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Grazalema

Top 10 Lakes around Grazalema

Best lakes around Grazalema are found within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a region known for its high limestone peaks, deep valleys, and rich forests. The area's most prominent body of water is the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir, often referred to as Zahara Lake. This reservoir is situated within the mountainous landscape, with the village of Zahara de la Sierra overlooking its waters. The park offers a natural setting for exploring various water features and their surrounding environments.

Best lakes around Grazalema

  • The most popular lakes is View of the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir, a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding environment. This reservoir, supplied by the Guadalete River, is known for its turquoise hue and is a site for water activities.
  • Another must-see spot is Cat Cave, a cave and natural monument featuring a natural waterfall. This location marks the outlet of the Guadiaro river and provides a picnic area for visitors.
  • Visitors also love Charca Verde, a lake that serves as a natural drinking trough for cattle. It is located behind the Reloj and Simancón summits, accessible via routes from Villaluenga del Rosario.
  • Grazalema is known for its reservoirs, natural pools, and river outlets. These water bodies offer diverse experiences, from scenic viewpoints to areas for water activities.
  • The lakes around Grazalema are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and over 60 photos shared across various highlights.

Last updated: May 23, 2026

Cat Cave

Highlight • Cave

This wonderful place has been declared a Natural Monument and with good reason. It is a cave with a natural waterfall that marks the outlet of the Guadiaro river after its channel hides inside the rock, traveling through caves and underground galleries for almost 4 km from the site known as Hundidero del Gato upstream. Here you will also find a picnic area and benches that make it the ideal place for a break and appreciate this wonderful environment. Take care and respect the indications, it is forbidden to enter the cave.

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This reservoir was inaugurated in the early 1990s and its main supplier is the Guadalete River. On clear days it takes on an impressive turquoise hue, and a multitude of water activities are carried out in its waters, such as paddle surfing, kayaking, triathlons, etc.

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mirrador Zahara de la Sierra. Beautiful viewpoint

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Beautiful viewpoint

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Brilliant viewpoint

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Charca Verde

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La Charca Verde currently serves as a natural drinking trough for cattle. It is located behind the Reloj and Simancón summits, but it is part of the municipality of Villaluenga del Rosario. In fact, there are several routes that lead from the town to here. Just over a kilometer along the path is the Reloj refuge, which is not attended.

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Popular around Grazalema

Triathlon 360 – my journey around the world

Windows to the past – White Towns of Andalusia

Between the mountains and villages of Cadiz – Sierra de Grazalema

Iconic summits on foot – Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

​​An encounter with nature – Spain’s Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

Hiking around Grazalema

Road Cycling Routes around Grazalema

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Triathlon 360 – my journey around the world

Collection by

Jonas Deichmann

Tips from the Community

🅰️ndy
May 3, 2026, Vista over lake and white villages

Beautiful small white village, not as overrun by tourists as the others. Built in terraces on the mountain with a castle at the very top.

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The views of the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir, in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, are some of the most spectacular in Andalusia.

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mirrador Zahara de la Sierra. Beautiful viewpoint

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Raffael
September 23, 2024, Beautiful vista point

Brilliant viewpoint

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The cave was created out of necessity. The Sierra del Algarrobo blocks the Gaduares River, forcing the river to erode the rocks to find a way out. The resulting cave complex is nothing short of spectacular. The Cueva del Gato, 17 meters wide and 25 meters high, offers an eroded natural space, where the Gaduares River resurfaces and joins the Guadiaro River. The main pass is over 4 km long. During the drier seasons, 25 individual lakes appear within the cave complex. The longest of these is the so-called Storm Cape and is 114 meters long. The lakes can only be crossed by swimming. The cave has a length of just over 8 km, but you are not allowed to enter.

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Sven
April 9, 2023, Cueva del Gato

Bathing area...nadar :)

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Sven
April 9, 2023, Cueva del Gato

Bathing place / nadar :)

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From here you have a nice view over the white houses of Zahara and other white towns in the distance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What water activities can I enjoy at the lakes around Grazalema?

The Zahara-El Gastor reservoir is a popular spot for various water activities. You can go paddle surfing, kayaking, sailing, and even fishing. In summer, an artificial beach is available for swimming.

Are there family-friendly spots among the lakes near Grazalema?

Yes, several spots are great for families. The View of the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir is noted as family-friendly, offering stunning panoramic views. The reservoir also features an artificial beach in summer, perfect for families to enjoy. Other viewpoints like Beautiful viewpoint and View over the lake and white villages are also considered family-friendly.

Can I go hiking or running near the lakes in Grazalema?

Absolutely. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park offers excellent walking and running routes. You can find various running trails, such as the 'Parque Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema – running circular via the Camino de los Charcones' or the 'Sendero Llanos del Ravel – trail run in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park'. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Grazalema guide.

What unique natural features can I explore besides the main lakes?

Beyond the reservoirs, you can visit the Cat Cave, a Natural Monument featuring a stunning natural waterfall where the Guadiaro river emerges. It also has a picnic area. Another interesting spot is Charca Verde, a natural drinking trough for cattle located behind the Reloj and Simancón summits, accessible via routes from Villaluenga del Rosario.

What is the best time to visit the lakes around Grazalema?

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but summer is particularly popular for water activities at the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir, thanks to its artificial beach. The stunning scenery and panoramic views are enjoyable in any season, with the vibrant turquoise hue of the reservoir often most striking on clear days.

What makes the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir special?

The Zahara-El Gastor reservoir is renowned for its impressive turquoise waters, supplied by the Guadalete River, and its picturesque setting within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. It offers spectacular panoramic views, especially from the white village of Zahara de la Sierra, and is a hub for water sports like kayaking and paddle surfing.

Are there good viewpoints to see the lakes and surrounding landscape?

Yes, the area boasts several excellent viewpoints. The View of the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir offers one of the best panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding peaks. Other notable spots include the Beautiful viewpoint and the View over the lake and white villages, providing stunning vistas of the water, mountains, and charming villages.

Can I find charming villages to visit near the lakes?

Absolutely. The white village of Zahara de la Sierra is perched above the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir and is considered one of Spain's prettiest villages. You can explore its winding alleys, visit the Church of Santa María de la Mesa, or climb to the castle for breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding area.

Are there cycling routes available near the lakes in Grazalema?

Yes, the region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find road cycling routes like 'Zahara de la Sierra – Zahara Reservoir loop from El Gastor (Cruce)' or gravel biking routes such as 'Grazalema Village – Puerto de las Palomas loop from Zahara'. For more detailed routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Grazalema and Gravel biking around Grazalema guides.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Grazalema?

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty, especially the impressive turquoise hue of the Zahara-El Gastor reservoir and the panoramic views from various viewpoints. The opportunity for water activities, the charm of nearby white villages like Zahara de la Sierra, and the diverse hiking and cycling routes also contribute to a highly enjoyable experience.

Is there a picnic area near any of the natural water features?

Yes, the Cat Cave, a natural monument with a waterfall marking the outlet of the Guadiaro river, provides a dedicated picnic area with benches, making it an ideal spot for a break in a wonderful natural environment.

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

Sierra De GrazalemaEl GastorZaharaAlgodonalesOlveraVillaluenga Del Rosario

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