Top 7 Lakes around San Martín De Valdeiglesias

The Picadas Reservoir offers a recreational area suitable for the whole family, with an easy greenway walk along the water. The San Juan Reservoir Marina is also family-friendly, providing access to the only reservoir in the region where swimming and motorized water sports are permitted. Additionally, Labores Stream Pool is a beautiful spot for a break, ideal for families to enjoy the natural landscape.

The San Juan Reservoir is unique in the Community of Madrid as it's the only reservoir where swimming and motorized water sports are allowed. You can enjoy wakeboarding, water skiing, flyboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Boat and equipment rentals are available, particularly at Virgen de la Nueva and El Muro beaches. At Picadas Reservoir, while bathing is not permitted, rowing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular, and canoe rentals are available.

Yes, both hiking and cycling are popular. The Picadas Reservoir features an old narrow-gauge railroad track along its banks, now a Green Way (Vía Verde) perfect for walking and cycling through pine forests. For more extensive cycling, you can explore various routes listed in the Cycling around San Martín De Valdeiglesias guide, including the Alberche Greenway and Picadas Reservoir Loop. There are also options for Gravel biking around San Martín De Valdeiglesias and Road Cycling Routes around San Martín De Valdeiglesias that pass by these scenic areas.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the summer months are ideal, especially at the San Juan Reservoir. For hiking and cycling, spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and beautiful scenery, making it comfortable to explore the trails around Picadas Reservoir and the surrounding pine forests.

The region is characterized by diverse natural landscapes, including extensive pine forests and varied terrain. Around the Picadas Reservoir, you'll find scenic slate formations, oak, and holm oak trees. The Labores Stream Pool is nestled in the heart of the Alberche oak forest. The reservoirs themselves are significant bodies of water, with the El Burguillo Reservoir offering panoramic views of water surrounded by mountains and forests.

No, swimming is only permitted in the San Juan Reservoir. It is the sole reservoir in the Community of Madrid where bathing is allowed. The Picadas Reservoir, for example, does not permit bathing, though other water activities like rowing are allowed.

The Picadas Reservoir is unique for its tranquil setting and the Green Way (Vía Verde) that runs along its banks, following an abandoned narrow-gauge railroad track. This path offers a delightful cycling or walking experience through pine forests and along the reservoir's shore. It's also well-regarded for fishing and offers beautiful scenic landscapes, especially at sunset.

The lakes, particularly the San Juan Reservoir, are typically accessed via the M-501, often referred to as the 'road of the marshes'. This road connects the municipalities around the reservoirs, making them reachable by car. Specific parking areas are available at popular spots like Virgen de la Nueva and El Muro beaches at San Juan Reservoir.

While the reservoirs themselves are relatively modern constructions, the San Juan Reservoir has a hidden legacy; its waters submerged a medieval bridge and an old hermitage when it was built in 1955. The Picadas Reservoir features the abandoned track platform of a narrow-gauge railroad, which now serves as a Green Way, offering a glimpse into past infrastructure.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse opportunities for both relaxation and active pursuits. The San Juan Reservoir is loved for its unique status as the only swimmable and motor-navigable reservoir in the region, offering a wide array of water sports. The Picadas Reservoir is cherished for its tranquil greenway, ideal for cycling and walking, and its beautiful natural setting. The Labores Stream Pool is noted as a beautiful spot for a refreshing break amidst the oak forest.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity, especially at the Picadas Reservoir. This reservoir is well-regarded for its fish populations, including barbel, carp, pike, and black bass. Always ensure you have the necessary permits and adhere to local fishing regulations.