Playa de Valdearenas

About Playa de Valdearenas

Playa de Valdearenas is an inland beach on the Iznájar reservoir in the Subbética, southern Córdoba, a little over 1 km from the village of Iznájar. It lies on the reservoir's right bank in the Valdearenas recreational area, and its strip of sand, generally given as about 1.5 km long, makes it one of the most popular freshwater beaches in Andalucía.

The reservoir, on the Genil river, is the largest in Andalucía, holding almost 1,000 cubic hectometres, hence its nickname, the "Lago de Andalucía". From the sand you look across the water to Iznájar, its white houses climbing a hill crowned by a castle of Arab origin.

There are no waves, and the beach has showers, toilets, shaded picnic areas, and places to eat by the water. Kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats can be hired, and the Estación Náutica Lago de Iznájar runs sailing and other activities. Valdearenas was one of the first inland beaches in Andalucía with a bathing area reserved for dogs, and a campsite and car parks sit beside it.

July and August weekends are very busy, so arrive early for parking and shade. June and September are calmer. Late afternoon is best, when the low sun lights up the village across the water.

Playa de Valdearenas in pictures

What you’ll find

• Beach boatsBoat rentalRent
• Sandy beachRest on beachFree

Nearby places to visit

Valdearenas sits in the Subbética, a comarca of white towns with small, specialised museums. Closest is the Anís Museum (8 km) in Rute, set in a distillery dating from 1908 that still produces the aniseed liqueur the town is known for. Further east, Priego de Córdoba's Adolfo Lozano Sidro House Museum (23 km) is the family home of the illustrator who drew society scenes for Blanco y Negro and ABC. To the north-west, Cabra's Museum of the Passion (26 km) belongs to the town's Holy Week heritage. A day by the reservoir combines easily with Rute on the way back.