Loriguilla Reservoir, Valencian reservoir

The Loriguilla Reservoir is a large body of water in Valencia Province surrounded by high rocky walls. Paths around the dam lead through rocky terrain with views of the water and surrounding hills.

The Loriguilla Reservoir was completed in 1965 (some Catalan sources give 1967) on the Turia river, between Chulilla and Loriguilla, 63 km from Valencia. Its construction forced the relocation of the villages of Loriguilla and Domeño, whose most fertile land was submerged. The state-owned gravity dam, run by the Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar, supplies urban water, regulates irrigation and feeds the Chulilla hydroelectric plant (10.40 MW) downstream.

The reservoir's construction forced the residents of Loriguilla and Domeño to abandon their villages, whose most fertile lands were submerged; the displaced Loriguilla was rebuilt on higher ground. The reservoir supplies Valencia's urban water, irrigates crops and feeds the Chulilla hydroelectric plant, with 10.40 MW installed below the dam.

Access is easy by car, with parking areas nearby and signs to help you find your way. Stay on marked paths and follow local rules to keep the area clean and safe.

A nearby cave holds ancient rock paintings discovered in 1998 that show simple drawings of animals and human figures. A short trail leads to the protected site where a guide can share the story of these thousands-year-old markings.