1. La Graciosa – The Secret Island of the Canaries

Located just off the coast of Lanzarote, La Graciosa remains one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. With no paved roads and only a few small villages, this island is ideal for those seeking tranquility.

• Best for: Secluded beaches and cycling adventures.
• Top spot: Playa de las Conchas, a pristine beach with turquoise waters and golden sand.
• How to get there: A 30-minute ferry ride from Lanzarote’s Órzola port.

2. Cíes Islands – The Caribbean of Spain

Often called the Galician Caribbean, the Cíes Islands are part of a protected national park in northwest Spain. Their crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches make them a paradise for nature lovers.

• Best for: Hiking, birdwatching, and beach lovers.
• Top spot: Rodas Beach, once named the best beach in the world by The Guardian.
• How to get there: Take a ferry from Vigo, available only in summer to preserve the ecosystem.

3. Isla de Lobos – A Volcanic Escape

Just a short boat ride from Fuerteventura, Isla de Lobos is a tiny volcanic island perfect for a day trip. It offers dramatic landscapes, quiet coves, and excellent snorkeling.

• Best for: Adventure seekers and nature lovers.
• Top spot: La Caleta, a shallow lagoon with crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkeling.
• How to get there: A 15-minute boat ride from Corralejo, Fuerteventura.

4. Tabarca – A Historical Island Near Alicante

Spain’s smallest inhabited island, Tabarca, sits off the coast of Alicante and offers a mix of history and natural beauty. Once a pirate hideout, today it’s a peaceful retreat known for its marine reserve.

• Best for: History enthusiasts and food lovers.
• Top spot: The walled old town and its stunning coastal views.
• How to get there: A ferry from Alicante, Santa Pola, or Benidorm.

5. Cabrera – A Hidden Gem of the Balearics

Unlike its bustling neighbors, Cabrera is a peaceful island with untouched landscapes and a protected national park. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, snorkeling, and exploring historical ruins.

• Best for: Nature lovers and history buffs.
• Top spot: The Blue Cave, where the water glows a mesmerizing shade of blue.
• How to get there: A boat tour from Mallorca.

Why Visit These Hidden Spanish Islands?

Spain’s lesser-known islands offer stunning scenery, rich history, and a break from mass tourism. Whether you want to hike through volcanic terrain, relax on secluded beaches, or discover charming coastal villages, these underrated Spanish islands are waiting to be explored. Skip the crowds and experience Spain’s best-kept secrets on your next adventure!

Check up our upcoming destinations and activities !

Follow us on Instagram !

La entrada Underrated Spanish Islands: Hidden Paradises Beyond Ibiza & Mallorca se publicó primero en Travel Vibes.

1. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera

Often compared to the Caribbean, Playa de Ses Illetes on the island of Formentera boasts powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. This beach is part of a protected nature reserve, ensuring its pristine beauty. Ideal for snorkeling, sunbathing, or enjoying a beachside meal at one of the charming chiringuitos, it’s a true slice of paradise.

2. Playa de Bolonia, Cádiz

Located on Spain’s southern coast, Playa de Bolonia is a stunning stretch of golden sand backed by massive sand dunes and ancient Roman ruins. The untouched landscape and clear blue waters make it a haven for nature lovers. Don’t miss the impressive Duna de Bolonia, a shifting sand dune offering panoramic views of the coastline.

3. Playa de las Catedrales, Galicia

One of Spain’s most unique beaches, Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals) in Galicia is famous for its striking rock formations that resemble Gothic cathedral arches. Best visited during low tide, this natural wonder is perfect for exploring caves, walking under massive stone archways, and taking incredible photos.

4. Cala Macarella, Menorca

Nestled on the Balearic island of Menorca, Cala Macarella is a dreamy cove with turquoise waters framed by limestone cliffs and lush pine forests. Its smaller sister beach, Cala Macarelleta, is just a short hike away and offers an even more secluded escape. The calm, shallow waters make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.

5. Playa de la Concha, San Sebastián

Considered one of the best city beaches in the world, Playa de la Concha in San Sebastián is a crescent-shaped paradise with golden sands and a lively promenade. Surrounded by hills and offering views of Santa Clara Island, this beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea while still being close to the vibrant city life.

Final Thoughts

Spain’s coastline is dotted with countless spectacular beaches, each offering its own unique charm. Whether you’re looking for a secluded cove, a dramatic natural wonder, or a lively city beach, you’ll find the perfect seaside escape in the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Which of these stunning beaches will you visit first? Let us know in the comments!

Check up our upcoming destinations and activities !

Follow us on Instagram !

La entrada The Most Beautiful Beaches in Spain se publicó primero en Travel Vibes.

Mistral (Barajas)

Located in a central area of Madrid, this pool is easily accessible by public transport and is close to many other services and attractions. The Mistral pool has an indoor pool that is used for freestyle swimming, swimming lessons and other aquatic activities. In addition to the pool, the sports center includes a well-equipped gymnasium for a variety of physical activities. The pool is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. all week.

