The imposing turquoise waters of Navarre, considered the 'sea of ​​the Pyrenees'

Nestled between mountains and close to the Pyrenees lies one of Navarre's most popular destinations: the Yesa Reservoir. It's part of the municipality of the same name and is located in the Sierra de Leyre. Its 2,089 hectares of navigable waters were inaugurated in 1960, and since then, it's been known by local residents as the "Sea of ​​the Pyrenees." Its beautiful turquoise waters make it a perfect destination for a dip and a cool off on the hottest days, a place to unwind, or to practice water sports.

A tourist reservoir where three rivers converge

The 10-kilometer Yesa Reservoir is fed by the Aragón, Esca, and Roncal rivers. Its beautiful, crystal-clear waters are considered the largest navigable reservoir in Aragón.

In addition to being used to generate energy, in recent years it has become one of the region's most important tourist attractions. Thousands of people flock here each year to practice a wide variety of water sports and swim in its waters.

What can you do at the Yesa reservoir?

If you decide to visit this natural wonder, the first thing you should know is that you'll have the opportunity to water ski, windsurf, sail, and even fish . You can also take advantage of the bathing areas, which, depending on the time of year, can drop by up to 29%, and you can enjoy some ancient Roman baths . This usually occurs between the months of August and September.

Yesa also offers several hiking trails around the reservoir, both on foot and by bike. Furthermore, as you wade into its waters, you'll be able to hear the sublime songs of blackbirds and robins. The Camino de Santiago also passes along its banks, so it's common to see pilgrims near the reservoir. Nearby, you can also visit other sites that house important buildings, such as the Leyre Monastery , Javier Castle, and the famous Roncaleses Bridge, of Roman origin.