Inland Water Tourism: Reservoirs for Activities This Summer

Summer is approaching, and all we want is to spend the whole day in the water. In Spain, we have a large number of reservoirs where you can practise water sports such as kayaking, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, rafting, paddleboarding, or flyboarding, among others. 
Here are the best reservoirs for water activities this summer:

1. San Juan Reservoir

The San Juan Reservoir is located 50 kilometres from the centre of Madrid, a vast reservoir surrounded by pine forests.
Here, you can enjoy water activities such as kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and flyboarding. You can also take a refreshing swim if you prefer.



It's a very popular spot in summer and is close to Pelayos de la Presa, another great place for a swim. Check out all the rafting options near Madrid.

2. Buendía Reservoir

This reservoir lies between the provinces of Guadalajara and Cuenca. Its waters come from the Guadiela River and form part of the Sea of Castile.
Its waters are perfect for swimming and water sports such as water skiing, kayaking, sailing, canyoning, rafting, and paddleboarding. See all the options here.




3. Valmayor Reservoir

This reservoir belongs to the Guadarrama basin, in Valdemorillo, and also extends near El Escorial and Colmenarejo.
Here, you can enjoy sailing, rowing, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, and wakeboarding—perfect summer activities while taking in the scenic landscape.




4. Orellana Reservoir

This reservoir lies on the Guadiana River in the province of Badajoz and is known as Extremadura’s Sweet Coast.
Water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking are popular here. Fishing is also permitted, and jet ski rentals are available. Explore all kayaking options here.




5. Proserpina Reservoir

Known as "La Charca", it is Spain’s oldest reservoir, located in the archaeological complex of Mérida. This tranquil reservoir is built on the Pardillas River.
The main water activities here are kayaking and fishing. It’s a very popular spot in summer.




6. Ortigosa Reservoir

Also known as the González Lacasa Reservoir, it is nestled between the Demanda, Urbión, Cebollera, and Cameos mountain ranges in La Rioja.
Besides swimming, you can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing. Check out all canyoning options here.




7. Iznájar Reservoir

The Iznájar Reservoir lies on the Genil River in the province of Córdoba. It is the largest reservoir in Andalusia.
Here, you can practise water sports such as sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If you want a great summer experience, visit the Iznájar Reservoir and try water sports like rafting.




8. Entrepeñas Reservoir

Located in Guadalajara, on the course of the Tagus River in the La Alcarria region, it offers plenty of water activities like rafting, as well as flyboarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, and sailing. These can be enjoyed year-round, but summer is the best season.




9. Lanuza Reservoir

This natural setting is in the southern part of the Huesca Pyrenees, in the Tena Valley. The reservoir collects water from the Gállego River and other mountain streams.



It has a designated swimming area and another for water sports. Among the Canyoning in Huesca options, you’ll also find kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and sailing.

Now that you know where to find some of the best reservoirs for adventure water activities, what are you waiting for?