Chorreras del Cabriel

Chorreras del Cabriel is a stretch of the Cabriel river where the water steps down through a series of cascades and deep pools coloured in vivid emerald and turquoise. The shape of the riverbed comes from tufa (travertine) barriers, ridges of carbonate that the river has deposited over thousands of years, creating natural dams between calm swimming holes and lively rapids. It lies between the villages of Enguídanos and Víllora, in the province of Cuenca, surrounded by riparian woodland and Mediterranean scrub, and is protected as a Natural Monument. Access is controlled: a maximum of 300 people are allowed in per day, and you must book in advance through the official site or the two municipalities. The reservation itself is free, but parking is paid, around 10 euros per car at the Enguídanos lot and about 5 euros at Víllora. In summer and at weekends slots fill up, so reserve well ahead.