Spain holds countless natural gems across its vast landscapes. A small but remarkable slice of this abundance is found in its lakes, scattered across the country and forming serene mirrors of the sky. These natural pools, tucked into residential and protected spaces, remind visitors that water sustains life and enriches both ecosystems and communities.
From Covadonga to Fuente de Piedra, ten lakes and lagoons stand out for their landscapes and ecological value, inviting reflection on Spain’s diverse aquatic heritage.
Lake Sanabria in Zamora is among Spain’s largest lakes. It spans about 1.5 kilometers in width and nearly 3 kilometers in length, with depths exceeding 50 meters. It ranks as one of Europe’s substantial freshwater bodies, offering a wide range of activities and facilities that make it a popular recreation area during the summer season.
The Covadonga Lakes, including Enol, La Ercina, and El Bricial, are three glacial lakes perched over 1,000 meters above sea level. They lie within the Picos de Europa National Park, and their waters appear mainly when ice melts or heavy rain fills the basins. This region is among Spain’s most visited natural areas, especially in summer.
Lake Sant Maurici sits in the Catalan Pyrenees, near Espot in Lleida, at about 1,910 meters elevation. It is part of the Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici National Park and stretches roughly 1,100 meters in length and about 200 meters wide, presenting a dramatic alpine panorama.
Anayet’s Igloos, a cluster of small lakes in Sallent de Gállego, reach up to 2,233 meters in altitude at the foot of Mount Anayet. These lakes form a distinctive ensemble within the majestic Pyrenees, offering striking mountain scenery and tranquil waters.
Urbión’s Black Lagoon is a glacial feature in the Urbión range, within Soria. It lies in the Laguna Negra Natural Park at about 1,753 meters above sea level. Local legend, popularized by Antonio Machado, claims the lagoon has no bottom and shares a mysterious link with the sea, lending an aura of enchantment to the landscape.
Gallocanta Lagoon sits on the border between Zaragoza and Teruel, within the municipalities of Santed, Gallocanta, Berrueco, Las Cuerlas, Tornos, and Bello. Covering about 1,924 hectares, it is the largest saline lagoon in Spain, perched at around 1,000 meters, and hosts a rich array of flora and fauna.
Las Tablas de Daimiel, in Ciudad Real Province, is a series of wetlands designated as a National Park in 1973. The landscape arose from the confluence of two rivers, producing a dynamic marsh where water spills across a gentle slope, creating a thriving habitat for numerous species.
Lagunas de Ruidera comprises fifteen interconnected lagoons spanning roughly 15 kilometers along the Alto Guadiana valley, straddling Ciudad Real and Albacete. This natural park supports diverse wildlife and plants, with cascading waterfalls between lagoons forming one of its most captivating features.
Fuente de Piedra Lagoon in Antequera, Malaga, covers about 1,364 hectares, stretches roughly 6 kilometers in length and 2 in width, and stands as the largest saline lake in Andalusia. This important site attracts thousands of migratory birds and supports the peninsula’s largest flamingo colony.
Torrevieja Lagoon forms part of the La Mata Natural Park and the Torrevieja wetlands. It is renowned for the striking pink color of its waters in summer, a phenomenon caused by algae, bacteria, and mineral sediments that color the shallow waters in a unique way.