Guadalhorce-Guadalteba Reservoirs

The Guadalhorce-Guadalteba Reservoirs are two connected bodies of water in Málaga Province that store and distribute water to cities and farmland across the region. These lakes sit in separate valleys but are linked by channels, creating a large network that delivers water year-round to different areas.

This project began in the 1970s as part of a larger effort to manage water across Málaga Province, with construction starting in 1971 and finishing a few years later. The dams were built to meet growing needs for water in cities and farming areas as the region developed.

This water system has shaped farming practices for generations, allowing farmers to grow crops throughout the year without depending on seasonal rains alone. The surrounding villages developed around reliable water access, which remains central to how the region works today.

You can reach these reservoirs from several towns including Teba, Campillos, and Antequera, all of which offer good access points. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant visiting conditions, when temperatures are mild and the water levels are steady.

The system features control structures with gates that manage water flow into the Gaitanes canyon, a dramatic natural formation below. These spillway gates allow operators to release large amounts of water in a controlled way, directing its force through the narrow canyon.