Blanca Fernández Ochoa (Carabanchel)

The pool is located in Madrid’s Carabanchel district. Measuring 50 meters long and 21 meters wide, the main pool offers plenty of space for swimming and water sports. And for the little ones, there’s a charming children’s pool where they can play and enjoy the water in complete safety. Tickets can be purchased via the Deportes web portal and the Madrid es Deporte mobile application. Tickets cost around 4.5 euros for an adult for the day and 2.25 euros for the morning or afternoon only.

Concepción (Ciudad Lineal)

La Piscina de la Concepción is located in the Ciudad Lineal neighborhood. The pool has two pools, the main one 25 meters long. Ticket prices are identical to those of the previous pool. Opening times are as follows: mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; afternoons from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and full days from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Santa Ana (Fuencarral-El Pardo)

It’s located in the Fuencarral-El Pardo district. The pool is open-air and offers other sports activities such as tennis, table tennis, futsal and basketball. The pool is open every day of the week from 11am to 9pm. It has a large pool and a smaller one for children. Admission costs just 1.8 euros.

Aluche (Latina)

The pool is located in one of the most important sports complexes in the south of Madrid, in La Latina. Tickets can be purchased at deportesweb.madrid.es. The complex has two adjoining twin pools, each measuring 50 x 25 meters.

In addition to its large pools, Piscine Aluche also features a 420 m2 artificial turf solarium, where you can soak up the sun and relax in comfort.

The center also features a picnic area, ideal for sharing pleasant moments with family and friends.

Casa de Campo (Moncloa)

The sports center in which the pool is located was recently renovated and now houses 5 pools. 3 of these are outdoor summer pools. Their dimensions are 33×16 and 36×25 meters. There are also two multi-purpose halls where sports courses are organized.

If you want to cool off in the summer heat, now you know where to go. Most tickets for these pools are available from deportesweb.madrid.es.

Enjoy!

Follow us on Instagram!

La entrada 6 swimming pools in Madrid se publicó primero en Travel Vibes.

Embalse de San Juan

To start this list of the top 5 lakes for swimming in Madrid, here is the Embalse de San Juan. Just an hour’s drive from Madrid, this extensive reservoir offers ideal waters for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. It is surrounded by an environment that provides serenity and tranquillity, ideal for taking a break and resting after a swim. The place is only an hour’s drive from Madrid and has 2 areas where you can go for a swim.

Embalse de Picadas

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Norte, Embalse de Picadas is the perfect place to escape the heat and noise of the city. Alongside the reservoir there are trails ideal for cycling. Like the previous one, it is an hour’s drive from the centre of Madrid.

Las presillas

Las Presillas is famous for its natural pools. Whether you seek solitude or share the experience with friends, the cool waters of Las Presillas offer a welcome respite from the summer heat. With designated areas for picnics and barbecues, Las Presillas is a popular destination for families looking for outdoor fun.

Embalse de Valmayor

Located northwest of Madrid, the Embalse de Valmayor is perfect for sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts. There is also a peaceful walk along the shore of the lake. Despite all the activities and the good time you can have at the lake, it is also a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Las lagunas de Ruidera

This place is the furthest from the city among the previous ones on the list, but well worth a visit. It is an enchanting series of interconnected lagoons that offer a tranquil setting and a haven to recover from the stresses of the city. The Lagunas de Ruidera boast spectacular natural beauty at every turn. You can enjoy a wide range of activities on site. And outside these magnificent waters, you can explore the charming villages surrounding the lagoons and find castles, churches and monuments that perfectly illustrate Spanish culture.

When summer is in full swing, these five lagoons near Madrid will entice you with their cool waters and picturesque surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a family beach day or a mountain adventure, there’s a lake to suit all tastes among these 5 swimming lakes in Madrid.

Check out our upcoming destinations including a trip to Lagunas de Ruidera.

Follow us on Instagram !

La entrada 5 lakes to swim in Madrid se publicó primero en Travel Vibes.

However, as the summer is coming to an end, the pools already have a closing date that marks the end of the season.

We must also remember that this 2023, and due to the high temperatures that we have experienced since May, The Community of Madrid approved the early opening of the swimming pools as a strategy to face the heat, they opened a month earlier than usual, last May 13.

Regarding the closing date, this is largely determined by the dates set by the regional government and aligned with the start of the new school year in the Madrid Community, officially marking the end of the summer season.

That said, all the summer municipal swimming pools managed by the Madrid City Council will close next Sunday, September 10, while the swimming pools managed by the Community are scheduled to close one day before, on Saturday, September 9.

Therefore, visitors and people from Madrid have just over two weeks to make use of the 22 facilities that offer these services.

We hope you can enjoy what’s left of summer and take a last dip in one of Madrid’s pools.

Also find us on INSTAGRAM

La entrada We already have a date for the closure of the Madrid Pools se publicó primero en Travel Vibes.

