An example is Charca Suárez, a perennial wetland formed by groundwater and irrigation return water, which hosts diverse flora and fauna.
The area around the reservoirs offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and picnics. The Views of the Rules Dam highlight, for instance, provides a route to hike at the foot of the dam. For cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking, you can explore numerous routes in the wider region. Find more details in the Cycling around Vélez De Benaudalla, MTB Trails around Vélez De Benaudalla, and Gravel biking around Vélez De Benaudalla guides.
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. The View of Béznar Reservoir and Charca Suárez are categorized as family-friendly. The general area around Vélez de Benaudalla is known for its natural beauty and offers opportunities for picnics and exploring water features like canals and waterfalls, which can be enjoyable for all ages.
Absolutely. The region is dotted with excellent viewpoints. Two popular ones include the Views of the Rules Dam, offering perspectives of the Embalse de Rules, and the View of Béznar Reservoir, providing a beautiful perspective of the reservoir on the Ízbor river.
The best time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, though water activities might be more appealing then. Winter offers a different, often serene, experience, especially with views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada in the distance.
While reservoirs like Embalse de Rules are significant water bodies, they are primarily for water management. Recreational activities such as wild swimming are not always officially permitted or safe in all areas of reservoirs. It's advisable to check local regulations and signage for designated swimming areas, if any, or consider other water features like the Tajo waterfall or the Paseo del Nacimiento for water enjoyment.
The Embalse de Rules plays a crucial role in managing water along the Guadalfeo River, serving as a significant water basin for the region. The Béznar Reservoir was constructed with three main objectives: to improve irrigation for farmers on the Costa Tropical, to supply water to surrounding populations, and to protect against possible floods.
Many of the viewpoints and surrounding areas offer paths that can be considered accessible, particularly those categorized as family-friendly. For example, the View of Béznar Reservoir is noted as family-friendly, often implying easier access. However, specific accessibility details for all trails should be checked individually, as terrain can vary.
Many outdoor trails in the Vélez de Benaudalla region are generally dog-friendly, especially in natural areas. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially near wildlife or other visitors, and to clean up after them. Specific regulations might apply in certain protected areas or near water sources, so look for local signage.
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning natural scenery, the impressive engineering of the dams like the Rules Reservoir dam, and the opportunities for hiking and photography. The blend of water with the surrounding mountain landscape, especially with views of the Sierra Nevada, is a significant draw. The tranquility and natural beauty of areas like Charca Suárez are also highly valued.
While the immediate vicinity of the reservoirs might not have many direct facilities, the nearby towns and villages, including Vélez de Benaudalla itself, offer various cafes and restaurants. These establishments provide opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and refreshments after exploring the water bodies and surrounding trails.


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