Tips for a refreshing dip in the interior of Spain

Cooling off during sweltering summer heat

by Lorraine Williamson
Places to take a dip in the interior of Spain

The Spanish coasts are fantastic and known to many. But there are also plenty of opportunities to cool off in the interior of Spain. Often unknown, but also with a blue flag!

Now that summer has begun and temperatures have risen despite the showers of the last few hours, César Gonzalo, presenter of El Tiempo on Antena 3 Noticias, is very clear about the best places inland where you can take a dip to cool off in summer.

The reservoirs that the presenter of El Tiempo recommends you to visit have been awarded a blue flag for their good state of conservation. These reservoirs are located in the following provinces, and are often unknown to the inhabitants of the provinces themselves:

  • Álava
  • Cáceres
  • Córdoba

Álava, Basque Country

The first water spot recommended by the meteorologist is the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir, in the Basque Country. The water level is high at the moment. The Ebro Hydrographic Confederation announced on Monday that the reservoir is at 86.3% of its capacity. César Gonzalo explains in the video above this article (in Spanish) that in the province of Alava there are “three beaches that have been awarded the blue flag”. These are Arratzua Ubarrundia, Elburgo and Barrundia. They have received the award for their “water quality”, the “services available” and “their ecological integration”. They are good places to swim.

La Breña: an oasis in the middle of the sweltering heat of Córdoba

The province of Córdoba is one of the hottest places in the country and at this time of year temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius.

A good swim on the beach of La Breña, near the municipality of Almodóvar del Río, is the perfect plan for the summer in the province of Cordoba. Furthermore, it is the only beach in the interior of Andalucia with a blue flag. You can practice sports activities such as paddle surfing or water skiing.

Extremadura: the most kilometres of fresh water

In the town of Cañamero, in the province of Cáceres, is the beach of Cancho del Fresno. It was built in 1985 and also has a blue flag. Among other things, Extremadura is known for being the region with the most kilometers of fresh water and for offering swimmers safety in its reservoirs and high-quality beach services inland.

The reservoir is surrounded by the UNESCO World Geopark Villuercas-Ibores-Jara. Crystal clear waters, in an environment of mountains and forests where you can hike, make a unique inland place where you can retreat for a few days.

Also read: Spain´s blue flag beaches

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