Lagos del Serrano (Serrano Lakes) and La Minilla reservoir
Water, holm oaks and flat paths just a few minutes from Rincón del Lago. Everything you need to know before you go.
El Ronquillo is surrounded by water. Beside the village lies La Minilla reservoir, one of the reservoirs supplying Seville, and close by are the Lagos del Serrano, next to the Cala reservoir. They are the best place to walk, cycle, birdwatch or simply sit and take in the landscape of the Sierra Morena of Seville.
What and where they are
La Minilla reservoir. Managed by EMASESA, it came into service in 1946 and has a capacity of 57.8 hm³. It is part of the system that supplies Seville with drinking water.
Lagos del Serrano. A beauty spot beside the Cala reservoir, in the municipality of Guillena, about 3 km from El Ronquillo.
It is a few minutes' drive from the house, and the El Ronquillo Vía Verde runs along the shore of La Minilla.
What to do at the reservoirs
Vía Verde
9.2 km along the old mining railway line, beside La Minilla and the Rivera de Huelva. Compacted earth surface, suitable for all, with rest areas and car parks.
Fishing
You need an Andalusian inland fishing licence (the basic one costs €8.14 a year, and there is a 15-day temporary licence). Respect the zones and closed seasons.
Walks and photos
Sunsets over the water, holm oak woods and waterbirds. Bring binoculars.
With your dog
Ideal for walks together. In public places in Andalusia, dogs must be kept on a lead.
Before you go: important rules
- Boating is not permitted at La Minilla, Cala and Gergal, as they are water-supply reservoirs (Guadalquivir Hydrological Plan). Inflatables, boards and the like are not allowed either.
- They are not official bathing areas. For a swim, use the communal pools of the residential estate (May to September).
- Fancy kayaking? In the Sierra Norte, El Pintado reservoir allows rowing and paddling if you first file a self-declaration with the Confederación Hidrográfica del Guadalquivir.
- To fish, always carry your Andalusian inland fishing licence.
Sources: EMASESA · Guadalquivir Hydrological Plan 2022-2027 · CHG, boating · Junta de Andalucía, fishing licence.
Stay beside the lakes
Rincón del Lago is a country house for 6 people in El Ronquillo, a few minutes from the reservoirs and about 40 minutes from Seville.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in La Minilla or the Lagos del Serrano?
They are not official bathing areas, and inflatables and boards are not allowed on these water-supply reservoirs. For a swim, use the estate's communal pools (May to September).
Can you go kayaking or boating?
No. Boating is not permitted at La Minilla, Cala and Gergal. If you want to paddle, El Pintado reservoir in the Sierra Norte allows rowing and paddling with a prior self-declaration filed with the CHG.
Can you fish?
With an Andalusian inland fishing licence, and respecting the zones, species and closed seasons.
Which route do you recommend?
The El Ronquillo Vía Verde: 9.2 flat km beside La Minilla, suitable for everyone, on foot or by bike.
More ideas for your getaway
Photos: La Minilla reservoir: Consuelo Ternero, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons · shore of La Minilla: Consuelo Ternero, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.