Discover a place where you can disconnect from the routine, where the colors are magical, and where you can feel that the world is a special place. We are talking about the Embalse de la Pedrera, in the Vega Baja of Alicante; with little tourism and surrounded by viewpoints and points of interest, it is a place that is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
If you want to know exactly where the Embalse de la Pedrera is, how you can get to this incredible spot, what else you can do, and when is the best time to visit, keep reading our article. The next step will be to organize your next getaway!
What is the Embalse de la Pedrera and where is it located?
If you are interested in visiting the Embalse de la Pedrera, you should go to Orihuela, in Alicante. It is an artificial reservoir that was built in 1980 and its size is around 1272 hectares; it can hold almost 250 cubic hectometers of water, that is, about 250,000,000 cubic meters! The dam is 61 meters high and 716 meters long, making it a place that makes us feel small. It is part of the Segura Hydrographic Confederation and one of the main water management points for irrigation and urban consumption in the Vega Baja and Campo de Cartagena, which is why it is a really important place.
How to get to the Embalse de la Pedrera from Alicante
To get to this wonderful place, you can take the CV-95 towards Orihuela, and you will find signs to get to the reservoir, which is located about 7 kilometers from San Miguel de Salinas. In addition, the area is fantastic for walking and cycling, making it possible to arrive by bicycle from Bigastro, Orihuela, or San Miguel de Salinas.
From Alicante, which is the main city in the surrounding area, it will take you less than 1 hour by car on the AP-7. This is the best option if we talk about the quality and availability of accommodation in the region, and it will also allow you to enjoy your holidays much more, with all the leisure, culture, and gastronomy options of Alicante. However, in Orihuela Costa you will also find fantastic accommodations next to the beach.
What to do: viewpoints, photos, and walks
Now that you know how to get to the Embalse de la Pedrera in Alicante, this is what you can do once there:
- The first thing we recommend is that you go to the Embalse de la Pedrera viewpoint, so you can have a complete panoramic view of the surroundings. You will be surprised by the size and spectacular nature of the place, an enormous mass of water surrounded by arid land.
- You can take a hiking route that goes around the reservoir and is almost 12 kilometers long, with hardly any elevation gain, so it has no more difficulty than the distance.
- Photography lovers will also have reasons to be satisfied, with the reflections of the sky in the water and the purity of the environment.
- As we mentioned before, cycling in this area is also an experience that is worthwhile, and it is normal to see cyclists enjoying the plain.
- Unfortunately, swimming in the Embalse de la Pedrera is prohibited for safety reasons, so this is not an option.
When to visit and what to bring
This place has a great solar exposure, so you must be careful if you visit it on very hot days. During the summer months it is essential to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. For this reason, we recommend a visit in spring or autumn, to avoid precisely those days that are too hot. And don’t worry, because the weather in this region is good during practically the whole year. We also recommend bringing a backpack with water and something to eat, comfortable shoes for walking and, if you want, binoculars to observe the resident fauna, mainly made up of birds.
Nature, landscape value, and ecological value
This reservoir is an engineering marvel and an infrastructure that is worth visiting, but the protagonist is nature. The mountains that surround this place, which are called Cabezo del Moro and Cabezo de la Pedrera, create the perfect setting to frame this landscape. The flora of the region also contributes to that feeling of being in a pure and natural place. Seeing all this from the Embalse de la Pedrera viewpoint is the best thing you can do.
On the other hand, it is a place with great ecological value, since it hosts many birds that nest here, such as herons, stilts, squacco herons, night herons, and bitterns. As part of the Sierra Escalona Protected Landscape, it is recognized as an Important Bird Conservation Area. Some of these birds are vulnerable species, so it is essential not to disturb them or modify their environment: collect your waste, do not make fires or make too much noise.
Connect with your inner peace at the Embalse de la Pedrera
More and more people are looking for places where they can find tranquility, where they can be in contact with nature, and where it is possible to think calmly. The Embalse de la Pedrera, in the province of Alicante, is one of those places. You will find the calm you are looking for and enjoy a wonderful natural landscape. In addition, both engineering lovers and bird watching lovers have plenty of reasons to visit it.
After your walks through the Embalse de la Pedrera you will want to rest with all the comfort, and in Fidalsa Holidays we have the perfect accommodation for you. Take a look at the available offers and take advantage. You can book your accommodation directly online, without worrying about anything other than enjoying a wonderful vacation in Alicante. You will remember them forever.
