Best lakes around La Pesquera are primarily centered around the Embalse de Contreras, a significant reservoir located between the provinces of Cuenca and Valencia, Spain. This area is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, including narrow gorges, rocky slopes, and pine forests. The region offers various viewpoints overlooking the reservoir and the Cabriel River, providing opportunities to explore its natural features. The terrain elevation difficulty around these lakes varies, with options for intermediate trails.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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The area is remote and the access roads are narrow and winding. There are few amenities nearby, so it is advisable to bring water and food.
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Embalse de Contreras is a reservoir on the border of the provinces of Cuenca and Valencia, located in a narrow gorge with rocky slopes and pine forests. The shore alternates between steep cliffs and flat, sandy sections.
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7 bow bridge, so beautiful
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The Contreras reservoir is located between the municipalities of Villargordo del Cabriel in the province of Valencia and La Pesquera, Mira, Enguídanos and Minglanilla in the province of Cuenca, Spain. It was built in 1972. Slightly downstream from the dam is the Contreras bridge, built between 1845 and 1851.
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It was built in 1972 at the confluence of the Cabriel and Guadazaón rivers. The dam height is 129 metres. Its purpose is, among other things, to supply water to the city of Valencia. The Contreras Bridge was built between 1845 and 1851 by the engineer Lucio del Valle. To descend the ravine, he had to build a zigzag road that formed the port of Contreras.
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Until 2016, it held the record for the bridge with the longest concrete arch span in Spain and stands out for its slenderness and visual beauty. Now, the largest is the Alcántara reservoir viaduct, built in 2019 for the Madrid-Extremadura High Speed line.
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Dam bridge. Spectacular views
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The primary body of water in the vicinity is the Embalse de Contreras (reservoir). It's a significant man-made lake located between the provinces of Valencia and Cuenca, offering impressive views and a tranquil environment.
Yes, the Embalse de Contreras is considered family-friendly. The area around the reservoir jetty is easily accessible by a well-maintained road, providing a quiet spot for families to enjoy the views.
The area boasts several stunning natural features and viewpoints, primarily centered around the Embalse de Contreras. You can find breathtaking views of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape from spots like Views of Cabeza Moya and View of Embalse de Contreras and Cuchillares de las Hoces del Cabriel. The reservoir itself is set within a narrow gorge with rocky slopes and pine forests.
Yes, near the Embalse de Contreras, you can visit the Contreras Bridge - Cabriel River. This historic bridge, originally built in the 19th century, is known for its distinctive 7-bow design and offers spectacular views of the river and gorge.
The region around Embalse de Contreras offers various outdoor activities. You can find challenging running trails, such as the 'Sendero de los Cuatro Ríos' which includes routes from Enguídanos to Cabeza Moya. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Cuchillos de Contreras and Moluengo Peak Loop'. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like the 'Enguídanos and Contreras Reservoir Loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the running, cycling, and MTB guides around La Pesquera.
The terrain around Embalse de Contreras is characterized by a narrow gorge with rocky slopes and pine forests. While some areas near the reservoir jetty are easily accessible, many viewpoints and trails involve intermediate difficulty due to the rugged landscape. The shore alternates between steep cliffs and flatter, sandy sections.
The area around Embalse de Contreras is generally remote. Access roads can be narrow and winding, and amenities are few. It's advisable to bring your own water and food. Public transport options directly to the reservoir from La Pesquera village are limited, so personal vehicle access is recommended.
Visitors frequently highlight the spectacular views and the tranquil atmosphere. The turquoise colors of the lake and the impressive formations of the Cuchillares de las Hoces del Cabriel are often mentioned as particularly striking. The historic Contreras Bridge is also a popular point of interest.
While specific dog-friendly trail designations are not detailed, the natural and remote character of the area around Embalse de Contreras generally allows for walks with dogs, provided they are kept under control and local regulations are respected. Always ensure to clean up after your pet.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summers can be hot, making water activities more appealing. Winters are generally mild but can be chilly, and some remote access roads might be affected by weather conditions.
Due to the remote nature of the Embalse de Contreras area, there are very few amenities directly nearby. It is recommended to plan ahead and bring your own provisions. You might find options in the larger surrounding towns like Villargordo del Cabriel or Minglanilla, or in La Pesquera itself, but not immediately at the lake.


Still not found your perfect lake around La Pesquera? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.