When the exhausting summer heat finally retreats from the Guadalquivir valley and the air fills with the first scents of autumn, the Andalusian soul longs for open space and tranquility. The bustling city life of Córdoba, with its scorching stones and echoing streets, becomes tiresome, and there’s an irresistible urge to escape to a place where the horizon is not blocked by buildings and a forest path replaces tiled pavements underfoot. Fortunately, such an escape doesn’t require a long journey. Just fifteen minutes from the city center, in the foothills of the Sierra Morena, lies a real treasure—a place where water, pine trees, and sky blend together in a perfect setting for peaceful relaxation.
This place is the Enchanted Lake, or Lago de la Encantada, located in the cozy residential area of Las Jaras. The journey there is an adventure in itself: the road winds its way upward, and city views outside the car window gradually give way to dense pine forests. The air grows cleaner and cooler. The lake is a reservoir created in 1976 on the bed of the river of the same name, and today it has become a thriving ecosystem that attracts nature lovers. Its banks, overgrown with reeds and rushes, create the feeling of a wild, untouched corner, even though civilization is just nearby.
The main attraction for visitors is undoubtedly the five-kilometer circular route that encircles the reservoir. The trail is wide and flat, with hardly any elevation changes, making it accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. Families come here for a leisurely stroll, enjoying the view of the water’s surface. Runners find it an excellent track for outdoor workouts, while cyclists can ride for pleasure without worrying about car traffic. Along the way, there are convenient clearings, as if made for picnics. Many visitors do just that: they spread out a blanket in the shade of pine trees and have lunch with a view of the lake.
But Lago de la Encantada offers more than just sports and walks. It’s a place to observe wildlife. In the clear water, you might spot darting fish, and if you’re quiet and lucky, even catch a glimpse of an otter—the elusive yet curious resident of these waters. For birdwatchers, it’s nothing short of paradise. Nightingales and orioles nest in the thickets along the shore, their songs ringing throughout the area. Sometimes, you can spot rarer birds, like the little bittern. Fishing is also permitted here during certain seasons, provided you have the appropriate license. And there’s another unique sight: the local model ship club regularly holds practice sessions and even competitions here, when miniature replicas of ships glide across the surface of the lake.
For those wishing to linger in this tranquil oasis for more than a single day, there are several rural cottages available for rent in the surrounding area. It’s a wonderful opportunity to completely disconnect from city life, wake up to birdsong, and explore other routes, of which there are plenty around Las Jaras. For example, you can hike to the rocky cliffs encircling the reservoir, which offer even more breathtaking views. The Enchanted Lake is a vivid example of how nature and humanity can coexist harmoniously, creating the perfect space to restore energy and find peace of mind.
