Embalse de Navacerrada, body of water
The Embalse de Navacerrada is a large water reservoir located near the town of Navacerrada in the Community of Madrid. Built across a river valley surrounded by high mountains, the dam holds water for local towns while its still surface reflects the peaks that rise above the landscape.
The reservoir was built during the 1960s to provide water for communities in the Sierra de Guadarrama that faced shortages. This construction marked an important step for regional development, creating a steady water supply that helped local towns grow and thrive.
The reservoir serves as a gathering place for visitors seeking quiet moments in nature away from city life. Local communities view it as part of their daily landscape, where the stillness of the water and surrounding mountains offer a place to pause and connect with the natural world.
The area around the reservoir is accessible for walks and nature observation, with improved trails and wooden paths for visitors to explore. Water activities like swimming and sports are not permitted, but fishing is allowed with proper permission, and the quiet paths typically take about two hours to walk.
The water in the reservoir is remarkably pure and reflects the surrounding mountains in its still surface, creating scenes that invite quiet observation. In winter, snow and ice transform the landscape into a natural display that draws visitors seeking to photograph these rare seasonal transformations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
