A freshwater paradise

If you want to enjoy bathing in the midst of nature, what could be better than discovering the bodies of fresh water Extremadura has to offer. Fully prepared places like the Orellana reservoir, where you can spend a perfect "day at the beach", or magical spots like the natural pools of the region of La Vera or Las Hurdes, will guarantee you have some unforgettable experiences.

The Orellana reservoir, in the midst of the region of La Serena, has a freshwater beach with a blue flag, and is the only inland beach in Spain to be distinguished with one. It is a perfectly-prepared artificial beach. And the perfect place in which to immerse oneself in the nature of Extremadura. No wonder then, that it forms part of a Special Protection Area for birds. If you are a fishing enthusiast, Orellana is one of the best reservoirs for practising this sport. Its waters are inhabited by black bass, carp, pike and barbel, in the main. You can also practise water sports here, like windsurfing, sailing or canoeing.

And if you want to spend the day at a natural swimming pool, in Extremadura you have a wide choice

The Las Hurdes region has a wealth of nature and numerous bathing areas where you can obtain relief from the high summer temperatures. If it's excitement you're looking for, this is the perfect place for adventure sports like rafting, as there are plenty of rivers, some of which have a high volume of water. And there are also numerous natural pools for bathing in: Las Mestas, Sauceda, Ovejuela, Pinofranqueado, Casar de Palomero, Nuñomoral, Caminomorisco, and Riomalo de Abajo, among others.

As well as those of Las Hurdes, the natural swimming pools of the La Vera region are perfect for bathing in, with water that comes down from the mountains through ravines, like Garganta de Alardos or Garganta de Jaranda, and many natural pools such as El Trabuquete or Lago de Jaraíz de la Vera

One truly outstanding highlight is the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve, located in the heart of the Jerte Valley. To reach it, you have to walk for around 1 km, but it is worthwhile, as the river had moulded the rock into a series of very beautiful natural pools.

These aree some of the natural swimming pools you can find in Extremadura, of which there are many more.