Top 17 Lakes around Collado Mediano

For swimming and a wide range of motorized and non-motorized water sports, the Embalse de San Juan is your best bet. It's known as "Madrid's Beach" and is the only reservoir in the Community of Madrid where swimming is officially permitted. It features the Blue Flag awarded Virgen de la Nueva beach. For a more tranquil natural swimming experience, consider Las Presillas Natural Pools in Rascafría, which are popular with families.

Yes, several lakes offer great options for families. Las Presillas Natural Pools are particularly popular, with designated picnic and barbecue areas. The Embalse de Picadas is also family-friendly, offering a quieter environment for kayaking, paddle surfing, and canoeing, with surrounding trails like the Vía Verde perfect for walking or cycling. The Valmayor Reservoir and Air Force Reservoir are also noted as family-friendly highlights in the area.

The lakes and reservoirs near Collado Mediano are set within the beautiful Sierra de Guadarrama. You'll find diverse landscapes including pine forests, rocky mountains, and ecosystems of willows, poplars, ash trees, and holm oaks. The Air Force Reservoir, for example, is a rich ecosystem home to species at risk of extinction, offering views of Maliciosa peak and Bola del Mundo. The Embalse de Valmayor is surrounded by pure nature, providing habitat for various bird species, reptiles, and fish.

Beyond water activities, the area offers extensive opportunities for hiking, cycling, and running. You can find numerous trails around the reservoirs. For instance, the Embalse de Valmayor has hiking trails like the Ruta de los Miradores. The Embalse de Picadas features the Vía Verde, an old railway line perfect for walking or cycling. The Embalse de El Atazar is bordered by the 37-mile "Path of Genaro" for hiking. You can explore various hiking trails, cycling routes, and running paths that often incorporate views of these water bodies.

While popular, the Embalse de Picadas is often considered a quieter alternative to the more crowded San Juan Reservoir, providing a peaceful natural environment. The Embalse de El Atazar, being the largest reservoir, also offers vast areas with less human impact, especially away from specific sailing clubs, allowing for a more serene experience.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, especially at Embalse de San Juan and Las Presillas Natural Pools. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful scenery as flora changes. Winter can be serene, especially around the larger reservoirs like El Atazar, though some activities might be limited by colder weather.

Yes, some reservoirs have interesting histories. The Embalse de San Juan, for example, submerged a medieval bridge and several mills during its creation in the 1950s, parts of which can still be seen. The Air Force Reservoir has an interesting past, built in the 1950s to supply a sanatorium, and has since evolved into a valuable ecosystem.

Absolutely. The Navacerrada Reservoir Dam offers excellent views of the entire reservoir and surrounding peaks, with reflections on calm waters. The Embalse de Valmayor features the Ruta de los Miradores, providing panoramic vistas. From the Air Force Reservoir, you can enjoy views of Maliciosa peak and Bola del Mundo on clear days.

Fishing is a popular activity, particularly at the Embalse de Valmayor, which is known for good populations of carp, pike, and perch. Always ensure you have the necessary permits and adhere to local fishing regulations.

Yes, the Laguna del Gato is a shallow, seasonal artificial wetland that was restored by the Community of Madrid as part of a habitat recovery program for amphibians. It's located on the border of Moralzarzal and Collado Villaba, within the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many are surprised by the conjunction of water and mountain views, especially at spots like the Air Force Reservoir. The tranquility of places like Valmayor Reservoir and the extensive options for water sports and hiking are also highly valued. The community has shared over 190 upvotes and 30 photos, highlighting the area's appeal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.