El Embalse de Arenoso is the main water reserve in the Province of Castellón. Its location combines natural beauty with a touch of wild adventure. This reservoir, fed by the Mijares River, was built in the 1970s to collect, store and regulate the snowmelt from the Sierra de Gúdar in northern Teruel.
It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters that invite you to play water sports and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. It extends along a valley surrounded by mountains and lush forests, creating an impressive landscape that attracts photographers and nature lovers.
El Embalse de Arenoso offers a perfect setting for hiking and cycling, with several routes that allow you to explore the impressive geography of the area from several strategically located viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the reservoir and its surrounding landscapes.
History and transformation of el Embalse de Arenoso
The need to control the course of the Mijares River and to provide water for the irrigation systems of the Plana de Castellón were the main incentives for the construction of this reservoir, which was finally built between 1970 and 1977.
In order to carry out this project, it was necessary to expropriate and subsequently evict the residents of the village Campos de Arenoso, now gone.
This village, which was a district of Puebla de Arenoso until 1841, experienced its last years filled with controversy and drama that came to an end on July 15, 1977 with the departure of the last inhabitants and the subsequent demolition of the town.
Features
- The capacity is 135 cubic hectometres, although it is only allowed to reach up to 90.
- The reservoir is 7 kilometres long and has a maximum depth of 70 metres.
- The dam is made of loose materials: clay, gravel and stone, so it could be classified as an alluvial dam.
Water sports at the Embalse de Arenoso Reservoir
The reservoir is a popular place for water sports such as kayaking and canoeing. To be able to do this type of activities, it is advisable to contact one of the adventure sport companies that operate in Montanejos.