They have been declared a Wetland of International Importance and a Site of Community Importance.

These lagoons are formed by the waters of the aquifer 24 of the Montiel field, giving rise to the birth of the Pinilla River. It is the rain that is in charge of dissolving the limestone rock in the area, leaving the water laden with carbonates that form the tuffaceous barriers.

In a stricter sense, these would not be lagoons, but rather a stagnant stream of water that is created by collapses of the riverbed.. They are a succession of sinkholes that extend 18 kilometers. The Tobáceas barriers are the link between the lagoons, forming cascades and waterfalls.

Before starting with the list, remember that we have scheduled trips to the Ruidera Lagoons on different dates, traveling in a group, making new friends and with the possibility of kayaking. You can see all the information about this trip in our official link.

Now we will show you which would be the essential things to see in Ruidera Lagoons:

Peñarroya Castle

This castle was originally built by the Muslims, but with the Christian conquests it became the domain of the Order of San Juan. Peñarroya Castle houses the Chapel of Our Lady of Peñarroya, which is the patron saint of Argamasilla de Alba and La Solana.

It is currently used for pilgrimages, a place of worship and is freely accessible to tourists.

Low Lagoons

It must be taken into account that the various lagoons that make up all this heritage have different divisions. We begin with the Lagunas Bajas, named for their shallow depth and abundant marsh vegetation..

Those that make up Las Lagunas Bajas are Laguna Cenagosa, Laguna Coladilla and Laguna Cueva Morenilla.

Ruidera

The name of these lagoons is due to the fact that the town of Ruidera is located in the heart of them..

In this small town, the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha highlights its Church of Santa María la Blanca, the Casa del Rey or its old Gunpowder Factory. However, what is most striking is its spot known as El Hundimiento, a waterfall that serves as a separation between the lower and middle lagoons.

Medium Lagoons

From the so-called Laguna del Rey to the Laguna de San Pedro, the Lagunas Medias are located. These are the best for swimming and water activities These are surrounded by hotels, camping and restaurants.

They are the ones that usually stand out on visits due to their clear waters, greater depth and limited vegetation on their edges. The so-called Laguna Colgada is the one that marks the separation between Ciudad Real and Albacete.

Then we have the Batana Lagoon, Santos Morcillos Lagoon and Salvadora Lagoon, which are quite close together. Finally, you will find in the Median Lagoons the Lengua Lagoon, the Redondilla Lagoon, the smallest of all, and the San Pedro Lagoon.

High Lagoons

Similar to the Lower Lagoons, these present marshy beds, ideal for the habitat of birds and amphibians. The names of the lagoons that make up this group are Laguna Tinaja, Laguna Tomilla, Laguna Concejo and Laguna Blanca.

One of the most beautiful formations in the entire park is called Plaza de Toros, which is located between the Tinaja Lagoon and the Tomilla Lagoon, with great greenish water.

Now that you know what you can see on your visit to Las Lagunas de Ruidera, we will tell you a little about what you can do on your way through this natural beauty.

Walking and hiking routes

Although it is possible to access each part of the lagoons by road, we recommend that you take a walk through its entire ecosystem and discover the beauty it has to offer. Here we leave you some of the official routes in the area

• Path of the Cave of Montesinos, begins at the Hermitage of San Pedro and stretches 800 meters to the famous cave of Don Quixote.
• Rochafrida Castle Path strong , circular path of 4.30 kilometers and low difficulty.
• Peñarroya Castle Route, a linear route of 21 kilometers and medium difficulty.
• Left Route of the Lagoons, linear path of 2.80 kilometers and low difficulty.
• Ossero Route, linear route of 5.30 kilometers and low difficulty.
• Route of the Laguna Blanca, linear route of 8 kilometers and medium difficulty.
• Senda del Pie de Enmedio, circular interpretive path of 6 kilometers and low difficulty.
• Senda del Castillo de Peñarroya, circular route of 1.80 kilometers around the fortress.

Swimming in the Ruidera Lagoons

Yes, it is possible to swimm in this paradise of transparent waters, however, we want to tell you which are the best ones to bathe in so you can get through the summer heat.

Those that have bathing areas are Laguna del Rey, Colgada, Santo Morcillo, Salvadora Redondilla and San Pedro. All these are duly signposted and with enabled accesses to be able to bathe in them.

Water activities

In addition to being able to swim in the Ruidera Lagoons, it is also possible to do water activities such as kayaking, paddle surfing, canoeing, snorkeling, diving and sailing.

The only water activities that are not allowed in the lagoons are those that are motor boats or that may disturb the fauna.

Remember that we have scheduled outings to the Ruidera Lagoons, in groups and with the possibility of doing activities such as Kayak or Paddle Surf. You can reserve your place at this link.

We hope you enjoy this beautiful natural landscape and make the most of your summer days.

Also find us on INSTAGRAM

La entrada The Ruidera Lagoons, what they are, what to see and what to do se publicó primero en Travel Vibes.