Lagunas de Ruidera

How to get to Lagunas de Ruidera

It is very easy to get to the Lagunas de Ruidera, as they are very well signposted and located in a flat area, without big mountains or curves.

They are about 109 km from Ciudad Real and 95 km from Albacete. From Albacete by car it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the N-430. From Madrid it is 211 km (about 2 h and 20 min) on the A-4, taking the turn-off at Manzanares on the N-340 towards Albacete.

The lakes are located 100 m from the village of Ruidera (which gives the lagoons its name) and 14.5 km from Ossa de Montiel. In both villages, there are several signposts to the lagoons.

There are car parks in many areas of the park. You can drive around the lagoons and you will see them. They are usually near viewpoints or in areas where some kind of trail begins. You can combine the two and do stretches by car and then go for a walk. Parking is free. Some of the viewpoints are:

Viewpoint Laguna Lengua
Viewpoint Laguna Redondilla
Viewpoint Laguna Batana

The Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park is impressive at any time of the year.

In summer, many of the lagoons are transformed into bustling beach spots, with families, sunbathers, and people practising water activities. Especially on weekends, it’s packed. Yet, in other lagoons that are not so suitable for bathing, there is hardly anyone. In summer, some lakes and waterfalls can be dry.

After periods of rain and in spring, the waterfalls and lagoons carry more water. The ideal time to go is during the week and during April, May, June, September, and even October. You will contribute to sustainability and enjoy the beauty of the park more. From November to February, you may not see anyone.

There are no opening hours. It is always open.

Non-motorised boating (see below under Restrictions on which lagoons it is allowed).
Pedal boats

Hiking
Picnicking

For more details of the activities, see below the Things to do section.

It is forbidden to make fires and use barbecues.
Do not litter or bury rubbish. Use the litter bins and containers.
Respect nature, plants, animals and fossils.
Respect the silence of nature. Everyone has the right to enjoy the Park.
It is forbidden to empty tanks and leave waste inside the park and its accesses.
Follow the indications of the Park staff and follow the established paths.
It is forbidden to camp freely or spend the night in vehicles inside the park. You must use the camping sites.
It is forbidden to use the water in the lagoons to wash your belongings, cars, etc.
Do not throw objects that could contaminate the water.
Respect the caution signs in the bathing areas and the prohibition of access to the barriers.
Motor-driven boats are forbidden. Boating is prohibited in the Conceja, Coladilla and Cenagosa lagoons.
Fishing is forbidden in the bathing areas from the 1st June to the 30th of September (only no kill fishing). 
Bathing is forbidden in the travertine barriers (where the waterfalls originate) and nature reserve areas marked by the park.

Remember that soap and detergents should not be used in rivers and pools. Also, most sun creams contaminate the water, try to apply them well before taking a dip.

(Scientists have found that sunscreen releases significant amounts of titanium dioxide, which damages aquatic life.
Soaps have phosphates, are also non-biodegradable and harm the environment). 

You may be fined if you do not respect these warnings.

Things to do near Lagunas de Ruidera

Don’t miss the views from the viewpoints. The main ones are on the sides of the lagoons and usually have parking.

Apart from swimming, there are many water activities available. Some can be done depending on the amount of water in the lagoons. These include kayaking, paddle surfing, canoeing, pedal boats and snorkelling. You can bring your boards or hire them. There are diving courses (many of the lagoons are connected by underground caves) and sailing (motorboats are prohibited). Sailing is possible only in the Conceja, Coladilla and Cenagosa lagoons. Prices start at €15 for paddle surfing or kayaking and go up to €40 for diving lessons.

There are plenty of hiking trails and 7 marked trails. One of the most beautiful is a circular route (14 km) that starts at the El Hundimiento waterfall and runs through the Laguna del Rey, Colgada, Batana and Santo Morcillo lagoons. It has almost no gradient, so it is very easy and a good option to do with children. Here is the route on a map.

The Lagunas de Ruidera park has plenty of itineraries for walking or cycling, which you can see in the link. Some of these routes are long and can be done on bicycles, which can be rented.

You can also go caving or paragliding here.

There are guided tours in 4×4, on horseback and foot.

The Peñarroya reservoir, of a beautiful deep blue colour, has the 12th-century Peñarroya Castle on its shore. It is very well preserved and worth visiting. The scenery is beautiful. You will have a spectacular view of the Peñarroya reservoir surrounded by land with ochre tones when climbing up the castle walls.

At the other end of the Lagunas de Ruidera Nature Reserve are the Rochafrida Castle (less well preserved than the Peñaroya Castle) and the Montesinos Cave. The cave is a karst cavity with a depth of 80 metres. Inside there is a small river.

To observe the animals, it is advisable to take binoculars.

There is an Ethnographic Museum in Ossa de Montiel.

There are many rural houses, hotels and campsites in the area. Free camping is forbidden in the park, but there are 3 campsites: Camping de Montiel Montesinos, Camping los Batanes and Camping los Molinos located in Ruidera. Overnight parking is prohibited inside the park, but campers and motorhomes can stay overnight at the campsites.

You can also stay in a nearby village.

Rural Houses:
Casas Rurales Pernales*.
Rural House El Descanso del Andante
Cabañas Cueva de Montesinos
Rural Houses Lagunas de Ruidera
Rural House La Torca**
Ruidera and Tomelloso Apartment
Rural House El Lio
Rural House La Cachumba
Rural Houses Quixote and Sancho

Hotels:
Hotel Rural Albamanjon*** 
Guadiana Guesthouse***
Aparthotel Doña Ruidera**

Many of the lagoons are less than 500 m long. The largest are the Laguna del Rey (length 1400 m), the Laguna de San Pedro (2000 m) and the Laguna Colgada (2400 m) which has a depth of 40 m. From the first to the last lagoon there is an extension of about 25 km.