Best lakes around Minglanilla are centered around the Embalse de Contreras, a large reservoir located between the provinces of Cuenca and Valencia in Spain. This area is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, featuring a narrow gorge with rocky slopes and pine forests. The region offers a blend of natural beauty and historical interest, making it a notable destination for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore various viewpoints that offer expansive vistas of the reservoir and its surroundings.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Highlight • Bridge
Showing Translation
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Showing Translation
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Viewpoint
Showing Translation
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Showing Translation
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Minglanilla.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
11
0
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.
10
0
7 bow bridge, so beautiful
11
0
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.
9
0
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
Dam bridge. Spectacular views
3
0
While Minglanilla, Cebu, doesn't feature large natural lakes, the region is known for its refreshing water-based attractions. These include the spring-fed pools of Tubod Flowing Waters Resort, and the scenic Matun-og Falls and Hinagdanan Falls.
Yes, Tubod Flowing Waters Resort is an excellent family-friendly option. It offers multiple spring-fed swimming pools, water slides, a bird sanctuary, and other amenities suitable for all ages, providing a blend of natural refreshment and resort comforts.
Beyond the resort, Minglanilla offers stunning natural waterfalls. Matun-og Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall with clear, refreshing waters, offering a more pristine experience. Hinagdanan Falls provides a picturesque single-tiered drop, especially beautiful during the rainy season.
While the immediate vicinity of the waterfalls and resort is focused on swimming and relaxation, you can find various outdoor activities in the broader Minglanilla area. For hiking, consider trails like the Cuchillos de Contreras Trail or Los Cuchillos del Cabriel Trail. Cyclists can explore routes such as the Cuchillos de Contreras and Moluengo Peak Loop. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Minglanilla.
Yes, the Contreras Bridge - Cabriel River is a significant historical site. This impressive 19th-century bridge, also known as the 'centipede' due to its numerous columns, offers spectacular views and is a testament to historical engineering in the area.
For breathtaking vistas, consider visiting the viewpoints overlooking the Embalse de Contreras. These offer impressive views of the reservoir's turquoise waters and the dramatic Cuchillares de las Hoces del Cabriel gorge. The area around Embalse de Contreras (reservoir) is particularly noted for its scenic beauty.
The waterfalls, such as Hinagdanan Falls, are particularly picturesque during the rainy season when the water flow increases, enhancing their refreshing view. However, Tubod Flowing Waters Resort is enjoyable year-round due to its spring-fed pools.
Yes, Matun-og Falls is described as being less frequented by tourists, suggesting a more pristine and tranquil natural experience. The Embalse de Contreras (reservoir) is also noted for being a super quiet place with nice views.
Tubod Flowing Waters Resort is easily accessible and well-equipped with amenities for overnight stays and dining. For natural sites like Matun-og Falls, access might be more rustic. When visiting viewpoints around Embalse de Contreras, be aware that some areas are remote with narrow, winding access roads and few amenities nearby, so it's advisable to bring your own water and food.
Absolutely. The region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find traffic-free bike rides around Minglanilla, including routes for mountain biking. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, check out the traffic-free bike rides guide and the general cycling guide for Minglanilla.
The Embalse de Contreras is a significant reservoir built in 1972, accumulating waters from the Cabriel and Guadazaón rivers. It's notable for its location within a narrow gorge with rocky slopes and pine forests, offering a mix of steep cliffs and flat, sandy sections along its shore. Its turquoise waters and the surrounding natural monument of Cuchillares de las Hoces del Cabriel make it a visually striking destination.

