The Ruidera Lagoons (Lagunas de Ruidera) are a unique natural wonder in central Spain — a chain of 15 interconnected turquoise-blue lakes stretching for 30 kilometres along the Pinilla River valley on the border of Castilla–La Mancha, formed by travertine barriers that create a natural staircase of cascading pools reminiscent of Plitvice Lakes on a smaller, more intimate Spanish scale. This Natural Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is one of the most beautiful inland swimming and kayaking destinations in Spain — and one of the least known to international visitors outside of Spain.

Quick Facts: Ruidera Lagoons

• Best time to visit: June–September for swimming in the lakes; the water is fresh and clear, and the surrounding landscape of olive groves and vineyards is typically La Mancha — flat, golden, and beautiful in its austerity
• How to get there: ~2.5 hours from Madrid by car (~2 hours from Albacete); the lagoons are near the town of Ruidera
• Activities: Swimming, kayaking, hiking the sendero del río Pinilla trail, and visiting the Cave of Montesinos (a site from Cervantes’ Don Quixote)

Ruidera Lagoons (Lagunas de Ruidera) is a unique natural park located in the southern part of Spain, 240km south of Madrid and 270km west of Valencia. Natural park consists of 16 lagoons located above the La Mancha plain and covers an area of more than 38 square kilometres. The lagoons are connected by waterfalls, rivers and underground streams and the area is considered as the source of Guadiana River.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by fraboof

Ruidera Lagoons are also called “The mirrors of La Mancha.” The natural park has been established in 1979. Its largest lakes are Laguna Colgada and Laguna del Rey. There are lots of tourists visiting this place every year, so this area offers a number of accommodation possibilities. You can find here small hotels, restaurants, camping sites and private villas, located mostly in or around Ruidera town. You can get to the lagoons from Villahermosa or Tomelloso towns.

The local climate is Mediterranean, characterized by strong fluctuations in temperature, maximum of 43 ºC and minimum of -13 °C, an average annual temperature is around 14 ºC, being the hottest month of July and the coldest month of January. The total rainfall is low, reaching around 400mm per year.

Ruidera Lagoons are considered one of the most interesting natural spaces and beautiful wet lands in the Iberian Peninsula.

View Ruidera Lagoons in Spain in a larger map

Have you swum in the Ruidera Lagoons or discovered Spain’s inland lakes? Share your Castilla–La Mancha discoveries in the comments! 💧

Explore more Spain travel guides and natural wonders of Europe.