Lake Viñuela
Lake Viñuela is set in the stunning landscape of the Axarquia in Malaga province. Less than an hour’s drive from Malaga International Airport, La Viñuela is a very popular destination for those who hope to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Andalusia. It has also been chosen by many Spanish and foreigners alike to become their home, enjoying life in its beautiful surroundings. This idyllic spot attracts writers, artists, photographers and those who just take pleasure in the countryside in one of the best year-round climates in Europe.
Lake Viñuela Reservoir
La Viñuela, reservior is the largest in the Malaga province with 170 cubic hectometres capacity. It was constructed on the River Guaro from 1982 to 1989 and was filled in 1999. The top of the dam is at 230m above sea level and the max water depth is 90m. When constructed it was intended that 60% of the water be for irrigation and 40% for human consumption.
The lake was formed by a dam being built across the Guaro River, one of the two tributaries of the Vélez River that run through the area. The other tributary is aptly named Río Seco (Dry River), because there are many months here without rainfall. At full capacity the reservoir can hold up to 170 HM3 (cubic hectometres or million cubic metres) of water and the surrounding lush pastures allow for thriving agriculture based on its olive groves, vineyards, cereal crops and more recently tropicals such a Mango and Avacardo.
The regulatory framework for irrigation from La Viñuela is determined by the "Plan General de Transformación de la Zona Regable del Guaro" (General Plan for the Transformation of the Guaro Irrigable Area) approved by Royal Decree 594/1989 of 2 June by the national Ministry of Agriculture. It sets out that 8.900 hectares is irrigable of which 4.300 hectares was dry. The plan in detail describes 8 sectors each with contour lines. The 140m elevation contour line is the upper boundary of permitted irrigation from the lake.
The farming sector has been calling for this to be increased up to 200 metres. Vélez-Málaga Town Council set up a working group in 2015 with the aim of raising the level of the irrigable area established in the River Guaro Irrigation Plan to 200 metres above sea level , which could include 3,200 hectares in the subtropical sector. "We have to ensure the future of the sector and continue to boost our economy" said the mayor of Velez-Malaga.
However, the Consejería de Agricultura of the Junta de Andalucia said in December 2014 that with the capacity of the La Viñuela reservoir (170 m3 ) "there is no possibility" of considering raising the irrigation area from 140 to 200 metres above sea level.
Lake Viñuela reservoir not only provides much-needed water for the surrounding area but has also been instrumental in creating a picturesque landscape within an already glorious rural locale. Prior to the creation of the reservoir, extensive archaeological excavations were carried out, producing evidence of Neolithic and Roman settlements, demonstrating the longevity of this area’s historic legacy.
Watersport Activities
There are a number of small pretty beaches around the lake, that make this the ideal place for a family outing. Pine trees add to the sense of tranquillity and give you a feeling of being at one with nature, while they provide the perfect habitat for many different species of birds.
Picnic areas have been set out, complete with barbeque facilities strategically facing south, giving the visitor the best views across the placid waters. There is also a campsite near the lake.
Swimming and non motorised watersports are permitted. There is a watersports activity center where, in the summer, you can rent or receive sailing tuition on colourful topper dingies, kayaks, water pedalo, small sailing dingies. It is located of A-402 on the lake shore just north of Hotel Vinuela.
VINUELA VILLAGE
Named after the white village of the same name, the lake has become a focal point of the area. La Viñuela Pueblo (Village) was named after the vines that still produce the excellent local sweet wine. The village was a favourite stopping place for travellers on horseback when journeying between the coast and Granada during the 18 th century, the famous wine being its main attraction.
Hotels in and around Viñuela
Book Hotels in and around Viñuela
Local cuisine in La Viñuela area
The local olive oil is famed for its quality and is used in the preparation of most local dishes. Cold soups are incredibly refreshing as well as nourishing. Try the tomato-based gazpacho or the ajoblanco, (garlic soup). Meat is often cooked in savoury stews with potatoes and vegetables. At many local inns (ventas) around the area, there is often local game on the menu such as rabbit (conejo), kid (choto) or wild boar (jabalí). Tripe (callos) is a popular dish in Periana, as well as excellent sweets. Look out for the salads and other dishes using the local avocado (aguacate) in Benamargosa, where the gazpacho is also particularly good. In Riogordo you might want to sample the snails (caracoles) often cooked in a piquant sauce.
The famous sweet wine of the region is excellent and somehow tastes even better when accompanied by the local food and in a traditional country inn. However, it is also highly recommended to buy some to take home to revive the memories of this lovely part of the Andalusian countryside.
Art and Crafts
Hand made items crafted from esparto grass is a specialty of La Viñuela and the whole Axarquia area. Baskets, mats and many other imaginative objects are traditionally fashioned as they have been for centuries. Saddles, bridles and other leather items are also made in many of the villages, especially in Riogordo. For cane furniture, there is a workshop in Alcaucín where it has been made for many years.
The famously healthy Mediterranean diet is based on fresh healthy produce and the traditionally produced olive oil. When you do have to leave this lovely area, take some of the local olive oil home with you. A litre or two of the best from La Viñuela’s best virgin olive oil may last until you are able to return.