Inland Destinations:

Campervan routes taking in Spain’s most spectacular rivers and natural pools

When July rolls around, our brains automatically crave water. However, the vast majority of travellers set their sights on the coast, which means overcrowded beaches, parking restrictions for recreational vehicles, fines for overnight stays and stress behind the wheel. What if we told you that the interior of the peninsula hides spots with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush vegetation, with lovely night-time temperatures and a much more peaceful atmosphere?

This month, we suggest you hang up your sea swimwear and switch to ‘freshwater’ mode. We’re setting off on a tour of three of Spain’s most spectacular and camper-friendly river spots and natural pools.

1. The Upper Tagus (Guadalajara): The secret of the turquoise waters

Far from the arid image that many people have of Castilla-La Mancha, the Alto Tajo Natural Park is a veritable paradise of limestone gorges, pine forests and a river whose waters are so clear they look as though they could be from the Caribbean.

• What to see and where to go for a swim: Don’t miss the Poveda Bridge and the spectacular pools of Laguna de Taravilla. The water is cool (you’ve been warned!), but the experience of swimming surrounded by sheer rock faces is indescribable.
• Motorhome logistics: The park is strictly protected, so wild camping is completely prohibited in order to prevent fires and protect the environment. However, there are some fantastic campsites set amongst the natural surroundings, such as Camping La Serradora and Camping el Colvillo (near Trillo), which are ideal for setting up your base and exploring the designated trails on foot or by bike.

Poveda Waterfall (Guadalajara)                                                                                              Taravilla Lake (Guadalajara)

2. Las Chorreras del Cabriel (Cuenca): A natural water park

The River Cabriel is considered one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. As it flows through the village of Enguídanos, the erosion caused by the water on the tuff rock has sculpted an almost fantastical landscape of waterfalls, cascades, side tunnels and emerald-coloured pools.

• EThe perfect plan: You can follow a well-signposted circular walk that takes you around the whole of the Las Chorreras area. It is important to note that, as this is a Biosphere Reserve, the daily visitor limit for swimming is regulated, so we recommend booking your ticket online in advance during July.
• Where to stay: The municipality of Enguídanos has a well-equipped site and is a beautiful village that offers a wonderful welcome to cyclists. You can also choose the Contreras Campsite, which offers superb facilities and direct access to areas along the river.

Chorreras de Gabriel (Cuenca)

3. The Jerte Valley (Cáceres): Granite-carved pools

Although everyone knows this valley for its cherry blossoms in spring, in July it becomes the ultimate destination for river tourism thanks to its mountain ‘gorges’ filled with ice-cold water flowing down from the peaks of Gredos.

• The jewel in the crown: The Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve, specifically the area known as Los Pilones. It consists of a series of 13 giant potholes: large circular pools naturally carved out of the granite rock by stones carried by the current over thousands of years. Access is via a beautiful hiking trail of around 3 km through an oak forest.

Los Pilones (Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve)

• Services for motorhomes:

  Extremadura is one of the autonomous communities that caters best for motorhome travellers. In the villages of the valley themselves, such as Jerte, Cabezuela del Valle and Navaconcejo, you’ll find superb motorhome sites – both council-run and private (for example, the Jerte site) – with all the necessary waste disposal and water refill facilities, as well as campsites right by the river with spectacular shade.

Rendering of a rural area (created using AI)

Forget about the stress of the beach this July. Pack your flip-flops and your camping table for dinners under the stars, and get ready to discover a cool, green and surprising inland Spain.