The largest reservoir in Malaga
La Viñuela lake was created in 1905. Throughout more than 4 miles of riverbed of the Guaro river, whose birth is a few miles up (in the municipality of Periana), the reservoir receives not only its waters but also the waters from four tributaries. With 1396 acres and 295 feet of depth, this marsh is the largest of the Costa del Sol. The environment in which the reservoir extends is a great beauty.
La Viñuela is a bit more than a mile away from the dam. This small locality was born in the late fifteenth century around the vineyards that had an inn, an establishment that still exists today: you will find it on the main street of La Viñuela. At present, about 1,000 Britons live in this beautiful village.
Activities in the middle of nature
In La Viñuela and near the reservoir, the options to stay are plentiful and very interesting. You can go for a hotel with charm like the Hotel La Viñuela, from which to contemplate a magnificent view of the marsh, or to stay in the own town and be seduced by the rural life and its customs. The La Viñuela Reservoir Visitors Centre is the ideal place to start your experience. You will also find campsites to stay next to the reservoir, a unique experience in total connection with nature.
Here you can also plan many activities. The offer of active tourism includes hiking, nautical activities in the marsh or cycling routes, among other proposals.
La Viñuela has really beautiful spots that you can discover through three routes: the Salia river that ends in the swamp, the path of Los Romanes - Torre de la Atalaya and the route that surrounds the reservoir.
The gastronomy of La Viñuela
An essential part to know this area deeply is its gastronomy. You will be able to taste the specialties of the hinterland Malaga, such as game meats, tomato soup (comforting soup with tomatoes, bread, garlic and mint), “migas” (a former peasants dish consisting of bread, garlic, and garnished with pork, among many other accompaniments) or “ajoblanco” (a cold soup made with almonds, garlic, bread and oil). And also you can taste other delicacies typical of this area, such as the garden products and tropical fruits of the Axarquia, among which the avocado, mango and passion fruit stand out. Fish is not lacking either in the gastronomic offer of the region.
How to get to La Viñuela
La Viñuela boasts a strategic location near the sea, just 10 minutes by car from Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar. From Malaga you can take the A7 motorway towards Rincon de la Victoria. Take exit A-356 towards Viñuela-Colmenar.
